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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Kelso has an estimated 11,180 residents, up from 10,683 at the 2021 Census — a change of 497 people, or 4.7%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years. 103 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Density is about 66 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the latest evaluations by AreaSearch, the population of Kelso stands at approximately 11,180 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 497 individuals (4.7%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 10,683 residents. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 11,180 combined with 103 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. The resulting population density is 65 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for potential future projects. This 4.7% post-census growth rate is within 2.4 percentage points of the wider SA4 region (7.1%), reflecting solid local growth dynamics.
The main driver of population growth was natural increase, accounting for roughly 70.4% of total population expansion in recent times. AreaSearch incorporates projections compiled by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 sectors, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories not covered by these datasets, or for periods extending past 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (utilising 2021 data) are applied. Because these state-level forecasts omit detailed age splits, AreaSearch redistributes growth among age brackets using the proportional patterns from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (based on 2022 data). Looking at demographic trends, regional areas outside capital cities are anticipated to see above median population increases, with Kelso projected to expand by 1,481 residents to 2041 relative to current ERP figures, translating to a total growth of 13.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
123 new dwellings have been approved in Kelso over the past five years, an average of 24 a year. That is 2.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 22, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Kelso averages about 24 residential development approvals annually, with 123 residential properties approved during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 21 approvals logged during FY-26 to date. An average of 2.6 residents per year relocated to the area for every new residence built during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, which points to steady demand supporting property values. The average construction cost for these new homes is $210,000, which falls below regional levels and offers more budget-friendly alternatives for purchasers. Additionally, $410,000 in commercial building approvals have been registered during this financial year, pointing to a heavily residential focus.
Relative to Rest of Qld, building activity per capita in Kelso is approximately half, placing the area in the 17th percentile of all analyzed locations across the country, which limits options for buyers while driving up demand for pre-existing houses. This rate is also below the national average, reflecting the established status of the suburb and suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent construction activity is composed of 94.0% standalone houses and 6.0% medium to high-density dwellings, preserving the low-density residential environment favored by families. The ratio of 940 residents for every single residential approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low construction volume. Demographic projections indicate Kelso will add 1,481 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly estimation from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, the supply of new housing may not keep pace with population growth, which could increase competition among buyers and put upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Kelso
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Kelso, worth an estimated $420 million. A further 50 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $11.3 billion. 25 are already under construction and 15 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning schemes, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects with the potential to influence the local area. Key projects include River Parks Estate, Pinnacle Views Estate, Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension, and the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal, with the principal relevant developments detailed in the following list.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
River Parks Estate
River Parks is a master-planned residential community spanning 72 hectares in Kelso, approximately 20 kilometres south-west of Townsville CBD. The development provides 888 residential allotments for families and young professionals, featuring seven hectares of dedicated parkland, 2.3 kilometres of walking and cycling pathways, and a planned 6,800 square metre retail and commercial hub including a village with shops, a cafe, and a childcare centre. The estate is bound by Dunlop Street to the north and Riverway Drive to the east, with the Ross River Dam within walking distance.
Pinnacle Views Estate
Pinnacle Views is a residential land development offering 52 large blocks from 2,000 to 9,899 sqm in an open space living neighbourhood. Features wide roads, quiet avenues, lush native bushland backdrop, NBN ready with fiber to premises, sewered blocks, town water, and includes $10,000 contribution towards fencing and driveways with every block sold.
Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension
Stage 2 expansion of Riverway Plaza in the Upper Ross growth corridor of Townsville. The project delivers a new 3,585 sqm full-line Coles supermarket, approximately 30-35 specialty stores, and a 650 sqm Snap Fitness gym. Infrastructure improvements include a 140-space basement car park, additional shaded surface parking, and upgraded public amenities, completing the transition into a comprehensive district retail hub.
Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal
Renewal and duplication of a 9.5km pipeline connecting Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant, enhancing resilience and water security for Townsville, which supplies approximately 85% of the city's water.
Riverstone Estate
Riverstone Estate is a 271 hectare masterplanned residential community in Rasmussen, Townsville, being delivered by Elements North Queensland. The development will provide around 1,500 homes together with future neighbourhood retail, community facilities, open space, walking trails along the Bohle River and supporting infrastructure. Construction is progressing with Stage 3 now selling and the land sales centre operating on site.
First Nations Social Housing Project (Rasmussen)
Construction is underway on 24 new social homes at 1145 Riverway Drive, Rasmussen. The project is being delivered by Yumba-Meta Limited with Queensland Government support as part of a broader pipeline of social and community housing across North Queensland. Units are intended to meet Social Housing Design guidelines and accessibility standards. Completion is targeted for late 2025.
Somers & Hervey Estate
A residential development by Urbex, a BMD Group company, located in Rasmussen, Queensland. The estate offers approximately 850 lots for new homes.
Pinnacle Drive Estate
Residential development by Markwell Developments located in Rasmussen, Queensland. This project provides new housing options in the area.
5,051 residents of Kelso are employed, from a labour force of 5,439. Unemployment sits at 7.1%, with participation at 61.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 8,828, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Kelso is characterized by a workforce balanced between professional and trade roles, with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of 7.1%. In March 2026, 5,051 local residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 3.2% higher than the Regional Qld average of 3.9%, showing scope for improvement. Furthermore, workforce participation is slightly below average, sitting at 61.3% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census records show that only 4.4% of employed residents worked from home, although this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The local workforce is primarily employed in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Public administration & safety is highly represented, with employment levels reaching 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.9% of local workers, which is below the 4.5% recorded for Regional Qld. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are limited. AreaSearch evaluated SALM and ABS figures to determine that between the year ending March 2026, the labour force shrank by 1.9% while employment fell by 2.2%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, accompanied by a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia released national employment forecasts in May-25 that provide useful context for anticipating future demand in Kelso. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and were overlaid with Kelso's current employment structure to project growth trends. The national outlook anticipates a 6.6% expansion in employment over five years and a 13.7% expansion over ten years, though sectoral growth rates vary widely. When these sectoral forecasts are applied to Kelso's existing employment composition, the area is projected to see employment grow by 6.2% over five years and by 13.2% over ten years. This projection uses a basic weighting method for demonstration and does not incorporate localized population estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Kelso is $1,631 a week (about $85,000 a year), with median personal income at $778 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,788 a year against an average of $62,330. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Kelso SA2 recorded a median income of $55,788 and an average income of $62,330. These levels are below the national average and compare with median and average figures of $53,146 and $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $62,126 for the median and $69,411 for the average. Census statistics show household, family, and individual incomes are modest in Kelso, ranking in the 43rd to 44th percentiles.
In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest, containing 38.0% of residents (4,248 people), which is similar to the 31.7% of households in this bracket across the wider region. Housing affordability presents challenges, with 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 45th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Kelso had 3,494 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 44% are owned with a mortgage, 33% rented and 24% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,500 a month. Rent absorbs 18.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
An analysis of housing types in Kelso at the latest Census showed that 98.0% of dwellings were detached houses and 1.9% were other options such as semi-detached properties, townhouses, or apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Kelso lagged behind Regional Qld at 23.7%, with the remaining dwellings occupied by mortgage holders (43.8%) or renters (32.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,500 was lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent of $300 was below the regional figure of $345.
Locally, Kelso's mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Kelso counted 3,494 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households make up 78.7% of the total in the area, consisting of couples with children at 32.1%, couples without children at 26.6%, and single parent families at 18.8%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.3%, with single person households accounting for 18.4% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.8 individuals, which is higher than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.0% of adults in Kelso hold a university qualification, including 8.6% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 87% of areas nationally. A further 34.1% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 327 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 835 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present some challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.0%, which is below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights opportunities for targeted educational programs. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate degrees at 1.6%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 34.1%. Student numbers are high, with 34.4% of residents enrolled in some form of study. This cohort includes 14.1% in primary school, 10.4% in high school, and 3.5% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Kelso reaches 16 stops on 1 route, timetabled for about 240 services a week. The typical home sits about 690 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An analysis of public transport reveals 16 active stops in Kelso, which are serviced by bus connections. These stops accommodate 1 distinct routes that provide 241 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is classified as limited, with an average distance of 687 meters to the nearest transport stop. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the suburb, with 94% of workers traveling outside the area by car. Car ownership levels average 1.7 vehicles per household, which is above the regional average. A low 4.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.
Daily services average 34 journeys across all active routes, which translates to approximately 15 weekly journeys for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.2% of residents in Kelso report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 76% of areas nationally. 7.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
An assessment of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses by AreaSearch shows health challenges in Kelso. The area exhibits a higher than average incidence of common medical conditions, which is especially pronounced in older demographic groups. Furthermore, the rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively low, at approximately 50% of the population (~5,634 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical diagnoses in the area are mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 11.1% and 8.8% of the population, respectively.
Meanwhile, 64.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age cohort exhibits elevated levels of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 13.7% of the local population (1,531 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Health outcomes among older residents present some challenges, though they rank more favorably on a national scale than the broader local community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Kelso is largely Australian-born, at 90.6% of residents, with 4.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (29.4%) and English (27.8%). 8.5% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Demographic data indicates lower levels of cultural diversity in Kelso compared to broader averages. Citizens comprise 88.3% of the population, 90.6% of residents were born in Australia, and 95.5% speak only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, representing 51.4% of the population, which is close to the 52.2% average across Regional Qld. Looking at parent countries of birth, the primary ancestries in Kelso are Australian at 29.4%, English at 27.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 8.5%. Some ethnic backgrounds show distinct distributions relative to the region, with German ancestry at 3.9% of Kelso (compared to 4.7% regionally), Samoan ancestry at 0.2% (compared to 0.2% regionally), and Maori ancestry at 0.5% (compared to 0.8% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Kelso is 34, younger than 84% of areas nationally. 29.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 34 in Kelso is younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national median of 38. Kelso has a higher proportion of youth aged 15 - 24 (14.9%) but a lower share of people aged 65 - 74 (8.1%) relative to Regional Qld. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket grew from 12.6% to 15.0%, and the 75 to 84 bracket increased from 3.2% to 4.5%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 age bracket fell from 17.2% to 14.1%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.4% to 12.2%.
Significant shifts in age structure are projected by 2041, with the 25 to 34 group forecast to increase by 27% (458 people) from 1,680 to 2,139, while the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Kelso
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 103 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (10,683 at the 2021 Census → 11,180 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (318021480). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.