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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.
est. as @ -- *
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
Demographic evaluations by AreaSearch indicate that Kinglake has reached an estimated population of 4,419 as of Aug 2026. This represents a net gain of 215 people (5.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 4,204 people. Such growth is derived from the ABS estimated resident population figure of 4,419 recorded in June 2025 alongside 19 validated new addresses confirmed following the Census. With a residential density of 13.8 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers considerable space to its residents. Furthermore, Kinglake's 5.1% expansion outpaced the broader SA3 area (1.8%), positioning it as an regional outperformer.
Natural increase served as the primary catalyst for this demographic expansion, generating approximately 72.9% of all recent population additions, complemented by positive contributions from both overseas migration and interstate migration. Population projections for each SA2 area are sourced from ABS/Geoscience Australia models released in 2024 using 2022 as a base year. Where SA2 coverage is absent, figures draw upon VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections issued in 2023, utilizing a weighted aggregation approach to distribute LGA growth across SA2 boundaries. These aggregated age-specific growth rates are likewise applied to all locations for the 2032 to 2041 period. Looking ahead, Kinglake is projected to sit within the top quartile of Australian statistical areas for population expansion, adding an anticipated 1,216 persons by 2041 according to current annual ERP figures, which equates to an overall growth rate of 27.5% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
55 new dwellings have been approved in Kinglake over the past five years, an average of 11 a year. That is 2.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building activity in Kinglake has generated an average of roughly 11 new dwelling approvals per year, amounting to 55 homes across the past 5 financial years. With an influx of 4.5 new residents annually for each residence constructed across the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), local demand is considerably outstripping new supply, creating upward pressure on prices and intensifying buyer competition. Newly approved dwellings carry an average construction cost of $513,000. In addition, commercial development approvals totaling $18.1 million have been registered during this financial year, reflecting consistent non-residential investment.
Per capita residential development in Kinglake exceeds the Greater Melbourne benchmark (tracking 20.0% above regional levels across the 5 year period), which helps maintain healthy market options while reinforcing local real estate values, despite a recent softening in construction momentum. When measured against national figures, development activity remains below average, indicating an established market environment that may be subject to planning constraints. All recent residential approvals have been for detached dwellings, maintaining a low-density suburban landscape oriented toward buyers seeking spacious housing. The presence of 797 people per dwelling approval further highlights the area's tranquil, low-scale building environment. According to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate, long-term demographic forecasts indicate Kinglake will expand by 1,216 residents leading up to 2041. Should current construction volumes persist, housing delivery could fall short of demographic requirements, potentially reinforcing property price appreciation and heightening buyer competition.
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 93 current infrastructure and development projects close to Kinglake, worth an estimated $24 billion. 29 are already under construction and 30 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
Infrastructure investments and urban planning initiatives can significantly alter an area's trajectory. AreaSearch has identified no major infrastructure projects expected to directly impact the locality. Prominent regional initiatives of potential relevance include the Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury project, North East Link - Tolling Services Package, North East Link - Early Works, and Regional Housing Fund Projects.
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 73.2%. 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
Kinglake maintains a well-distributed labour pool spanning professional and manual occupations, characterized by an especially high concentration in the construction sector, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 1.6% employment expansion over the preceding twelve months. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,521, while the jobless rate tracked 0.2% beneath the Greater Melbourne figure of 4.8%. Labour force participation is solid at 73.2%, compared to 70.1% across Greater Melbourne. Census records also indicate that 22.6% of workers worked remotely, although this may have been influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. The primary sectors employing Kinglake residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
The local workforce exhibits substantial specialization in construction, where employment concentration is 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 5.1% of local employment compared to 10.1% across the broader region. Comparison between Census resident workers and local job counts suggests that on-site employment opportunities within the immediate area remain relatively constrained. AreaSearch assessment of ABS and SALM figures shows that during the 12 months to March 2026, local employment expanded by 1.6% alongside a 2.8% rise in the labour pool, leading to a 1.1 percentage points increase in unemployment. Across Greater Melbourne over the same timeframe, employment climbed by 2.1%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment edged up 0.2 percentage points. Longer-term employment expectations from Jobs and Skills Australia (dated Mar-26) offer broader perspectives on potential workforce demand. Nationwide projections anticipate job gains of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories vary widely across specific industries. When these industry-level forecasts are mapped onto Kinglake's existing occupational profile, local employment is modeled to grow by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighted calculation that does not incorporate local demographic projections).
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
ATO postcode statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 position income levels in the Kinglake SA2 close to national norms, showing a median taxable income of $54,436 and an average of $67,703. These metrics sit below Greater Melbourne equivalents of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $59,673 for median earnings and $74,216 for average earnings as of March 2026. Across household, family, and personal metrics in the Census, Kinglake ranks moderately, placing between the 45th and 53rd percentiles.
The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket encompasses 37.3% of local earners (1,648 individuals), mirroring the broader regional share of 32.8%. Households retain 85.8% of income after servicing housing commitments, and the area is situated in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.
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
At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Kinglake consisted of 99.6% houses and 0.4% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), in contrast to Melbourne metro, which recorded 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Outright home ownership in Kinglake stood at a high 37.3%, comfortably outperforming Melbourne metro, while 57.5% of residences were being purchased with a mortgage and 5.2% were rented. The median monthly mortgage commitment was $1,811, below the Melbourne metro figure of $2,000, while median weekly rent was $306 compared to $390 across Melbourne metro.
Nationally, local mortgage obligations remain under the Australian benchmark of $1,863, with rental costs sitting well beneath 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
The local household structure is predominantly family-oriented, with family households comprising 78.0% of all occupancies. This includes couples with children (36.2%), couples without children (32.1%), and single parent families (9.7%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 22.0%, consisting of lone person households (19.3%) and group households (2.3%). The median household size is 2.7 people, tracking 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
Tertiary attainment levels present an area for potential growth, as 18.3% of Kinglake residents hold university degrees compared to 37.0% across Greater Melbourne. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 11.8%, graduate diplomas comprise 3.3%, and postgraduate degrees account for 3.2%. Vocational education is strongly represented, with 48.8% of residents aged 15+ possessing technical qualifications, made up of advanced diplomas (14.5%) and certificates (34.3%). Participation in formal learning is substantial across the community, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in education. This cohort includes 11.5% attending primary schools, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.8% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Kinglake reaches 25 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 190 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
Public transport services in Kinglake comprise 25 active stops supporting local bus routes. These facilities are served by 2 individual routes that deliver 186 weekly passenger trips in total. Overall transit connectivity is relatively sparse, with residents situated an average distance of 1803 meters from their closest transit point. Given the residential profile, commuting outward is standard practice, with private vehicles accounting for 94% of trips. Households maintain an average of 2.2 vehicles, exceeding regional standards. In addition, 22.6% of workers worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 settings.
Public transport services operate at an average frequency of 26 trips per day across the network, translating to approximately 7 weekly trips for each individual 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 metrics for Kinglake show generally favorable trends, with AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and health prevalence aligning closely with national averages. The incidence of common medical conditions across both younger and older cohorts appears typical, while private health insurance coverage leads the average SA2 benchmark at approximately 53% of the community (~2,324 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Asthma and mental health issues represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, reported by 8.5% and 9.7% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 68.4% of residents reported having no diagnosed long-term health issues, compared to 72.6% regionally.
Chronic illnesses are slightly elevated among working-age individuals. Seniors aged 65 and over account for 17.2% of the local population (759 people), surpassing the 15.1% share in Greater Melbourne, with senior health indicators rating above average and broadly matching national general population standards.
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 exhibits relatively low cultural diversity compared to regional benchmarks, with 87.9% of residents holding Australian citizenship, 89.1% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking solely English in the home. Christianity represents the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 34.8% of the local population. Other religious affiliations represent 1.4% of Kinglake residents, relative to 2.3% recorded across Greater Melbourne. Ancestry records based on parental country of birth show that the most common backgrounds in Kinglake are English (30.8%, substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%), Australian (30.5%, well above the 18.4% regional benchmark), and Irish (8.9%).
Notable patterns among other cultural backgrounds include Dutch representation at 2.0% (vs 1.2% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3% regionally), and Macedonian at 0.5% (vs 0.7% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Kinglake is 42. 21.2% 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 age distribution in Kinglake aligns relatively closely with Greater Melbourne, with the most significant divergence across the four broad cohorts standing at 9.9 percentage points. As at August 2026, the estimated median age is 42, identical to the 2021 Census result and 5 years above the Greater Melbourne median of 37 at that time. Retiree and senior age groups (65+) have expanded from 14.1% at the Census to an estimated 17.2% of the population. By 2041, senior cohorts are projected to drive the majority of growth, expanding by 552 residents (73%) to a total of 1,312.
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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 19 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 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 Aug 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.