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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Kinglake has an estimated 4,419 residents, up from 4,204 at the 2021 Census — a change of 215 people, or 5.1%. Growth has averaged 1.2% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 72.9% of that increase. Density is about 14 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Kinglake is approximately 4,419 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 215 people (5.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded a total of 4,204 residents. This adjustment is calculated based on an ABS estimated resident population of 4,419 in June 2025 alongside 17 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The resulting population density stands at 13.8 persons per square kilometer, which represents a spacious living environment. The growth rate of 5.1% in Kinglake since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (1.8%), indicating it is expanding faster than other parts of the region.
This growth was mostly generated by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 72.9% of the overall population rise in recent times, though all demographic components including interstate migration and overseas migration recorded positive gains. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. For SA2 areas where this data is missing, calculations use the Regional/LGA projections from the VIC State Government issued in 2023, adjusted via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 scale. Age cohort growth rates from these aggregations are also applied across all regions for the period from 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic patterns, a major population expansion is anticipated in the top national quartile of statistical areas, with this locality projected to add 1,245 residents by 2041 relative to the newest annual ERP figures, representing a cumulative increase of 28.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
79 new dwellings have been approved in Kinglake over the past five years, an average of 15 a year. That is 3.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Roughly 15 building approvals for dwellings have been issued annually in Kinglake, totaling 79 residential approvals over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 4 during FY-26 so far. An average of 3.1 individuals migrated to the locality for every new residence completed over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), indicating that building activity is failing to keep pace with demand, which typically intensifies buyer rivalry and increases values, while new dwellings carry an average build cost of $318,000. Additionally, commercial building approvals worth $18.1 million have been logged this financial year, pointing to steady development in the commercial sector.
Compared with Greater Melbourne, Kinglake exhibits 53.0% more building approvals per capita, providing purchasers with more options even though construction volumes have declined lately. Additionally, recent building approvals consist entirely of detached houses, which preserves the historically low-density layout of the area and emphasizes family residences that appeal to buyers looking for larger properties. An estimated ratio of 612 residents for each residential building approval highlights a quiet development sector with low construction activity. Demographic projections indicate that Kinglake will add 1,245 residents by 2041 compared to the most recent quarterly calculation from AreaSearch. Under ongoing building volumes, new residential construction might not satisfy population expansion, which could increase competition among purchasers and help raise property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Kinglake
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 95 current infrastructure and development projects close to Kinglake, worth an estimated $25.9 billion. 30 are already under construction and 31 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes in local infrastructure projects and planning programs can significantly influence the performance of an area. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that are expected to affect this locality. The main projects list contains Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury, North East Link - Tolling Services Package, North East Link - Early Works, and Regional Housing Fund Projects, with details on the most relevant developments provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Precinct 2A Doreen Development Plan
Approved development plan for Precinct 2A in Doreen, covering about 49.9 hectares across multiple properties. The plan guides future residential subdivision and development, including a local road network, future residential parcels, open space, tree reserves and protection of River Red Gums and other native vegetation. It is intended to deliver about 650 dwellings at a minimum density target of 16.5 dwellings per net developable hectare, with subdivision permit applications to follow the approved plan.
Province Estate
A completed residential estate comprising 60 premium homesites ranging from 328m2 to 513m2. Located in Doreen, this estate offered modern living with large blocks and balanced lifestyle surrounded by established neighborhoods and amenities. The development featured tree-lined streetscapes, beautiful parks, and close proximity to schools, shopping, and transport including Mernda Train Station. All lots are now sold out.
Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge
The extension of the Diamond Creek Trail from Wattle Glen to Hurstbridge provides enhanced shared-use pathways for walking, cycling, and horse riding along the natural creek corridor, completing a continuous 55km trail from Hurstbridge to Melbourne CBD.
1025 Yan Yean Road Development Plan
The development plan guides future residential subdivision and development for 12 dwellings, creating a residential neighborhood with high amenity, public open space reserve, and efficient movement network, while retaining significant vegetation including the large River Red Gum. The plan was approved by Whittlesea Council in August 2024 following public exhibition.
Laurimar Estate
Established masterplanned residential community in Doreen developed by Lendlease Communities. The estate includes housing, Laurimar Town Centre, local retail anchored by Woolworths, community facilities, schools, parks, wetlands and waterways. City of Whittlesea material describes Doreen as a suburb developed over the past 25 years with Laurimar as one of its neighbourhood centres, indicating Laurimar is now an established community rather than an active greenfield estate.
Katandra Rise Estate
Residential land estate by Five Squared Property Group comprising approximately 475 lots across multiple stages in Doreen, 30km north-east of Melbourne CBD. The estate features generously sized lots with wide frontages, wetlands, parks, playgrounds, walking and cycling paths, and a community garden. Located metres from Laurimar Town Centre with access to sporting facilities, schools, restaurants and parklands. Final stages currently selling.
Yan Yean Road Upgrade Stage 2
Upgrade of approximately 5.5 km of Yan Yean Road between Kurrak Road and Bridge Inn Road, including duplication to four lanes, nine upgraded intersections, new traffic signals, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, shared walking and cycling paths, safety barriers and improved access. Northern package construction commenced in late 2025 and southern package major works commenced in mid-2026. Land acquisition is continuing as the project progresses toward completion.
Winneke Solar Farm
A state-of-the-art solar farm with 19,000 solar panels generating approximately 12,400 megawatt hours of power annually, powering the treatment plant and reducing emissions by 12,000 tonnes, spanning 10 hectares with public walking track.
2,521 residents of Kinglake are employed, from a labour force of 2,641. Unemployment sits at 4.5%, with participation at 72.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,549, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labor force is evenly divided between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with the construction sector showing high concentration, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.6% over the past year. In March 2026, 2,521 local residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while participation in the workforce is near normal levels (72.5% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). According to Census data, a moderate proportion of 22.6% of residents performed their jobs from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The primary employment fields for local residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The region exhibits a strong concentration in construction, where the proportion of jobs is 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 5.1% of the workforce compared to the regional proportion of 10.1%. The ratio of local jobs to working residents suggests that employment opportunities within the immediate area are limited. An evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, the number of employed persons grew by 1.6% while the active labor force grew by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labor force expand by 2.3%, with unemployment increasing by 0.2 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future demand trends in Kinglake. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been combined with the local workforce distribution to project future employment changes. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rate of change varies widely among different sectors. Applying these sectoral projections to the employment structure of Kinglake suggests local employment would rise by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection for comparison that does not incorporate localized population adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Kinglake is $1,809 a week (about $94,000 a year), with median personal income at $782 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,436 a year against an average of $67,703. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on the most recent ATO postcode records for financial year 2023, resident incomes in the Kinglake SA2 are comparable to national figures, with a median of $54,436 and an average of $67,703. This is lower than the Greater Melbourne figures of $57,688 for median income and $75,164 for average income. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated projections indicate figures of approximately $59,673 for the median and $74,216 for the average in March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Kinglake are moderate, positioning the area between the 45th and 53rd percentiles.
Income distribution data shows that the cohort earning between $1,500 and $2,999 contains 37.3% of the population (1,648 individuals), which matches the metropolitan average of 32.8% for the same bracket. After paying for housing, residents retain 85.8% of their income for other living costs, and the local SEIFA income measure places the area in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Kinglake had 1,421 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 100% detached houses and 0% apartments. 58% are owned with a mortgage, 5% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $306 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,811 a month. Rent absorbs 16.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Kinglake is composed of 99.6% houses and 0.4% other dwelling types such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative options, whereas the Greater Melbourne average stands at 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Kinglake is considerably higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average, sitting at 37.3%, while the remaining households are either paying off a mortgage (57.5%) or renting (5.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,811 and the median weekly rent of $306 are both below the metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390.
On a national level, mortgage payments in Kinglake are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Kinglake counted 1,421 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,494 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 36% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 19% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 78.0%, consisting of couples with children at 36.2%, couples without children at 32.1%, and single-parent households at 9.7%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 22.0%, with single-person households representing 19.3% and group housing making up 2.3%. The median household size of 2.7 residents is slightly above the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.3% of adults in Kinglake hold a university qualification, including 11.8% with a bachelor degree and 3.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 34.3% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 301 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,005 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The locality displays low levels of formal higher education, with university graduation rates of 18.3% falling well short of the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This highlights a clear need and opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 11.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.3% and postgraduate degrees at 3.2%. Practical and vocational skills are prominent, with 48.8% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.5%) and certificates (34.3%). A high level of educational participation is evident in the area, with 31.2% of residents enrolled in some form of study.
This cohort is divided into 11.5% in primary schools, 9.3% in high schools, and 2.8% attending higher education institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Kinglake reaches 25 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 150 services a week. The typical home sits about 1,800 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 2.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of transit options shows 25 active transport stops in Kinglake, which are serviced by bus routes. These stops are connected to 2 distinct routes that provide a total of 152 passenger trips each week. Transport connection options are rated as low, with residents living an average of 1803 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the district, and private cars are the main transit mode at 94%. Households own an average of 2.2 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average.
A total of 22.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules. Transit service frequency averages 21 runs per day across all routes, which translates to about 6 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.4% of residents in Kinglake report no long-term health condition. 4.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes for residents of Kinglake are generally positive, with an analysis of death rates and medical conditions by AreaSearch showing results comparable to national levels, typical frequencies of common illnesses across all age groups, and a private health insurance rate of roughly 53% of the population (~2,324 people). This is slightly below the Greater Melbourne private coverage rate of 56.7%. Psychological conditions and asthma represent the most frequent medical issues in the area, affecting 9.7 and 8.5% of the population, respectively, while 68.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.
Working-age individuals show a higher-than-average frequency of chronic illnesses. The proportion of residents aged 65 and older is 17.7% (783 people), which exceeds the Greater Melbourne level of 15.0%. Seniors in the area enjoy above-average health outcomes, with national rankings aligning closely with the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Kinglake is largely Australian-born, at 89.1% of residents, with 4.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.8%) and Australian (30.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Kinglake has lower levels of cultural diversity compared to regional averages, with citizens making up 87.9% of the population, 89.1% of residents born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking only English in their homes. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 34.8% of residents. The most notable religious difference is in the Other category, which represents 1.4% of residents in Kinglake compared to 2.3% in Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental birthplaces, the three largest ancestry groups in Kinglake are English at 30.8% (well above the regional average of 20.1%), Australian at 30.5% (well above the regional average of 18.4%), and Irish at 8.9%.
There are also distinct variations in other backgrounds: Hungarian ancestry is represented at 0.5% in Kinglake (compared to 0.3% regionally), Dutch ancestry at 2.0% (compared to 1.2% regionally), and Macedonian ancestry at 0.5% (compared to 0.7% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Kinglake is 42. 21.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 42 years in Kinglake is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national median of 38 years. The 55 - 64 age cohort is highly represented at 16.0% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller at 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 3.3% to 5.5% of the population, and the 65 to 74 group has expanded from 10.2% to 11.4%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group decreased from 17.2% to 14.7%, and the 25 to 34 bracket fell from 10.6% to 9.5%.
Projections for 2041 forecast significant aging of the population, led by a 106% increase in the 75 to 84 bracket (adding 255 people), which will grow from 241 to 497.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Kinglake
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 17 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,204 at the 2021 Census → 4,419 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (209031211). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.