Kingsbury

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kingsbury reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Kingsbury's population was approximately 12,617 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 2,209 people (21.2%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,408. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 12,508 in June 2024 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,400 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Kingsbury's growth rate of 21.2% since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average (9.9%) and its SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kingsbury is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 8,292 persons, reflecting a total increase of 64.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Kingsbury among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Kingsbury has averaged approximately 47 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 239 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling is estimated to accommodate 3 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand which may support property values. The average construction cost value for new homes over this period was $405,000.

In FY-26, there have been $22.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting consistent commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kingsbury records about 57% of the building activity per capita and ranks among the 60th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. New building activity comprises approximately 9.0% detached dwellings and 91.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards compact living that offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 60.0% houses, likely due to reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands and affordability needs. The area has approximately 295 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kingsbury is projected to grow by 8,183 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Kingsbury has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 28 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Hilton Garden Inn Bundoora, La Trobe University City of the Future, RMIT University Bundoora Campus Developments, and 149 McKimmies Road Residential Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Kingsbury significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Kingsbury has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%.

A total of 7,650 residents were in work during this period, with workforce participation broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 29.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food services with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has a limited presence with 8.4% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force grew by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kingsbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Kingsbury SA2 had a median income of $54,231 among taxpayers and an average income of $66,592. This is lower than the national average. Greater Melbourne, meanwhile, had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $58,705 (median) and $72,086 (average). Census data reveals household income ranks at the 48th percentile ($1,727 weekly), while personal income sits at the 26th percentile. Income analysis shows that 30.4% of locals (3,835 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Kingsbury displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kingsbury's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.9% houses and 40.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingsbury was at 32.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 36.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Kingsbury's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Kingsbury features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.7% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 7.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational attainment in Kingsbury aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 40.4% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational pathways account for 23.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 12.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.0% in tertiary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing primary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Kingsbury has 68 operational public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These are covered by 12 distinct routes that facilitate 6,332 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 214 meters from their nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Kingsbury residents travel outward for work. Cars remain the primary commuting mode at 80%, while train use stands at 7%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 29% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 904 trips daily, equating to roughly 93 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kingsbury's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Kingsbury's health data shows positive results, with mortality rates and health conditions similar to national averages. Common health conditions are less prevalent among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national figures.

Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of Kingsbury residents (~6,573 people), slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.7% respectively, while 73.7% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Kingsbury has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,631 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Kingsbury is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kingsbury has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.6% of its population born overseas and 44.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kingsbury, making up 45.8% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Kingsbury compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 5.2% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (15.4%), Australian (14.6%), and Other (13.8%). Notably, Macedonian (2.4%) Italian (9.2%) and Sri Lankan (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Kingsbury compared to regional figures of 0.7%, 5.2% and 0.8% respectively.

Kingsbury hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Kingsbury has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kingsbury has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (26.7%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (9.8%). This concentration of young residents is well above the national average of 12.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, younger residents have shifted Kingsbury's median age down by 2.2 years to its current figure. Between censuses, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has grown from 20.1% to 26.7%, while those aged 25-34 increased from 18.1% to 20.1%. Conversely, the percentages of residents aged 45-54 and 35-44 have declined, standing at 10.0% and 9.8% respectively in the latest data. Demographic modeling indicates that Kingsbury's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow strongly, adding 1,834 residents to reach a total of 4,364.