St Kilda (Vic.)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census St Kilda's population is estimated at around 23,207 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,717 people (19.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,490 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 23,189, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 920 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7,297 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by Districts, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. St Kilda's 19.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.3%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately of overall population gains during recent periods.

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St Kilda possesses a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 6.2%, and 4.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 16,631 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (80.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 45.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of St Kilda shows a median taxpayer income of $61,356 and an average of $88,073 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting 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 would be approximately $67,258 (median) and $96,546 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,214 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 51st percentile. Distribution data shows 35.0% of the population (8,122 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within St Kilda, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 5.5% houses and 94.5% 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 was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 14.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.4%) or rented (61.9%). 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 $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, St Kilda's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 39.1% of all households, comprising 8.7% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 4.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 60.9%, with lone person households at 52.7% and group households comprising 8.2% of the total. The median household size of 1.7 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in St Kilda significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 53.9% 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 34.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (13.6%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 94 active transport stops operating within St Kilda comprising a mix of lightrail and buses. These stops are serviced by 15 individual routes, collectively providing 15,731 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 128 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 56%, with 10% walking and 9% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 45.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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St Kilda demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (14,281 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%.

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St Kilda was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 21.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.1% born overseas. The main religion in St Kilda was found to be Christianity, which makes up 28.8% of people in St Kilda. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 2.5% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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At 36 years, St Kilda's median age is nearly matching the Greater Melbourne average of 37 similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (31.0%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (3.5%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.2% to 9.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 11.6%. Demographic modeling suggests St Kilda's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The to cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach .

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St Kilda currently has an estimated 603 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 355 children aged 0-2 and 236 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 703 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 717. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.