Kilcoy
Statistical Area - sa2

Kilcoy lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Kilcoy's population is approximately 6,269 as of August 2025. Between the 2021 Census and this date, the population increased by 470 people, representing an 8.1% growth. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 5,799. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,107 in June 2024 and the addition of 202 validated new addresses since the Census date. Kilcoy's population density is around 2.2 persons per square kilometer. The town's population growth rate of 8.1% since the census is close to the national average of 8.6%.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, with interstate migration and natural growth also being positive factors. AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 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 released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Kilcoy's population is projected to increase by 1,170 persons, representing a 16.1% total increase over the 17-year period.

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

Kilcoy has averaged approximately 33 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, showing 169 homes over the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, and 19 so far in FY26. On average, 1.4 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY20 and FY25, indicating a balance between supply and demand with stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $342,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

There have been $26.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kilcoy records around 65% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 84th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction consists of approximately 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

The location has around 116 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Projections indicate Kilcoy is expected to grow by 1,008 residents through to 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without significant price pressure.

Kilcoy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Waraba (Caboolture West) New Regional City, Queensland Supergrid South, Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, and D'Aguilar Highway Safety Improvements. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Kilcoy ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Kilcoy's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% as of June 2025.

The area has seen a 10.5% employment growth in the past year. Kilcoy's unemployment rate is below Greater Brisbane's at 4.1%, but workforce participation lags at 55.5%. Leading industries include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 3.9 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employ only 1.9% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 10.5%, labour force grew by 8.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% with a 0.4 percentage point reduction in unemployment. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, and employment grew by 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kilcoy's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.3% over five years and 10.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Kilcoy's median taxpayer income is $47,780 and average is $55,133, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages. In comparison, Greater Brisbane has a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. By March 2025, estimates suggest Kilcoy's median income will be approximately $53,375 and the average $61,589, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Kilcoy fall between the 23rd and 26th percentiles nationally. The income bracket $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 29.5% of residents (1,849 people). After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Kilcoy, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.9% houses and 2.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 97.6% houses and 2.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilcoy was 41.9%, similar to Brisbane metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were at 36.8% and rented ones at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kilcoy was $1,517, lower than the Brisbane metro average of $1,715. Median weekly rent in Kilcoy was $330, compared to Brisbane metro's $340. Nationally, Kilcoy's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 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 has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 15.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - 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. Kilcoy's five schools have a combined enrollment of 845 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 962) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced, with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 13.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 9.7, indicating Kilcoy serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows eight active stops in Kilcoy, operated by buses. These stops are served by one route, offering 24 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport access is rated limited, with residents typically located 7601 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Kilcoy with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 48% (about 2,984 people). Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are most prevalent in the area, affecting 10.3% and 7.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Greater Brisbane. Kilcoy has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 23.6% (1,482 people), compared to 20.8% in Greater Brisbane.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Kilcoy was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kilcoy's population shows higher 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%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 51.2%. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.3%), Australian (29.3%), and Filipino (7.6%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 5.4%. Samoan ancestry is also slightly higher at 0.3%, up from the region's 0.2%. Korean ancestry stands out at 0.3%, similarly higher than the regional average of 0.2%.

Kilcoy hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 those aged 65-74 years make up 14.0% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years constitute only 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 6.1% to 8.1%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 12.7% to 11.1%, and the share of those aged 25 to 34 has dropped from 11.0% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Kilcoy's age structure. The number of people aged 75 to 84 is projected to rise by 384 individuals (76%), from 508 to 893. Notably, the combined population of those aged 65 and above will account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting Kilcoy's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the populations of those aged 0 to 4 years and 5 to 14 years are expected to decrease.