St Kilda East
Statistical Area - sa2

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

St Kilda East's population was around 17,352 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 1,539 people, a 9.7% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 15,813. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 17,332 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 7,200 persons per square kilometer, placing St Kilda East among the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. The growth rate exceeded the national average of 8.9%, making St Kilda East a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 used VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, a significant population increase is forecasted in the top quartile of national statistical areas. St Kilda East is expected to gain an additional 4,162 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 23.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in St Kilda East is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

St Kilda East has received approximately 30 dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 154 homes. As of FY26 so far, there has been 1 approval recorded. The population has decreased during this period, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $457,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

In the current financial year, $6.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to Greater Melbourne, where St Kilda East has significantly less development activity (84.0% below average per person). This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. The recent construction comprises 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% medium and high-density housing, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers with affordable entry pathways. With around 4826 people per dwelling approval, St Kilda East reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, the population is expected to grow by 4,142 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Looking ahead, St Kilda East is expected to grow by 4,142 residents through to 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.

St Kilda East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Thirty-one infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Hampden by RMA, Small Parks Program - Balaclava/St Kilda East, Coles Carlisle Street Precinct Development, and 191-193 Carlisle Street Mixed Development. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market in St Kilda East demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

St Kilda East has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2024.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.4%. As of June 2025, 12,332 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.9%, 0.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in St Kilda East was 75.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

St Kilda East has a particular specialization in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. However, manufacturing is under-represented, at 3.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 7.2%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while labour force grew by 7.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to St Kilda East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in St Kilda East was $62,268 and average income was $90,601. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in St Kilda East would be approximately $69,840 and average income would be around $101,618 by September 2025. Census data shows individual earnings in St Kilda East are at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,210 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 65th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 34.2% of locals (5,934 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income in St Kilda East, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 63rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

St Kilda East features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census in St Kilda East revealed that 14.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 85.4% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types of dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 8.7% houses and 91.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Kilda East stood at 18.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented ones at 52.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,170. Weekly rent in St Kilda East was $384, compared to Melbourne metro's $420. Nationally, St Kilda East's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $384 compared to the national figure of $375.

St Kilda East features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 47.0% of all households, including 15.5% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 5.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 53.0%, with lone person households at 42.7% and group households making up 10.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational achievement in St Kilda East places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in St Kilda East is notably high, with 55.4% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is evident in its leading qualifications: Bachelor degrees at 35.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 11.1% and certificates 11.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.9% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.4% pursuing secondary education. St Kilda East's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 607 students as of the latest data available. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1101. Education provision is balanced with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. However, local school capacity is limited at 3.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 9.6, indicating that many families may travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus information.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 51 active transport stops operating within St Kilda East. These include a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. The routes servicing these stops total 10, collectively providing 6,307 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 901 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 123 weekly trips per individual stop.

St Kilda East's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows St Kilda East has very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 67% of its total population of 11,573 people have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 73.1%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.4 and 7.7% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 73.3%. St Kilda East has 10.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,804 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area are strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

St Kilda East 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 East has a higher level of cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 22.8% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 34.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in St Kilda East, accounting for 25.6% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 12.5% of the population, which is significantly higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.7%.

The top three ancestry groups in St Kilda East are English at 22.4%, Australian at 17.9%, and Other at 14.8%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish residents make up 2.6% (compared to the regional average of 1.5%), Russians comprise 1.5% (vs 0.9%), and Hungarians account for 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

St Kilda East hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

St Kilda East's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda East has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (28.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 10.4% to 11.5%, while the 25-34 age group has grown from 27.7% to 28.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 7.5% to 6.3%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in St Kilda East. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 1,028 residents to reach a total of 3,052. In contrast, the 0-4 age cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 8%, with an increase of 59 people.