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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kilcoy's population is around 6,304 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 505 people (8.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,799 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,107 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 224 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Kilcoy's 8.7% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 94.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,170 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Kilcoy has averaged around 50 new dwelling approvals per year, with 250 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 63 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $316,000. Additionally, $26.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Kilcoy has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 84th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 116 people per dwelling approval, Kilcoy shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Kilcoy will gain 973 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Somerset Dam Improvement Project, Queensland Supergrid South, D'Aguilar Highway Safety Improvements, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, 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.

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

Kilcoy possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and 4.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,229 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 3.9 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 1.9% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.7% while the labour force increased by 4.2%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kilcoy. 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 Kilcoy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.3% over five years and 10.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Kilcoy SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,710 with the average level standing at $59,367. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,339 (median) and $65,250 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Kilcoy all fall between the 22nd and 26th percentiles nationally. The data shows 29.5% of the population (1,859 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. After housing, 85.1% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Kilcoy, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.9% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kilcoy was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 41.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (21.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Kilcoy's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.6% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.5 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.6%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 8 active transport stops operating within Kilcoy, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 24 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 7601 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 13.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 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 reveals substantial challenges facing Kilcoy, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,051 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3% and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 65.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,526 people), which is higher than the 15.2% 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.2% of its population born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Kilcoy is Christianity, which makes up 57.7% of people in Kilcoy, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kilcoy are English, comprising 30.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 23.2%, and Filipino, comprising 7.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.6% of Kilcoy (vs 4.2% regionally), Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.9%) and Korean at 0.3% (vs 0.5%).

Kilcoy hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The 44-year median age in Kilcoy is considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.8%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.9%) than in Greater Brisbane. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 8.8% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 14.3% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 8.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.7% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Kilcoy's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 335 people (60%) from 557 to 893. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.