Area profile · Greater Melbourne
St Kilda - Central has an estimated 14,217 residents, up 19.9% since the 2021 Census, with 9 projects tracked in St Kilda - Central.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Situated 5.8 kilometres south-southeast from Melbourne CBD in VIC, Australia, the St Kilda - Central Statistical Area (Lv2) is a vibrant and eclectic coastal suburb celebrated for its iconic landmarks, scenic foreshore, beautiful beaches, and local wildlife. Renowned for its lively cultural environment, famous culinary precinct along Acland Street, and historic attractions such as Luna Park and the Palais Theatre, the area hosts numerous festivals that underpin an engaging community spirit. As of August 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population of the St Kilda - Central Statistical Area (Lv2) at approximately 14,217, reflecting an increase of 2,360 people (19.9%) from the 11,857 recorded in the 2021 Census. This growth is derived from an ABS Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of 14,012 as of June 2025 alongside an additional 643 Validated New Addresses added since the Census date.
Demographically, the area is driven by young professionals and characterised by an elevated proportion of young adults and working-age residents living primarily in lone person and group households.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 8,558 in 2001 and 14,012 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 14,217 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 32.8%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 36.2%.
St Kilda - Central ranks in the 99th percentile nationally for education and the 95th for transport & access.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in St Kilda - Central is $540 a week, up 4.3% over 12 months to Sep 2025 and 8% below Greater Melbourne.
8% below Greater Melbourne on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $696 in 2016, $878 in 2025; Units (dashed orange line): $409 in 2016, $563 in 2025. The latest is to Sep 2025.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $540 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +4.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, houses | $878 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | -2.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, units | $563 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +3.1% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Port Phillip | $613 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Port Phillip, over 12 months | +4.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Melbourne - Inner | $628 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Melbourne - Inner, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Greater Melbourne | $587 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Melbourne, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, VIC | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, VIC, over 12 months | +4.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
AreaSearch tracks 9 projects in St Kilda - Central (3 under construction) and 174 more in the surrounding area.
A 15-storey mixed-use high-rise development featuring 94 residences, including one and two-bedroom apartments.
Gamuda Land's Fareham is a sustainable boutique apartment development at 95 St Kilda Road, St Kilda.
Boutique development designed by Ewert Leaf featuring 30 meticulously crafted apartments across 8 levels.
A high-profile mixed-use development opportunity on a 2,872 sqm consolidated site.
Permit-approved 10-storey mixed-use building on a 475 sqm corner site at St Kilda Road and Phoenix Lane.
Boutique collection of 22 one and two-bedroom apartments by developer Streetscape.
City of Port Phillip foreshore works extending the St Kilda Pier landside entrance to Jacka Boulevard to create a new visitor arrival space…
Green House is a carbon-neutral commercial development combining a refurbished four-storey heritage building and a new seven-storey office…
The Gild is a Fortis mixed-use residential and retail development on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda.
Goldfields has secured planning approval for a residential and mixed-use project at 4 Raleigh Street, Windsor.
The City of Stonnington is delivering a staged restoration of Prahran Market, a heritage food market owned by Council and operated by…
A five-storey mixed-use development branded as 'Ondas villas' featuring 16 luxurious apartments (predominantly three-bedroom), ground floor…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 104 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 14, 2026 34, 2027 23, 2028 18, 2029 8, 2030 5, 2031 0, 2032 0, 2033 1, 2034 0, 2035 0, 2036 1. 22 have no completion year.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS building approvals | 8.0 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 81st percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 104 | ABS building approvals | 80th percentile nationally |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the St Kilda - Central SA2 include: 14 Alma Road Mixed-Use Development (Construction); Ink (71 Inkerman Street) (Planning); 14 & 18 St Kilda Road Development Site (Proposed); Coles Carlisle Street Precinct Development (Planning); and St Kilda Pier Foreshore Upgrade (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the St Kilda - Central SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Sports & Recreation, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in St Kilda - Central compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the St Kilda - Central SA2 area has seen 53 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The St Kilda - Central SA2's current population of 14,217 has been supported by 104 approvals on average over recent years.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the St Kilda - Central SA2's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 104, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the population in the St Kilda - Central SA2 has grown by approximately 632 people, while 521 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.2 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in St Kilda - Central are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 14,217 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +19.9% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 9,247 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 98th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 11,857 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 2,360 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +4.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +2.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 1.54 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the St Kilda - Central SA2 was estimated to be approximately 14,217 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 14,012 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The st kilda - central sa2 has added approximately 2,360 people and shown a 19.90% increase from the 11,857 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is estimated at 9,232 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the St Kilda - Central SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.1% per annum.
Population growth in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (90.4%), Natural increase (9.6%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 90.4% of overall population gains.
St Kilda - Central's population is younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 35 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 21st percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 11.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 6.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 41.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 73.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 35 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 3.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 3.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 8.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 32.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 20.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 10.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 8.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 7.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 3.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the St Kilda - Central SA2 at 35 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 35 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 35 years as at August 2026, St Kilda - Central is 2 years younger than the Greater Melbourne 2021 Census average (37 years) and 3 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the St Kilda - Central SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 32.8% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the St Kilda - Central SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 3.9% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the St Kilda - Central SA2 show significant variance compared to Greater Melbourne. The most over-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (32.8% vs 16.4%). The most under-represented age groups are 5-14 year-olds (3.9% vs 11.8%) and 85+ year-olds (1.1% vs 2.1%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 6.9% of the population in the St Kilda - Central SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 11.5% of the population in the St Kilda - Central SA2 as at August 2026.
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 61% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $63,732 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 69th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $89,594 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,788 | 2021 Census, weekly | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,220 | 2021 Census, weekly | 92nd percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 22.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,719 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 19.7% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is approximately $67,938. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $63,732.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is approximately $95,507. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $89,594.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is approximately $67,938 compared to $63,783 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $63,732 and $59,834 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is approximately $95,507 compared to $83,612 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $89,594 and $78,435 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the St Kilda - Central SA2's households (~36.2% / 2,324 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 36.2% of households. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.8% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is $1,788/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is $2,719/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is $1,220/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is among the highest in Australia, with the median assessed at $63,732 while the average income stands at $89,594. This contrasts to Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $59,834 and an average income of $78,435. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.6% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $67,938 (median) and $95,507 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is $6,229 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The st kilda - central sa2's disposable income is $6,229 compared to $6,948 for Greater Melbourne, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The employment landscape in St Kilda - Central shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 6.4% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 82.9% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 10,096 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 12,151 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 10,790 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the St Kilda - Central SA2 has approximately 10,096 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 6.4%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the St Kilda - Central SA2 stands at 6.4%, which is 1.5 percentage points above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.9%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are professional & technical (15.2% of employment), health care & social assistance (13.1%), and education & training (8.4%). Other significant employers include accommodation & food and retail trade.
Over the past year to June 2026, the St Kilda - Central SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is 82.9%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Melbourne average of 70.1%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The st kilda - central sa2 shows notable specialisation in professional & technical, which employs 15.2% of the local workforce compared to 10.1% across Greater Melbourne. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The st kilda - central sa2's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.6% decline, ranking 28th out of 37 regions nationally.
St Kilda - Central demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 1% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 34.3% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 14.8% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 53.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 13.7% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 4.6% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 12.5% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 20.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 24.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 9.7% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 3.7% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
53.7% of people aged 15 and over in the St Kilda - Central SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne.
20.2% of people aged 15 and over in the St Kilda - Central SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.2% in Greater Melbourne.
The st kilda - central sa2 ranks in the 99th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the St Kilda - Central SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (34.3%), Postgraduate (14.8%), Certificate (13.7%).
24.7% of the population in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 3.7% in primary school, 2.6% in secondary school, 9.7% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is 1113, indicating above-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 3 schools within the St Kilda - Central SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,711 students.
The st kilda - central sa2 includes 1 primary school, 2 combined schools.
St Kilda - Central features high concentrations of lone person households and group households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 1.7 people | 2021 Census | 1st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 52.3% | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 8.4% | 2021 Census | 2nd percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 25.5% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 4.5% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 8.4% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 6,426 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 7,705 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 39.4% | 2021 Census | 1st percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 0.5 per family | 2021 Census | 1st percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the St Kilda - Central SA2 had 6,426 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 19.9% to an estimated 7,705 households today.
The average household size in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is 1.7 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Melbourne and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 39.4% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (52.3%), group households (8.4%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 2,532 family households, couples with children account for 8.4% of all households, couples without children at home 25.5%, and single parent families 4.5%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Melbourne, the St Kilda - Central SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 52.3% (versus 24.8% in Greater Melbourne). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 39.4% compared to 70.9% in Greater Melbourne. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Marriage patterns reveal 19.7% of the adult population are currently married, while 66.9% have never married. This compares to 47.0% married and 38.0% never married across Greater Melbourne.
Single-person households represent 52.3% of all households in the St Kilda - Central SA2, higher than the average for Greater Melbourne of 24.8%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 8.4% of households, above the Greater Melbourne average of 4.3%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
St Kilda - Central was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 41.3% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 23.5% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 76.5% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 70.7% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 58.7% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.6% | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
St Kilda - Central scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 23.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 41.3% born overseas.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in St Kilda - Central, at 28.6% of people, although more residents (61.6%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 2.6% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in St Kilda - Central are English, comprising 23.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 15.3% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of St Kilda - Central (vs 0.5% across Greater Melbourne), Polish at 1.6% (vs 0.8%) and Russian at 1.1% (vs 0.4%).
41.3% of the St Kilda - Central SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 37.3% across Greater Melbourne.
23.5% of the population in the St Kilda - Central SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 35.9% in Greater Melbourne.
0.6% of the St Kilda - Central SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 0.5% in Greater Melbourne.
70.7% of the St Kilda - Central SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 81.1% in Greater Melbourne.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
St Kilda - Central features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 62.8% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 13.0% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Apartments | 81.2% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,998 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 60th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 24.1% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 9.7% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $381 | 2021 Census, weekly | 56th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 21.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 56th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 25.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 65th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 1.0 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
In the St Kilda - Central SA2, 13.0% of homes are owned outright, 24.1% are owned with a mortgage, and 62.8% are rented.
According to the latest data, 5.6% of dwellings in the St Kilda - Central SA2 are houses.
In the St Kilda - Central SA2, 81.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 9.7% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the St Kilda - Central SA2 stands at 13.0%, compared to 30.7% in Greater Melbourne.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is $1,998, compared to $2,000 in Greater Melbourne.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is $1,518, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the St Kilda - Central SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 25.8% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 21.3% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the St Kilda - Central SA2 is 1.0, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the St Kilda - Central SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 25.8% of income on repayments (vs 24.3% in Greater Melbourne), while renters spend 21.3% of income on rent (vs 20.5% in Greater Melbourne).
The dwelling mix in the St Kilda - Central SA2 consists of 5.6% detached houses, 9.7% semi-detached dwellings, 81.2% apartments, and 3.5% other dwelling types.
Housing in St Kilda - Central consumes approximately 19.6% of median household income ($7,742 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in St Kilda - Central show attached dwellings contributing 96% of approvals compared to 94% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 4% of applications versus 6% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. St Kilda - Central is experiencing exceptional growth in housing density, ranking in the top 10% nationally.
St Kilda - Central's residents are extremely healthy relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 62.5% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 84th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 71.8% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 3.2% | 2021 Census | 13th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 75.1% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.0% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
Around 62.5% of people in the St Kilda - Central SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.5% in Greater Melbourne.
In the St Kilda - Central SA2, 3.2% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.5% of people in Greater Melbourne require similar assistance.
7.7% of people in the St Kilda - Central SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.3% of the population across Greater Melbourne is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 2.3% of the St Kilda - Central SA2 population, while in Greater Melbourne, 4.1% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
2.0% of people in the St Kilda - Central SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Melbourne,3.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the St Kilda - Central SA2, 62.5% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Melbourne sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.5%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 95 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 95th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 51 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 6,213 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 85th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 275 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 13 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 0.4 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 44.7% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 51 public transport stops within the St Kilda - Central SA2.
The St Kilda - Central SA2 has 6,213 weekly trips across 13 routes, averaging 887 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 123 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 292 m away and the nearest GP 354 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 51 stops nearby, 6,213 weekly trips, access rating 95 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 91 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 91st percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 292 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 335 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 354 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 383 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest school | 400 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 429 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 459 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 854 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 871 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 1.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 1.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 6 long day care centres with 476 places in St Kilda - Central, about 0.9 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in St Kilda - Central compared with local real estate markets nationally.
St Kilda - Central ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in St Kilda - Central is $540 a week, +4.3% over 12 months to Sep 2025.
Population growth drivers in St Kilda - Central are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends.
St Kilda - Central's population is younger than the national pattern.
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 61% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch.
The employment landscape in St Kilda - Central shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators.
St Kilda - Central demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 1% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
St Kilda - Central features high concentrations of lone person households and group households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Melbourne.
St Kilda - Central was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
St Kilda - Central features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
St Kilda - Central's residents are extremely healthy relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
St Kilda - Central has an estimated 14,217 residents, up 19.9% since the 2021 Census, with 9 projects tracked in St Kilda - Central.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for St Kilda - Central.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2025, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (206051513). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for St Kilda - Central from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares St Kilda - Central with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.