Kilcoy

Population growth drivers in Kilcoy are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Kilcoy's population is 6,304 as of Feb 2026. This is an increase of 505 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,799. The change was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,107 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since then. Kilcoy's population density is 2.2 persons per square kilometer. Its growth rate of 8.7% since the Census compares favorably with the national average of 9.9%. Overseas migration contributed most to Kilcoy's population increase, accounting for approximately 94.8% of gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area until 2032, after which Queensland State Government projections are used. Future trends suggest above median growth; the area is projected to have a population of 7,474 by 2041, an increase of 15.4% over 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kilcoy when compared nationally

Kilcoy averaged approximately 50 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 250 homes were approved, with an additional 55 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

This balance between supply and demand has created stable market conditions, with new homes being constructed at an average expected cost of $316,000. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $26.8 million, indicating steady investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kilcoy has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 84th percentile nationally for new dwelling approvals.

The majority of new developments consist of detached houses (98%), preserving Kilcoy's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 116 people moving to the area for each dwelling approved, Kilcoy exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kilcoy is projected to gain around 973 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Kilcoy has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Somerset Dam Improvement Project, Queensland Supergrid South, D'Aguilar Highway Safety Improvements, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025. 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Kilcoy performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Kilcoy's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors dominate, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 8.1%.

There are 3,256 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 63.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Home working stands at 13.9%, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key industries are manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance.

Manufacturing employment share is 3.9 times the regional level. Professional & technical jobs have limited presence at 1.9% compared to 8.9% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 8.1%, labour force by 6.3%, reducing unemployment by 1.7 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane, employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kilcoy's industry mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.3% over five years and 10.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Kilcoy SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $46,710 and an average income of $59,367 in the financial year 2023. These figures are lower than national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 for Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on a 9.91% increase since FY2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,339 (median) and $65,250 (average). The 2021 Census places Kilcoy's household, family, and personal incomes between the 22nd and 26th percentiles nationally. In Kilcoy, 29.5% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

Kilcoy is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kilcoy's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.9% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilcoy was at 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented ones at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Kilcoy was $330, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Kilcoy's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kilcoy has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.6% of all households, including 27.1% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.4%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 30.4%. Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.5% in primary, 10.4% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kilcoy has eight operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by one route in total, facilitating 24 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents located an average of 7601 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (93%). The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.8, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 13.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kilcoy is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kilcoy faces substantial health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,051 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.3%) and mental health issues (7.9%). Conversely, 65.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Kilcoy has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,526 people), higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane.

In terms of cultural diversity, Kilcoy records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kilcoy's cultural diversity was above average, with 21.2% born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kilcoy at 57.7%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.3%), Australian (29.3%), which was higher than the regional average of 23.2%, and Filipino (7.6%), also higher than the regional average of 1.2%.

Notably, German (5.6%) was overrepresented compared to the regional figure of 4.2%, as were Samoan (0.3% vs 0.9%) and Korean (0.3% vs 0.5%).

Kilcoy hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Kilcoy is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 13.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.9%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of those aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.1% to 8.8%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has increased from 14.3% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 11.0% to 8.9%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.7% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kilcoy's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 335 people (60%) from 557 to 893. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting Kilcoy's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.