Kelvin Grove - Herston

Population growth drivers in Kelvin Grove - Herston are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Kelvin Grove - Herston's population was approximately 12,235 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,070 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,165. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,173 in June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,630 persons per square kilometer, placing Kelvin Grove - Herston in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 20.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Kelvin Grove - Herston are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas covered by this data. For areas not covered, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted. 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation, with Kelvin Grove - Herston expected to expand by 3,232 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 25.9% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kelvin Grove - Herston when compared nationally

Kelvin Grove - Herston averaged approximately 21 new dwelling approvals per year. Between Financial Year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25107 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 9.8 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years.

This indicates significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $526,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $155.0 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kelvin Grove - Herston shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 73.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is also below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development primarily consists of townhouses or apartments (85.0%), with detached houses making up 15.0%.

This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, representing a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 34.0% houses. The location has approximately 383 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Looking ahead, Kelvin Grove - Herston is projected to grow by 3,170 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Kelvin Grove - Herston has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 68 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Herston Quarter Redevelopment, Brisbane 2032 Games Venue Infrastructure Program, New Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park Olympic Stadium), and Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Kelvin Grove - Herston maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Kelvin Grove - Herston has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of September 2025, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year. As of this date, 7,732 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was at 75.1%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 23.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area had a particular specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while construction showed lower representation at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 9.0%.

There were 1.9 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force increased by 1.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a similar drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Kelvin Grove - Herston. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kelvin Grove - Herston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though it is noted that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Kelvin Grove - Herston SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $57,530 and an average income of $83,699 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,231 (median) and $91,994 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kelvin Grove - Herston, between the 45th and 50th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 30.9% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (3,780 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Kelvin Grove - Herston features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kelvin Grove - Herston, as per the latest Census, 34.0% of dwellings were houses while 66.0% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelvin Grove - Herston stood at 14.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.6% and rented ones at 64.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,080, higher than Brisbane's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Kelvin Grove - Herston was $400, compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,080 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 than the national figure of $375.

Kelvin Grove - Herston features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 53.8% of all households, including 20.5% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.2%, with lone person households at 30.3% and group households comprising 16.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Kelvin Grove - Herston shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Kelvin Grove - Herston's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 52.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% in Australia. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational pathways account for 20.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 11.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 44.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 24.9% in tertiary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing primary education.

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

Kelvin Grove - Herston has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 40 different routes, collectively providing 6,535 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 136 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 57%, followed by bus at 20% and walking at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 23.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 933 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 121 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kelvin Grove - Herston is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kelvin Grove - Herston faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (7,438 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and 55.7% nationally.

Mental health issues impact 11.2% of residents, while asthma affects 6.5%. A total of 76.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 6.3% of residents aged 65 and over (774 people), lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Kelvin Grove - Herston is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kelvin Grove-Herston has notable cultural diversity, with 31.8% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 40.9% born overseas. Christianity is the primary religion in Kelvin Grove-Herston, comprising 31.6%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented here at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (21.7%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (13.9%). Some ethnicities have notable divergences: French (0.8% vs regional 0.5%), Korean (0.9% vs 0.5%), and Vietnamese (1.5% vs 0.8%) are overrepresented in Kelvin Grove-Herston.

Kelvin Grove - Herston hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Kelvin Grove-Herston's median age is 28 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kelvin Grove-Herston has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (27.9%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.2%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 25.6% to 27.9%, while those aged 25-34 have risen from 23.1% to 24.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 9.5% to 8.3%, and those aged 45-54 have dropped from 10.9% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Kelvin Grove-Herston, with the 15-24 age group projected to grow by 18%, reaching 4,018 residents from the current 3,411.