suburb.guide

VIC · Nillumbik Council

Kangaroo Ground, 3097

Est. population · Jun 2025

1,220

Growth (1 yr)

+0.3%

Growth (5 yr)

+0.6%

Median age

44

Median income

$2,909/wk

Employment rate

63.1%

Languages at home

6.1%non-English

Most common: Italian, Cantonese, Mandarin

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

46/100
Average

Top 45% of Victoria's suburbs

Verified 85% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • National parks
  • Excellent transport
  • Education hub
  • High desirability
What Kangaroo Ground is known for: Green suburb, National parks, Excellent transport, Education hub, High desirability

Suburb profile

Set among the hills of Nillumbik Council, Kangaroo Ground is a smaller community with bushland views and a cooler, leafier feel. Long-term locals and family households define much of the community, with a strong presence of young families throughout. Weekends tend to revolve around local favourites: a café, a market run, a walk through town.

Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Property sits in a premium price band and is harder to enter for many buyers.

Crime reports are up on the previous period. A busy pipeline of new development is gradually changing the look and feel of the streets.

The overall desirability read is around average, pulled by softer schools and education compared with similar regional towns, though community and employment remain brighter spots. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Kangaroo Ground snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

$640/wk

Population (ERP)

1,220

+0.3% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

7.7%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#41

among Country & regional · Established

Safety

47th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

49th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

10/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

80th

percentile among schools with ICSEA

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
46.0/100 — Average
State standing
Top 45% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
2741st in Australia
State rank
562nd in VIC
Peer rank
#41 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#167 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
85%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

All types (Sep 2025 (council median))
$640

Median weekly rent from Victorian government rent reports. Council median fallback may apply where suburb rent is unavailable.

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

1,220(June 2025)

+0.3% annual · +0.6% over 5 years · 49th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.3%
5-year growth
+0.6%
Change in 1 year
+4
Change in 5 years
+7
Growth rank in VIC
49th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~1,250), extrapolated at +0.2% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
1,208
Median age
44
Median household income / week
$2,909
Dwelling vacancy
7.7%
Unoccupied private dwellings
28 of 364
Median monthly mortgage
$3,337
Employment rate
63.1%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
341 / 0 / 0

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
60
Against the person
10
Against property
34
Rate per 1,000 residents
49.2
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 121 residents
State safety percentile
46.9th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+71.4%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage5
  • B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary4
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft9
  • B49 Other Theft7
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order13

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
1
Median school ICSEA
1,085
Median ICSEA percentile
80th
School list
  • Kangaroo Ground Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1085 · 80th percentile · LBOTE 8% · 203 students · Top SEA quarter 35% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Kangaroo Ground Preschoolkindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

12 public transport stops in this suburb

  • 355 Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Rd
  • Bellbird Lane/Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Rd
  • Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd/Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Rd
  • Kangaroo Ground PS/Graham Rd
  • Wyuna Rd/Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

17 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

1 restaurants · 1 cafes · 1 swimming pools

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
  • Reasonable bus and transport access — 12 public transport stops
Walkability proxy
22/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0.83
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
1.66
Parks per 1,000 residents
1.66
Food & drink(2)
  • Kangaroo Ground General StoreCafe
  • MassarosRestaurant

    360 Eltham - Yarra Glen Road

Sport & outdoors(3)
  • Kangaroo Ground War Memorial ParkPark
  • Sports field
  • Swimming pool
Entertainment(3)
  • Andrew Ross MuseumMuseum
  • Kangaroo Ground Memorial TowerViewpoint
  • Viewpoint
Other(6)
  • Bench (2)
  • Kangaroo Ground CFAFire station
  • Garden (2)
  • Parking (2)
  • Picnic Table
  • Public toilets

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Parks & reserves

5 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Kangaroo Ground War Memorial ParkPark
  • Nillumbik G143 Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Pigeon Bank ReservePark
  • Pretty Hill ReserveNature reserve
  • Yirrip ReserveNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
15
Parks (OSM)
2

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Nearest hospital
Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital (12.4 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
31
Participants per 1,000 residents
25.4

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
24° / 13°
Rainfall
155 mm · ~19 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
20° / 11°
Rainfall
186 mm · ~23 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
203 mm · ~25 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
18° / 9°
Rainfall
207 mm · ~26 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

35 planning-related records

2021· 10 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Buildings and works to construct a dwelling, outbuilding (garage) and convert existing dwelling into a studio
    330 WEDGE TAIL COURT KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding
    45 ALFRED PLACE KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Buildings and works associated with the construction of alterations and additions to a dwelling, earthworks, rainwater tanks and a tennis court
    570 ELTHAM-YARRA GLEN ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Buildings and works to extend the existing dwelling and associated retaining wall and earthworks
    1 Heckers Hill WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Removal of one tree
    545 ELTHAM-YARRA GLEN ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097No permit required
  • Buildings and works to alter and extend an existing building
    60-80 GRAHAM ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Erection of a pergola
    50 KANGAROO GROUND-ST ANDREWS ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding
    225 KANGAROO GROUND-WATTLE GLEN ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Amendment - Buildings and works to construct additions and alterations to an existing dwelling, and hazard pruning of an existing tree
    140 FLAT ROCK ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct a shed
    225 KANGAROO GROUND-WATTLE GLEN ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Lapsed
2020· 25 proposals

  • November 2020

  • Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding
    45 Alfred PlacePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct a carport
    15 Hillview CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding
    30 Menzies RoadWithdrawn
  • Buildings and works to extend the existing shed
    182-184 Eltham-Yarra Glen RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to alter and extend the existing shed
    60 Bellbird LaneWithdrawn
  • Buildings and works to construct a horse arena
    195 KANGAROO GROUND-ST ANDREWS ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct a menage
    400 HECKERS HILL WAY KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Amendment - Buildings and works to alter and extend an existing restaurant, deck (walkway), retaining walls, fence (bin enclosure) and carparking, and use the land to sell and consume liquor
    150 Eltham-Yarra Glen RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct a pergola , creation of disabled compliant air lock for entry door and enclose under existing roof to create tourist information area
    150 Eltham-Yarra Glen RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amendment - Buildings and works to construct a dwelling
    205 Watery Gully RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct a dwelling, retaining walls and associated earthworks
    220 WYUNA ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Lop one tree
    35 Eltham-Yarra Glen RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct a pergola
    1 Wedge Tail CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Use of the land for a Poultry Farm and alteration of access to a Road Zone, Category 1
    10 HENLEY ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development for a dwelling, associated earthworks and vegetation removal
    315 KANGAROO GROUND-WATTLE GLEN ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Lapsed

  • July 2020

  • Use and development of the land for a dwelling, outbuilding (garage) and associated vegetation removal (Flat Rock Road reserve)
    35 FLAT ROCK ROAD KANGAROO GROUND 3097Refusal issued by a delegate
  • Buildings and works to construct a shed
    239 Henley RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2020

  • Buildings and works to construct a shed, extend a shed and construct a retaining wall
    1 Wedge Tail CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct a shed
    305 Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Buildings and works to construct a shed
    60 Bourchiers RoadWithdrawn
  • Buildings and works to construct a pergola , creation of disabled compliant air lock for entry door and enclose under existing roof to create tourist information area
    150 Eltham-Yarra Glen RoadLapsed
  • Removal of Native Vegetation
    105 Graham RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct additions and alterations to an existing dwelling
    140 Flat Rock RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Removal of 3 trees
    385 Eltham-Yarra Glen RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • Earthworks for construction of a car parking area and accessway
    230 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Jagajaga
Member of Parliament
Kate THWAITES (Australian Labor Party)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
121,269
Turnout (2025)
94.3%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
+0.7 pp toward Labor

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 37.1%Labor 62.9%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 8.1 km away).

Coalition 46.1%Labor 53.9%

9.0 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: -0.8 pp toward Coalition

Nearest polling places

  • Kangaroo Ground (Jagajaga)Labor 49.0% · Coalition 51.0% TPP (2025)1.5 km away
  • ResearchLabor 61.3% · Coalition 38.7% TPP (2025)4.3 km away
  • North WarrandyteLabor 66.2% · Coalition 33.8% TPP (2025)4.5 km away
  • Warrandyte (Jagajaga)Labor 72.8% · Coalition 27.2% TPP (2025)5.9 km away
  • Eltham EastLabor 69.1% · Coalition 30.9% TPP (2025)7.1 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
10/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Compare with

Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

More in Nillumbik Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.