St Kilda - West

St Kilda - West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

AreaSearch's analysis indicates St Kilda - West's population was approximately 16,298 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,440 people from the 2021 Census total of 13,858. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 16,298 in June 2025 and 486 new addresses validated since the census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6,905 persons per square kilometer, placing St Kilda - West among the top 10% of locations nationally based on AreaSearch's assessment. The area's 17.6% growth since the 2021 Census exceeds both state (9.3%) and national averages. Overseas migration was the primary driver of 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 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections show a significant increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with St Kilda - West expected to grow by 5,921 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 36.3% over the 16-year period.

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

St Kilda - West has seen approximately 10 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 53 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 41 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, around 5.5 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new properties is $1,528,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In this financial year, $16.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda - West has significantly lower building activity, at 94.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's development activity is also below national averages, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists predominantly of townhouses or apartments (90.0%), with a smaller proportion of standalone homes (10.0%).

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 8366 people per dwelling approval, St Kilda - West reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 5,921 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are St Kilda Pier Foreshore Upgrade, 52 St Kilda Road, Fareham, and The Gild St Kilda. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in St Kilda - West remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

St Kilda - West has a highly educated workforce with a notable representation in the technology sector. As of December 2025, its unemployment rate is 5.8%, having seen an employment growth of 4.3% over the past year. This figure is 1.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

The workforce participation rate in St Kilda - West is 79.3%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 47.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. St Kilda - West demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, manufacturing has limited presence with 3.7% employment compared to 7.2% regionally. The ratio of workers to residents, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm at 0.7 workers per resident. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, and labour force increased by 4.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within St Kilda - West. These projections suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to St Kilda - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years. However, it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The St Kilda - West SA2 has an exceptionally high national income level according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 30, 2023. The median income among taxpayers in this area is $63,511, with an average income of $88,253. These figures compare to those for Greater Melbourne, which stand at $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on a 9.62% increase in wages as per the Wage Price Index since June 30, 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $69,621 (median) and $96,743 (average). According to Census data from 2021, individual earnings rank at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,236 weekly), while household income ranks at the 55th percentile. Income analysis reveals that the predominant cohort spans 34.4% of locals (5,606 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to 2,999 per week, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume 18.3% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

St Kilda - West features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

St Kilda-West's dwelling structures, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 4.8% houses and 95.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's composition of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Kilda-West was at 17.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.9% and rented ones at 59.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $392, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's figure of $390. Nationally, St Kilda-West's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $375.

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

Family households account for 41.4% of all households, including 10.8% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 4.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 58.6%, with lone person households at 51.3% and group households comprising 7.3% of the total. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

St Kilda - West demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in St Kilda - West is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 57.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% statewide (Victoria). This educational advantage is reflected in various qualification levels: Bachelor degrees are most common at 34.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 17.7%, and graduate diplomas at 4.7%. Vocational pathways account for 23.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 11.4% and certificates 12.0%.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in tertiary education, 4.5% in primary education, and 4.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

St Kilda - West has 52 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 14 routes that facilitate 14,404 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 133 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 56%, followed by walking (10%) and train usage (7%). On average, there are 0.4 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, with 47.5% doing so, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 2,057 trips daily, equating to approximately 277 weekly trips per individual stop.

St Kilda - West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

St Kilda - West residents have relatively positive health outcomes, according to data analysis by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 65% of the total population (10,626 people) having it, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 10.9% of residents and asthma impacting 7.8%. A total of 72.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,275 people), which is lower than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

St Kilda - West 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-West has a high level of cultural diversity, with 23.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.8% born overseas. The predominant religion in St Kilda-West is Christianity, accounting for 30.4% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 2.7% versus 1.0%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (24.6%), Australian (15.0%), and Other (12.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: French at 1.2% (regional average is 0.5%), Polish at 1.3% (regional average is 0.8%), and Russian at 0.9% (regional average is 0.4%).

St Kilda - West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

St Kilda-West has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 29.3% of St Kilda-West's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.6%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort makes up 3.9% of St Kilda-West's population. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 26.8% to 29.3%, while the 15-24 cohort grew from 8.2% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 14.0% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in St Kilda-West's age structure, with the 45-54 cohort expected to grow by 73%, reaching 3,425 people from its current total of 1,978.