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

St Kilda East's population was around 17,448 as of May 2026. This showed an increase of 1,635 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 15,813. The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 17,380 in June 2025 and 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 7,239 persons per square kilometer, placing St Kilda East in the top 10% nationally. The area's growth rate of 10.3% exceeded both state (9.3%) and national averages between 2021 and May 2026. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during this period.

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 utilises 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. Based on these projections, St Kilda East is forecasted to experience significant population growth in the top quartile of national statistical areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 4,065 persons from the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 22.9% over the 16 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 received approximately 30 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 154 homes. As of FY26, 63 approvals have been recorded. The population has decreased during this period, yet 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 cost of $457,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

In FY26, $6.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda East has significantly less development activity, 83.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Recently, construction has comprised 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. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the suburb is expected to grow by 3997 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.

St Kilda East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 32 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Coles Carlisle Street Precinct Development, Small Parks Program - Balaclava/St Kilda East, 191-193 Carlisle Street Mixed Development, and Hampden by RMA. The following list details those projects considered 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 notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year. This rate is 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in St Kilda East is high at 82.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 47.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. St Kilda East has a particular specialization in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, manufacturing is under-represented at 3.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 7.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while labour force increased by 4.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 5.3%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a slight rise in unemployment to 5.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 shows that St Kilda East SA2 has a high national median income of $64,226 and an average income of $93,441. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $70,405 (median) and $102,430 (average). Census data reveals that individual earnings rank at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,210 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 64th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 34.2% of locals (5,967 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region's 32.8%. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 63rd percentile. 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

St Kilda East's dwelling structure in its latest Census report showed 14.5% houses and 85.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in St Kilda East was $384, slightly above Melbourne metro's figure of $390. Nationally, St Kilda East's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 53.0%, with lone person households at 42.7% and group households comprising 10.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, 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

St Kilda East's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 55.4% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 35.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 11.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in tertiary, 6.3% in primary, and 4.4% in 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. These comprise a mix of lightrail and buses serviced by 11 individual routes providing 10,144 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 169 meters from the nearest stop. The area being primarily residential, most commute outward using car at 60%, train at 15% and walking at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling below regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 47.8% of residents work from home which 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

St Kilda East shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 68% of St Kilda East's total population (11,777 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.4 and 7.7% of residents respectively. Furthermore, 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. St Kilda East has 10.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,795 people), which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 22.8% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 34.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in St Kilda East, comprising 25.6% of the population. However, Judaism was significantly overrepresented, making up 12.5%, compared to Melbourne's average of 1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.4%), Australian (17.9%), and Other (14.8%). Notably, Polish (2.6%) and Russian (1.5%) residents were overrepresented in St Kilda East compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively, while Hungarian residents made up 0.8% versus a regional average of 0.3%.

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 national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda East has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (29.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 27.7% to 29.1%, while those aged 15 to 24 have risen from 10.4% to 11.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 12.7% to 11.4%, and those aged 5 to 14 have dropped from 7.5% to 6.4%. Population forecasts for St Kilda East indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age cohort (51%), adding 1,014 residents to reach a total of 3,004. In contrast, the 15-24 age cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 2%, adding only 37 people.