Kelso

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 around 11,214 as of Feb 2026. The ABS reported an estimated resident population of 11,210 in June 2024. Since the Census date in 2021, which recorded a population of 10,683 people, there has been an increase of 531 people (5.0%). This growth is inferred from the additional 110 validated new addresses since the Census date. Kelso's population density is 65 persons per square kilometer. The area's population grew by 5.0% between the 2021 Census and Feb 2026, which is within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 7.1%.

Natural growth contributed approximately 79.8% of Kelso's 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, Kelso is expected to have an above median population growth by 2041. The latest annual ERP population numbers project an increase of 1,609 persons by then, reflecting a total increase of 14.3% over the 17 years.

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 so far, 18 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. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $210,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers.

This financial year, Kelso has registered $410,000 in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kelso has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 17th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is also below the national average, implying 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 nature with an emphasis on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 935 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kelso is projected to add approximately 1,605 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include River Parks Estate, Pinnacle Views Estate, Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension, and Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal. 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.

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

Kelso has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 7.1% as of September 2025. The town's employment rate is 3.0% higher than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Kelso stands at 62.7%, below the regional average of 65.7%.

According to Census data, only 4.4% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. Public administration & safety shows a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the working population to resident population ratio. In the year ending September 2025, Kelso's labour force increased by 0.3% while employment decreased by 0.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Queensland where employment grew by 1.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelso's industry-specific employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023, Kelso SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,788 and an average level of $62,330. This is lower than the national average, which was $53,146 for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,317 and average income around $68,507. From the Census in 2021, Kelso's household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 43rd and 44th percentiles. Income analysis showed that 38.0% of Kelso's population (4,261 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile.

Kelso is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kelso, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelso was at 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.8% and rented ones at 32.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kelso was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Kelso was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. 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 comprise 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 account for 21.3%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households making up 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 34.1%. Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.1% in primary, 10.4% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Kelso indicates that there are currently 16 operational transport stops within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with only one individual route providing service to all stops collectively facilitating 241 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 687 meters away from their nearest transport stop. As Kelso is predominantly residential, most residents commute outward from the area, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at a rate of 94%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Kelso, which exceeds the regional average. According to the 2021 Census data, only 4.4% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting the impact of COVID-19 conditions on work patterns.

The service frequency across all routes averages at 34 trips per day, translating 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 substantial health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are considerably higher than average, with older age cohorts experiencing this to an even greater extent. Only approximately 50% of Kelso's total population (~5,651 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Kelso, affecting 11.1% and 8.8% of residents respectively. However, 64.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Kelso has 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,523 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.3% being Australian citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kelso, accounting for 51.4%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (29.4%), English (27.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.5%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 3.9% in Kelso versus 4.7% regionally, while Samoan and Maori showed lower representation than the regional averages.

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 the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kelso has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.2%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 12.6% to 15.1%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.2% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 17.2% to 14.1% and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. By 2041, Kelso is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 28% (482 people), reaching 2,178 from 1,695. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.