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 around 12,942 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 2,534 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,408. The change was inferred from ABS estimates: 12,932 in June 2025 and 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. Kingsbury's population density was 1,436 persons per square kilometer, above national averages. Its growth of 24.3% since the 2021 census exceeded state (9.3%) and national averages, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 99.1% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate exceptional growth, placing Kingsbury in the top 10 percent nationally. By 2041, its population is expected to expand by 7,874 persons, reflecting a total increase of 60.8% over the 16 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Kingsbury averaged approximately 47 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 239 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has historically accommodated around 3 new residents annually on average between FY-21 and FY-25. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $405,000 per dwelling.

In FY-26, there have been $22.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating consistent commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kingsbury records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 60th percentile nationally in terms of assessed areas for new building activity. The current dwelling mix shows 9.0% detached dwellings and 91.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the previous housing mix of 60.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. Kingsbury has approximately 295 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kingsbury is projected to grow by 7,864 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Kingsbury has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects that may affect the area. Notable ones include 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 likely to be 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 places Kingsbury well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Kingsbury has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%.

As of December 2025, 7,704 residents were in work with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, similar to Greater Melbourne's workforce participation rate of 69.9%. According to Census responses, 29.0% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Construction has limited presence at 8.4%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The worker-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while the labour force grew by 1.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and an increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth at 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Kingsbury SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,231, with an average of $66,592. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kingsbury SA2 would be approximately $59,448 (median) and $72,998 (average) as of March 2026. According to census data, household income ranks at the 48th percentile ($1,727 weekly), while personal income sits at the 26th percentile. Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort spans 30.4% of locals (3,934 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region 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

In Kingsbury, as per the latest Census data, 59.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 40.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingsbury stood at 32%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged properties at 31.5% and rented ones at 36.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, matching Melbourne's average, while median weekly rent was $369 compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Kingsbury's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 32.3%, consisting of 24.3% lone person households and 7.8% group households. 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% of 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 active public transport stops, consisting of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 different routes that collectively facilitate 6,332 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 214 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 80%, while train usage stands at 7%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, specifically 29.0%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 904 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 residents show positive health outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions largely matching national averages. Common health issues are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk groups.

Private health cover stands at 52% (~6,742 people), slightly below Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent (7.4% and 6.7%), with 73.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 11.8% of seniors (1,533 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes present challenges but rank lower nationally than 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's cultural diversity is notable, 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, accounting for 45.8% of the population. However, Buddhism stands out as overrepresented, comprising 5.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (15.4%), Australian (14.6%), and Other (13.8%). Notably, Macedonian is overrepresented at 2.4%, Italian at 9.2%, and Sri Lankan at 1.1% 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's median age is 31 years, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kingsbury has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (26.9%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (9.9%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is notably above the national average of 12.7%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted Kingsbury's median age down by 2.7 years to its current figure. During this period, the 15-24 age group has grown from 20.1% to 26.9%, while the 25-34 cohort has increased from 18.1% to 21.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.6% to 9.6%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 8.6% to 7.2%. Population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Kingsbury by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 1,927 people (69%) from 2,807 to 4,735 residents.