Kelso

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kelso's population is around 11,214 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 531 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,683 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,210 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 110 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 65 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kelso's 5.0% growth since the census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 79.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,609 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.3% in total 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 around 24 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 123 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 2.8 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $210,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $410,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Kelso has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 17th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 935 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Kelso adding 1,605 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Kelso has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the 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 list below detailing those likely to be of 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.

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

Kelso possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 6.8%. As of December 2025, 5,123 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.8% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (61.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with 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 appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increasing by 0.1% combined with employment decreasing by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kelso. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kelso's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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 FY-23, the Kelso SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,788 with the average level standing at $62,330. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,317 (median) and $68,507 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kelso, between the 43rd and 44th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 38.0% of the population (4,261 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining, 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

Dwelling structure within Kelso, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.0% houses and 1.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kelso was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 23.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.8%) or rented (32.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Kelso's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.7% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (34.1%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 16 active transport stops operating within Kelso, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 241 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 687 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 4.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Kelso, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions, particularly among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,651 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.1 and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 64.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,523 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.3% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kelso is Christianity, which makes up 51.4% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kelso are Australian, comprising 29.4% of the population, English, comprising 27.8% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is represented at 3.9% of Kelso (vs 4.7% regionally), Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.2%) and Maori at 0.5% (vs 0.8%).

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

The 34-year median age in Kelso is notably under Regional Qld's average of 41 and also substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, Kelso has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (14.8%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (8.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.6% to 15.1% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.2% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 17.2% to 14.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. By 2041, Kelso is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 28% (482 people), reaching 2,178 from 1,695. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.