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 approximately 6,301 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 502 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,799. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,216 in June 2025 and an additional 240 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.2 persons per square kilometer. Kilcoy's population growth of 8.7% since the census is within 0.6 percentage points of the national average (9.3%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 71.3% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the 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 is expected, with the area projected to expand by 1,109 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 16.2% over the 16 years.

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

Kilcoy has received approximately 50 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals around 250 homes from FY-18 to FY-23. As of FY-26, 95 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 people move to Kilcoy each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the housing market. The average construction cost value of new properties is $316,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals worth $26.8 million have been registered, suggesting steady investment activity.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kilcoy records approximately 69% of building activity per capita and ranks in the 84th percentile nationally among assessed areas. The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses (98.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up only 2.0%, reflecting Kilcoy's low density character. This attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 116 people moving in for every dwelling approval, Kilcoy exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kilcoy is projected to gain 1,024 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Kilcoy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 11 such projects that are expected to influence the area. Notable projects include the Somerset Dam Improvement Project, Queensland Supergrid South, D'Aguilar Highway Safety Improvements, and Borumba Pumped Hydro Project. The following list provides details on those projects considered 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.

Kilcoy ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Kilcoy's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%.

The area has 3,229 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 62.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 13.9% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance.

Manufacturing has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 3.9 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 1.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 4.7% while labour force grew by 4.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.2% and a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Kilcoy. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kilcoy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.3% over five years and 10.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Kilcoy SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,710 and an average of $59,367. This is below the national average. Greater Brisbane, in comparison, had a median income of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kilcoy SA2 would be approximately $52,016 (median) and $66,111 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Kilcoy fall between the 22nd and 26th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The distribution data shows that 29.5% of locals (1,858 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains, which ranks 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 $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 comprise 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 account for 27.4%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households making up 3.6%. 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 the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high at 28.6%, with 11.5% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, offering a total of 24 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Kilcoy is limited, with residents located an average of 7601 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.9% of Kilcoy's residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kilcoy faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, with a low rate of private health cover at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,049 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.3 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 65.9% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane.

The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Kilcoy has 23.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,497 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.2% born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kilcoy, accounting for 57.7%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.3%), Australian (29.3%), and Filipino (7.6%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 5.6% in Kilcoy, compared to 4.2% regionally. Samoan and Korean ancestries also show lower representation than the regional averages, at 0.3% each for both groups respectively.

Kilcoy hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Kilcoy is 44 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, comprising 13.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up 9.5%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 8.6%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has increased from 14.3% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.7% to 10.6%, and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 11.0% to 9.5%. 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 332 people (61%) from 540 to 873. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting Kilcoy's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.