St Kilda East

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, St Kilda East's population is around 17,366 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,553 people (9.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,813 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,332 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 7,205 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. St Kilda East's 9.8% growth since the census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 4,162 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 23.8% in total over the 17 years.

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 experienced around 30 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 154 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $457,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $6.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, St Kilda East records markedly lower building activity (84.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. At around 4826 people per approval, St Kilda East shows a mature, established area.

Future projections show St Kilda East adding 4,128 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

St Kilda East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 31 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Coles Carlisle Street Precinct Development, Small Parks Program - Balaclava/St Kilda East, 191-193 Carlisle Street Mixed Development, and 97 Alma Road by Neometro, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment performance in St Kilda East has been broadly consistent with national averages

St Kilda East possesses a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 5.3%, and 4.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 12,182 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (82.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 47.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, manufacturing has a limited presence with 3.7% employment compared to 7.2% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6% and the labour force increased by 4.6%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, the labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within St Kilda East. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to St Kilda East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the St Kilda East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $64,226 with the average level standing at $93,441. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,525 (median) and $101,150 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,210 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 64th percentile. Looking at income distribution, 34.2% of the population (5,939 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 63rd percentile and 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within St Kilda East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 14.5% houses and 85.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within St Kilda East was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 18.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (52.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $384, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, St Kilda East's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

St Kilda East features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 47.0% of all households, comprising 15.5% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 5.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 53.0%, with lone person households at 42.7% and group households comprising 10.3% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 55.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead 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+ – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (11.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 52 active transport stops operating within St Kilda East, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 10,144 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 169 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 60%, with 15% by train and 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 47.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,449 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 195 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 demonstrates outstanding results across St Kilda East, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (11,722 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.4% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,887 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 22.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.3% born overseas. The main religion in St Kilda East is Christianity, which makes up 25.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 12.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in St Kilda East are English, comprising 22.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 17.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 2.6% of St Kilda East (vs 0.8% regionally), Russian at 1.5% (vs 0.4%) and Hungarian at 0.8% (vs 0.3%).

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

At 34 years, St Kilda East's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda East has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (28.3%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (6.1%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 7.5% to 6.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for St Kilda East. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 52%, adding 1,039 residents to reach 3,052. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 2% (47 people).