Kelso
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kelso reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Kelso's population is 11,205 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a 4.9% increase from the 2021 Census count of 10,683 people. The change was inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. Kelso's population density is 65 persons per square kilometer. Between the 2021 Census and June 2024, natural growth contributed approximately 79.8% of overall population gains in the area. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas up to 2032, with Queensland State Government's projections used thereafter where available.

Kelso is projected to have an above median population growth by 2041, increasing by 1,609 persons and 14.4% in total over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kelso according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Kelso has averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 123 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.8 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $210,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers.

This financial year has seen $410,000 in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Kelso has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 17th percentile nationally, suggesting limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% attached dwellings, preserving Kelso's low-density character with an emphasis on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population density of 935 people per dwelling approval reflects the area's quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections indicate Kelso adding 1,614 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Kelso has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of thirteen projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are River Parks Estate, Pinnacle Views Estate, Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension, and Riverstone Estate. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant:.

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

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Employment drivers in Kelso are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kelso has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with well-represented essential services sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 7.6%.

In comparison to the rest of Queensland (Rest of Qld), Kelso's unemployment rate is higher by 3.7 percentage points (3.9% in Rest of Qld). The workforce participation rate in Kelso stands at 61.5%, slightly above Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 0.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. An analysis of Kelso's labour force over the period June 2024 to June 2025 shows a decrease of 1.9%, while employment decreased by 3.8%, leading to an increase in unemployment rate by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force expansion of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a national employment increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelso's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Kelso had a median income among taxpayers of $52,829 and an average level of $59,185. Nationally, the figures were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $60,220 and average income $67,465. Kelso's household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 43rd and 44th percentiles in the 2021 Census. Income analysis indicates that 38.0% of Kelso's population (4,257 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional figure of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kelso, with only 84.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile.

Kelso is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Kelso, as per the most recent Census evaluation, 98.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.9% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelso stood at 23.7%, with mortgaged properties making up 43.8% and rented dwellings accounting for 32.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kelso was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Kelso was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Kelso's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kelso features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.7% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.3%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Kelso faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (34.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education. Kelso State School serves the local educational needs within Kelso, with an enrollment of 327 students as of 2021. The area offers varied educational conditions across Kelso, with 1 school focusing exclusively on primary education and secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited (2.9 places per 100 residents vs the regional average of 16.7), leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Kelso's public transport analysis shows 16 active stops operating within the area as of March 2023. All these stops serve buses, with one route providing service to each stop collectively offering 241 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 687 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kelso is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Kelso faces significant health challenges, with a higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, particularly among older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering about 5,501 people, which is lower than both the Rest of Qld's 53.3% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 11.1% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.8%.

Around 64.2% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in Rest of Qld. Kelso has 13.3%, or 1,493 people aged 65 and over, lower than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Kelso is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kelso's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.3% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Kelso, comprising 51.4% of people, compared to 52.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.4%), English (27.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.5%).

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 3.9%, Samoan at 0.2%, and Maori at 0.5%.

Kelso hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Kelso is 34 years, which is notably lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kelso has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 at 14.6%, but fewer residents aged 65-74 at 8.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the age group of 25 to 34 has grown from 12.6% to 14.7% of Kelso's population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 17.2% to 14.7%. By the year 2041, Kelso is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 535 people and reaching a total of 2,178 from the previous figure of 1,642. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.