Kyabram
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Kyabram's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 10,968, indicating a decrease of 153 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 11,121. This decline is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,889 in June 2024 and an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 14.8 persons per square kilometer. Kyabram's population decline of -1.4% since the census is similar to the SA3 area's change of -0.4%. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs the 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. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above-median population growth. Kyabram is expected to increase by 1,861 persons to 2041, representing a 16.2% total increase over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kyabram according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Kyabram has averaged approximately 34 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. There were 172 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-2021 to FY-2025, and 14 so far in FY-2026. The population has been declining in recent years, but development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, which is positive for buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $391,000, aligning with regional trends. Additionally, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered in the current financial year, indicating Kyabram's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Kyabram has 16.0% less new development per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed for building activity, although this level is lower than the national average.

Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Kyabram's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 232 people per dwelling approval, Kyabram exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Future projections indicate that Kyabram is expected to add approximately 1,776 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Kyabram has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. A single project may impact this area: Shepparton Line Upgrade, Goulburn Valley Highway Safety Upgrades, Regional Housing Fund (Victoria), Victorian Renewable Energy Zones are key projects.

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

The employment environment in Kyabram shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kyabram has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 2.1% as of June 2025. In this month, 5,116 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate in Kyabram was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and manufacturing. Notably, employment in agriculture, forestry & fishing was twice the regional average. Public administration & safety employed only 3.2% of local workers, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 6.5%.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data showed a decrease of 14.5% in labour force and 15.0% in employment over one year to June 2025, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed VIC's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year (adding 39,880 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for five and ten years suggest Kyabram's local growth could be approximately 5.5% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Kyabram's median taxpayer income was $44,050 and average was $50,773 in financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages of $51,968 (median) and $65,868 (average). Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 with an average of $60,693 during the same period. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,454 (median) and $55,906 (average), based on a 10.11% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census showed Kyabram's household, family, and personal incomes fell between the 15th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that 29.4% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to regional levels at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.2% income retention, disposable income ranked at the 20th percentile nationally.

Kyabram is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Kyabram's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structures were 90.3% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kyabram was at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.3% and rented dwellings at 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kyabram was $1,235, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Kyabram was $210, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, Kyabram's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kyabram features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 68.4% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up 31.6%, comprising 29.9% lone person households and 1.8% group households of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

Educational outcomes in Kyabram fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.4%, significantly below the Victorian average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 10.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (29.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of 6 schools operates within Kyabram, educating approximately 1,848 students. The educational mix includes 3 primary and 3 K-12 schools.

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

Transport analysis indicates five active stops operating in Kyabram, serving a mix of bus routes. Nine individual routes collectively offer 97 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 841 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 19 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Kyabram is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kyabram faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,067 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and asthma (8.7%). A majority (62.4%) report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Vic (62.2%). Residents aged 65 and over comprise 24.9% of the population (2,729 people). Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than the general population in health metrics.

Kyabram is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kyabram showed lower cultural diversity, with 91.1% citizens, 91.7% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 54.2%, compared to 53.0% regionally. Top ancestral groups were Australian (34.1%), English (32.5%), and Irish (8.8%).

Italians were notably overrepresented at 3.9% versus regional 2.6%. Scottish representation was also higher at 7.9% compared to 8.4%, while Filipino stood out at 1.1% versus regionally 0.8%.

Kyabram hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kyabram's median age of 45 years is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 years, which is considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic. average, Kyabram has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (8.8% locally), while those aged 45-54 are under-represented (10.5%). Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.8% to 11.8% of Kyabram's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Kyabram's age profile. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow significantly, with an increase of 622 people (53%), from 1,180 to 1,803. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.