Ashfield - Kepnock
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Ashfield - Kepnock are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ashfield-Kepnock's population is approximately 6,048 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 389 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,659. The growth was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 5,923 in June 2024 and validated new addresses of 119 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 749 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ashfield-Kepnock's growth rate of 6.9% since the census is within 1.7 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 8.6%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 80.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Ashfield-Kepnock expected to expand by 812 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.4% 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 from FY-18 to FY-22. As of FY-26, 22 dwellings have been approved. Each dwelling built since FY-21 has attracted 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, commercial approvals worth $1.4 million have been registered, indicating limited commercial development activity in the area compared to residential growth. Relative to other Queensland regions, Ashfield-Kepnock records around 57% of building activity per capita and ranks at the 49th percentile nationally, suggesting fewer housing options for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. All new construction since FY-21 has consisted of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space.

The estimated population density is approximately 374 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Ashfield-Kepnock will gain around 687 residents by 2041. Development activity is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Ashfield - Kepnock has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Sienna Boulevard, New Bundaberg Hospital, Bundaberg East Levee, and Oasis Estate - Burnett Heads. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

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.

The employment landscape in Ashfield - Kepnock shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Ashfield-Kepnock has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.7% as of June 2025. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 6.4% in the past year.

There are 2,950 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate that is 0.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 54.3%, below Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while professional & technical services show lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 5.1%.

Employment opportunities locally might be limited, as indicated by the discrepancy between Census working population and resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.4%, labour force grew by 7.5%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that Ashfield-Kepnock could see local employment growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's current employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Ashfield - Kepnock had a median income among taxpayers of $48,493 and an average of $59,921. These figures are below the national averages. The Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $55,277 (median) and $68,304 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Ashfield - Kepnock fall between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 29.2% of locals (1,766 people) have incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to regional levels where 31.7% fall into 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Ashfield-Kepnock's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 88.1% houses and 11.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashfield-Kepnock was 35.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 30.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, matching Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Ashfield-Kepnock's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 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 higher-than-average 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 account for the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 32.1%.

Educational participation is 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. Ashfield-Kepnock's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,936 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 984) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 32.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.9, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Ashfield-Kepnock shows that there are currently 15 operational transport stops. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with three individual routes providing a total of 61 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 324 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is around eight trips per day, which equates to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ashfield - Kepnock is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Ashfield - Kepnock faces substantial health challenges, as indicated by health data. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% (~2,993 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (9.4%). About 61.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,291 people), lower than the 26.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 88.1% citizens, 86.1% born in Australia, and 91.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 54.1%, comparable to Rest of Qld's 54.0%. Top ancestry groups were English (30.5%), Australian (29.4%), Scottish (7.0%).

Notable differences included German (6.6% vs regional 6.4%), Korean (0.7% vs 0.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (3.9% vs 3.4%).

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 and modestly exceeding Australia's national norm of 38. The 0-4 age group is strongly represented at 6.6%, compared to Rest of Qld. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 11.6% to 13.0%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 13.7% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Ashfield-Kepnock's age profile will significantly evolve. Leading this shift, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 24%, reaching 950 from 768. Meanwhile, numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 62.