🔍

Kinglake West

VIC 3757 • Greater Melbourne

1,305
Population (2021)
$101,400
Median Household Income
65.30 km²
Area
$360/wk
Median Rent
RuralMountainResilientCommunityBush Setting

About Kinglake West

Kinglake West is a resilient rural town located 45 kilometers northeast of Melbourne in the scenic Kinglake Ranges, part of the Great Dividing Range. Home to approximately 1,305 residents across the Murrindindi, Nillumbik, and Whittlesea local government areas, this community has demonstrated remarkable strength in rebuilding after the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The town maintains its rural character with a strong sense of community and connection to the surrounding natural environment.

Life in Kinglake West centers around its rural setting and tight-knit community spirit, attracting residents who value country living within reasonable reach of Melbourne. The area offers limited but essential services with recreational opportunities focused on the natural environment and outdoor activities. The community consists primarily of families and retirees who appreciate the peaceful lifestyle, fresh mountain air, and rural amenities, while accepting the trade-offs of limited services and transport options that come with country living.

Kinglake West falls under postcode 3757 and is governed by Murrindindi Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Eildon (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3757
Urban Area
Strathbogie - Mansfield - Murimbindi
LGA / Council
Murrindindi
Federal Electorate
Indi
State Electorate
Eildon (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.48°, 145.25°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
65.30 km²
Elevation
524m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$360
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
40 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Whittlesea Station
12 km
N/A (bus connection required)

Bus Services

  • 384 — Whittlesea via Humevale 25-30 minutes

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
45 km
By Train
90+ minutes via Whittlesea
By Bus
120+ minutes
By Car (Peak)
70-90 minutes
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-65 minutes

🛣️ Limited public transport options, car essential for most journeys

Walkability Car-Dependent

Rural town requiring private transport for most services and amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Murrindindi Local Government Area, which contains Kinglake West. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
235.7 / 100k
2yr Up 25.9% 10yr Down 36.3%
Motor vehicle theft
101.9 / 100k
2yr Up 21.4% 10yr Down 20.4%
Non-FV assault
178.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
203.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 13.2%
View all offence subgroups for Murrindindi →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,166
Census 2021
1,305
▲ 11.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,268
Personal Income 2021
$41,652
▲ 21.5% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$41,652 / yr
$801/wk
Household
$101,400 / yr
$1950/wk
Family
$109,564 / yr
$2107/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,000
Born Overseas 140

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 37
  • 2. Philippines 9
  • 3. Greece 8
  • 4. Italy 8
  • 5. New Zealand 7
  • 6. North Macedonia 7
  • 7. Croatia 5
  • 8. India 5
  • 9. Iran 5
  • 10. Ireland 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 505
English 477
Scottish 156
Irish 152
Italian 80
German 61
Greek 31
Australian Aboriginal 20
Dutch 19
Macedonian 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

766
Both parents born in Australia
201
Both parents born overseas
168
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.7%
Christianity
34.3%
Islam
0.5%
Hinduism
0.5%
Buddhism
0.2%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
80 (6.1%)
5-14 years
192 (14.7%)
15-19 years
72 (5.5%)
20-24 years
56 (4.3%)
25-34 years
154 (11.8%)
35-44 years
174 (13.3%)
45-54 years
212 (16.2%)
55-64 years
171 (13.1%)
65-74 years
132 (10.1%)
75-84 years
49 (3.8%)
85+ years
9 (0.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kinglake West known for? +

Kinglake West is known for its resilient community spirit following the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, which had a profound impact on the area. The township has rebuilt and maintains a strong sense of community among its rural mountain residents.

How far is Kinglake West from Melbourne? +

Kinglake West is approximately 45 kilometres north-east of Melbourne CBD, around a 50-60 minute drive via the Plenty Road and Kinglake ranges roads.

Does Kinglake West have public transport? +

Kinglake West has very limited public transport. There is no train service in the area; a car is essential for commuting and daily needs. The nearest rail access is at Whittlesea or South Morang on the Mernda Line.

What is the population of Kinglake West? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kinglake West has a population of approximately 1,305 residents across the Murrindindi Shire, with a tight-knit community that values its rural mountain setting.

Is Kinglake West a good place to live? +

Kinglake West suits those seeking a rural lifestyle in Melbourne's outer north-east with a strong community atmosphere, fresh air, and scenic countryside. It appeals to families and those who work from home or locally, rather than daily Melbourne commuters.

What is the postcode for Kinglake West? +

The postcode for Kinglake West is 3757.

What is the average income in Kinglake West? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Kinglake West is about $801 per week (around $41,700 per year). The median household income is $1,950 per week and the median family income is $2,107 per week.

What is the age profile of Kinglake West? +

The median age in Kinglake West is 40. The largest age group is 45–54 (212 residents, around 16%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Kinglake West a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Kinglake West is part of the Murrindindi LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Kinglake West? +

In Kinglake West, the median weekly rent is $360, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).