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, as of November 2025, is around 11,205. This figure reflects an increase of 522 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,683. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,210 in June 2024 and an additional 110 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 65 persons per square kilometer. Kelso's growth rate of 4.9% since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the SA4 region's 6.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 79.8% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of locations outside capital cities is expected. Kelso is projected to increase by 1,609 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.4% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP 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, 18 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.8 new residents per dwelling has been observed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $210,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options.

In the current financial year, $410,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Kelso'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 below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% attached dwellings, preserving Kelso's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 935 people, reflecting a quiet development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kelso is projected to add 1,614 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag 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 13 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are River Parks Estate, Pinnacle Views Estate, Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension, and Riverstone Estate, as detailed below.

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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.1% as of an unspecified date.

As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 7.1%, which is 3.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is relatively standard at 61.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment in Kelso is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety has employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Kelso's labour force increased by 0.3%, while employment decreased by 0.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and a labour force expansion of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Statewide in Queensland, as of 25-Nov, employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelso's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Kelso SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,829 with an average level of $59,185. This was lower than average on a national basis compared to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,220 (median) and $67,465 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all ranked modestly in Kelso, between the 43rd and 44th percentiles. Income analysis revealed that 38.0% of the population (4,257 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe 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 latest Census evaluation, 98.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 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 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, while 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 constitute 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%. 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, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (34.1%). Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

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

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

The analysis of public transport in Kelso shows that there are currently 16 active transport stops operating within the area. All these stops serve bus routes. The total number of weekly passenger trips provided by these routes is 241.

The accessibility of transport in Kelso is rated as limited, with residents typically located 687 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 34 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages, particularly among older age groups. Approximately 59.2% of Kelso's residents aged 65 and over have private health cover, compared to the national average of 73.8%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Kelso are mental health issues (11.1%) and arthritis (8.8%), while 64.2% of residents report having no medical ailments.

This compares to a Rest of Qld figure of 67.8%. Kelso has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 13.3%, compared to the Rest of Qld's 14.9%. However, health outcomes among seniors in Kelso require additional attention.

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 Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.6%), and speaking English only at home (95.5%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Kelso, accounting for 51.4% of the population, compared to 52.7% across the Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Kelso are Australian (29.4%), English (27.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.5%).

Notably, German representation is higher than average at 3.9% in Kelso versus 4.0% regionally, while Samoan and Maori representations remain relatively low at 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively, mirroring regional figures of 0.1% and 0.5%.

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

The median age in Kelso is 34 years, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kelso has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 at 14.6%, but fewer residents aged 65-74 at 8.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.6% to 14.7% of Kelso's population, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 17.2% to 14.7%. By 2041, Kelso is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 33%, adding 535 people and reaching a total of 2,178 from the previous figure of 1,642. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.