St Kilda West

VIC 3182 • Greater Melbourne

2,951
Population (2021)
$68,328
Median Income
0.53 km²
Area
$385/wk
Median Rent
BeachsideAffluentInner-CityCafé CultureLeafy

About St Kilda West

St Kilda West is a compact, upmarket inner-Melbourne suburb nestled between the iconic St Kilda foreshore and St Kilda Road, approximately 5 kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD within the City of Port Phillip. Covering just 0.53 square kilometres, it is one of Melbourne's smallest suburbs by area, with a 2021 Census population of 2,951 living at high density. The suburb attracts professionals and established couples, with a median household income of ,983 per week and a median age of 40, reflecting its affluent and cosmopolitan character.

St Kilda West sits moments from Port Phillip Bay, with Elwood Beach to the south and the St Kilda waterfront and Luna Park precinct within easy reach. Fitzroy Street's renowned strip of restaurants, bars, and cafes forms the suburb's eastern boundary, while quiet residential streets lined with converted Victorian and Edwardian apartments offer a more serene counterpoint. Tram routes along St Kilda Road provide fast connections to the CBD, making it a sought-after address for those who want beachside living without sacrificing city access. The suburb has a notably cosmopolitan mix — with notable Indian, Greek, and British-born communities — and a vibrant year-round social scene.

St Kilda West falls under postcode 3182 and is governed by Port Phillip Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Albert Park (Southern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3182
Urban Area
Port Phillip
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.86°, 144.97°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
0.53 km²
Elevation
9m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Balaclava
1 km
12 min
Windsor
1.5 km
18 min

Bus Services

  • Tram Route 3A / 16 / 67 — Melbourne CBD (Flinders Street / Collins Street) 15–25 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
5 km
By Train
Tram on St Kilda Rd to Flinders Street (15–20 min). Train from Balaclava: ~15 min to Flinders Street (Frankston/Sandringham Line).
By Car (Peak)
20–35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10–15 min

🛣️ Excellent tram connectivity via St Kilda Road. Bicycle paths along the foreshore provide a scenic alternative commute route.

Walkability Very Walkable

Most daily errands, dining, and leisure can be done on foot, with Fitzroy Street shops and bay access within easy walking distance.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$385
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,300
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
40 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.3%

8 state housing + 24 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,162
Census 2021
2,951
6.7% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$59,956
Income 2021
$68,328
14.0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,907
Born Overseas 868

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 157
  • 2. India 138
  • 3. New Zealand 97
  • 4. Ireland 35
  • 5. United States 34
  • 6. Brazil 25
  • 7. South Africa 25
  • 8. Greece 24
  • 9. Scotland 20
  • 10. China 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,077
Australian 709
Irish 458
Scottish 375
Indian 155
Italian 153
German 117
Greek 115
Chinese 61
Dutch 59

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,256
Both parents born in Australia
1,098
Both parents born overseas
413
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
55.4%
Christianity
28.1%
Hinduism
5.6%
Judaism
1.8%
Buddhism
1.2%
Islam
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
111 (3.8%)
5-14 years
261 (8.8%)
15-19 years
106 (3.6%)
20-24 years
167 (5.7%)
25-34 years
541 (18.3%)
35-44 years
507 (17.2%)
45-54 years
459 (15.6%)
55-64 years
390 (13.2%)
65-74 years
271 (9.2%)
75-84 years
110 (3.7%)
85+ years
28 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St Kilda West known for? +

St Kilda West is known for its privileged position between Port Phillip Bay and the vibrant St Kilda entertainment strip. Residents enjoy proximity to the beach, Fitzroy Street's dining and nightlife, and the prestigious St Kilda Road boulevard — all within a quiet, leafy residential enclave.

How far is St Kilda West from Melbourne CBD? +

St Kilda West is approximately 5 kilometres south of Melbourne's CBD. A tram along St Kilda Road typically takes 15–20 minutes to reach Flinders Street or Collins Street.

Does St Kilda West have public transport? +

St Kilda West is well-served by trams, with Routes 3A, 16, and 67 running along St Kilda Road directly to the CBD. The nearest train stations are Balaclava (about 1 km, Frankston and Sandringham lines) and Windsor (about 1.5 km).

What is the population of St Kilda West? +

According to the 2021 Census, St Kilda West has a population of 2,951 — slightly down from 3,162 in 2016 — concentrated across just 0.53 square kilometres, making it one of Melbourne's most densely populated suburbs.

Is St Kilda West a good place to live? +

St Kilda West is an excellent choice for professionals and couples who want bayside living with strong city connectivity. It offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with cafes, restaurants, parks, and the beach on the doorstep, though housing costs are among the higher end in the Port Phillip area.

What is the postcode for St Kilda West? +

The postcode for St Kilda West, Victoria is 3182, shared with St Kilda.