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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, St Kilda - West's population is around 16,062 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,204 people (15.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,858 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,059 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 495 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6,805 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 - West's 15.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 utilizing 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. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 6,378 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 39.7% in total over the 17 years.

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 averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 53 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 41 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 5.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $1,528,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $16.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, St Kilda - West records markedly lower building activity (94.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 10.0% standalone homes and 90.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 8366 people per dwelling approval, St Kilda - West reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, St Kilda - West is expected to grow by 6,375 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 - West 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 37 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Fareham, St Kilda Pier Foreshore Upgrade, 52 St Kilda Road, and St Kilda Marina Redevelopment, 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.

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St Kilda - West has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

St Kilda - West has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and 4.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,434 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (80.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 47.5% of residents were found to 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. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.7% versus the regional average of 7.2%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, 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. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 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 - West. 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 - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years (please note 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 shows a median taxpayer income of $63,511 and an average of $88,253 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is extremely high nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $68,751 (median) and $95,534 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, individual earnings stand out at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,236 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 55th percentile. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 34.4% of locals (5,525 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 18.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 53rd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within St Kilda - West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 4.8% houses and 95.2% 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 - West was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 17.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.9%) or rented (59.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $392, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, St Kilda - West's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 41.4% of all households, comprising 10.8% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 4.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 58.6%, with lone person households at 51.3% and group households comprising 7.3% of the total. The median household size of 1.7 people 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 57.1% 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 34.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 23.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (12.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 52 active transport stops operating within St Kilda - West, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 14,404 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 133 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 56%, with 10% walking and 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 47.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 2,057 trips per day across all routes, 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for St Kilda - West residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (10,472 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 10.9% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 72.5% 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 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,359 people). 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 23.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.8% born overseas. The main religion in St Kilda - West is Christianity, which makes up 30.4% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 2.7% 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 - West are English, comprising 24.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 15.0% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of St Kilda - West (vs 0.5% regionally), Polish at 1.3% (vs 0.8%) and Russian at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

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

The 38-year median age in St Kilda - West is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda - West has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (27.1%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (4.1%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.2% to 10.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.5% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 18.1% to 16.9%. By 2041, St Kilda - West is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 77% (1,539 people), reaching 3,550 from 2,010.