Ashfield - Kepnock

Population growth drivers in Ashfield - Kepnock are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ashfield-Kepnock's population is around 6,032 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 373 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,659. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,923 in June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 747 persons per square kilometer. Ashfield-Kepnock's growth rate of 6.6% since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future trends, regional areas nationally project above median population growth. Ashfield-Kepnock is expected to expand by 812 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ashfield - Kepnock recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Ashfield-Kepnock has received approximately 21 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 105 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built since FY-21 to FY-25 has resulted in an average of 3 new residents annually, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $383,000.

In FY-26, $1.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Ashfield-Kepnock records about 57% of building activity per person and ranks in the 49th percentile nationally for areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. All new construction since FY-21 has been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population density is approximately 374 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ashfield-Kepnock is projected to gain 703 residents by 2041. Development pace appears reasonable in relation to projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may occur as the population expands.

Ashfield - Kepnock has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Sienna Boulevard, New Bundaberg Hospital, The Gateway Marina - Burnett Heads, and Bundaberg East Levee. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Ashfield - Kepnock maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Ashfield-Kepnock has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors. Unemployment rate is 4.2%, with estimated employment growth of 9.6% in the past year (September 2025). As of that date, 2,986 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, slightly above Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 65.7%. Census data shows 5.0% work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care has strong specialization (130% of regional level), while professional & technical services are lower (2.7% vs regional average of 5.1%).

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.6%, labour force by 9.8%, raising unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Rest of Qld had lower growth rates and a higher unemployment rate increase. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% (five years) and 13.7% (ten years). Applying these projections to Ashfield-Kepnock's industry mix suggests local employment growth of 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Ashfield - Kepnock SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,973 and an average of $62,616. This is below the national average. The Rest of Qld region had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $54,925 (median) and $68,821 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Ashfield - Kepnock fall between the 18th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 29.2% of locals (1,761 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

Ashfield - Kepnock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Ashfield-Kepnock, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashfield-Kepnock stood at 35.3%, with mortgaged properties at 33.8% and rented dwellings at 30.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in the area was recorded at $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Ashfield-Kepnock's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ashfield - Kepnock has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 70.3% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

Educational outcomes in Ashfield - Kepnock fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.2%, with 12.0% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Ashfield-Kepnock has 15 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 61 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 324 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, and cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages eight trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ashfield - Kepnock is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Ashfield-Kepnock faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,040 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 61.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,269 people), with senior health outcomes generally aligning with national rankings.

Ashfield - Kepnock ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ashfield-Kepnock was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 86.1% born in Australia, and 91.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Ashfield-Kepnock is Christianity, comprising 54.1% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (30.5%), Australian (29.4%), and Scottish (7.0%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented at 6.6%, compared to 4.7% regionally, while Korean is at 0.7% (vs 0.2%) and Australian Aboriginal remains similar at 3.9%.

Ashfield - Kepnock's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Ashfield-Kepnock has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 0-4 age group stands at 6.6%, higher than Rest of Qld's figure, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.8%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.6% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 13.7% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Ashfield-Kepnock's age profile will significantly evolve. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 22%, reaching 950 from 778. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age range is expected to decrease by 62 people.