Kilsyth (Vic.)

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According to evaluations of ABS population adjustments for the wider region, combined with recent address verifications by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Kilsyth has an estimated residency of approximately 12,616 individuals as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 917 residents (7.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 11,699 people. This shift is calculated from a resident base of 12,505, determined by Districts after examining the ABS June 2025 release of ERP statistics alongside 319 confirmed new addresses post-Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1,352 persons per square kilometer, outstripping typical ratios across the country as analysed by Districts. The suburb of Kilsyth recorded a 7.8% expansion rate since the 2021 census, outpacing the broader SA4 region (3.8%) and positioning it as a local growth pacesetter. This demographic expansion was primarily fueled by international arrivals, accounting for roughly 36.0% of the total growth, though all contributors, including interstate migration and natural increase, remained positive.

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Kilsyth is characterized by a qualified workforce with a strong presence in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 5.9% and steady job figures over the last year, based on Districts' compilation of regional statistics. In March 2026, 6,356 locals were employed, representing an unemployment rate 1.1% higher than the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%, while participation in the labor force was slightly below the metropolitan standard (66.2% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). Census records indicate a moderate 22.7% of working residents operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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The most recent postcode-level ATO statistics from Districts for financial year 2023 show that incomes in Kilsyth sit below the national average, with a median of $54,682 and an average of $64,037. This is lower than the Greater Melbourne figures, which show a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index expansion of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be around $59,942 for the median and $70,197 for the average. Census statistics indicate that household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively modest, falling between the 44th and 50th percentiles. In terms of earnings distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest, containing 35.9% of residents (4,529 people), which closely aligns with the regional distribution where 32.8% fall into this range. Affordability pressures are notable, with residents keeping only of their income, placing the area in the rd percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the local income level in the th decile.

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Residential architecture in Kilsyth, as of the most recent Census, consisted of 84.6% standalone houses and 15.4% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to the Melbourne metro distribution of 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative types. Home ownership rates in Kilsyth were considerably higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average, reaching 33.9%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with a mortgage (45.3%) or tenants (20.8%). The median monthly home loan payment was lower than the Melbourne metro median at $1,972, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $391, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,000 and $390. Across the country, Kilsyth's home loan payments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent levels also exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Family units represent the majority of households at 69.8%, consisting of 29.5% couples raising children, 25.9% couples without children at home, and 13.2% single parent households. The remaining 30.2% are non-family arrangements, with single-person households making up 27.8% and group households accounting for 2.5%. The median household size stands at 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The locality faces educational disparities, with university degree attainment (21.5%) falling well short of the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This highlights a clear area for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (27.0%).

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Public transit data shows 56 active transit points within Kilsyth, consisting of various bus options. These points are connected to 14 separate transit routes, which together provide 1,484 passenger services each week. Transit accessibility is rated as favorable, with residents generally living within 272 meters of their nearest stop. Being a mostly residential community, the majority of working residents travel out of the area for employment, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 93% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles, which is above the metropolitan average. Additionally, 22.7% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

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Kilsyth presents notable health concerns, as indicated by Districts' evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, with common conditions occurring across various age brackets. The rate of private health insurance is slightly above the typical SA2 average at approximately 52% of the population (~6,581 people), compared to a higher rate of 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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Kilsyth displays above-average levels of cultural diversity, with 21.4% of the population born outside Australia and 13.2% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 44.7% of residents. The most distinct variance from regional averages is in the Other category, which represents 0.7% of the population compared to 2.3% in Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 38 in Kilsyth is similar to the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and matches the national median of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, Kilsyth has a larger proportion of residents aged 75 - 84 (8.0%) but fewer young people aged 15 - 24 (10.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has increased from 14.3% to 15.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 bracket has decreased from 15.4% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic shifts are expected to alter the local age profile. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 36% ( people), rising from to whereas the to group is forecast to have a smaller increase of , adding only children.

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Kilsyth currently has an estimated 845 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 504 children aged 0-2 and 336 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 5% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 900 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,192. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.