Kilkivan
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kilkivan reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Kilkivan's population was approximately 3,914 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 126 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,788 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,914 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Interstate migration primarily drove Kilkivan's population growth, contributing approximately 63.2% 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 by this data 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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Kilkivan's population is expected to increase by approximately 457 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of about 11.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kilkivan recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Kilkivan has seen approximately 17 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 88 approvals across the past five financial years from FY2021 to FY2025, with an additional four so far in FY2026. Over these five years, an average of 1.9 new residents arrived per new home approved, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings was $349,000 during this period, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers.

In FY2026, commercial approvals totalling $4.2 million have been registered, reflecting Kilkivan's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kilkivan has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 57th percentile nationally among assessed areas. Recent building activity consists exclusively of detached dwellings, maintaining Kilkivan's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space, as reflected by the figure of around 271 people per approval.

Looking ahead, Kilkivan is projected to grow by 456 residents by the year 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Kilkivan has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Woolooga Solar Farm, Lower Wonga Solar Farm (Proposed), EQUIS Lower Wonga (Woolooga) BESS, and Curra Town Centre Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Kilkivan remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Kilkivan has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.2% in June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.2%. As of June 2025, 1,872 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 47.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 5.5 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance employed just 10.6% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 6.2%, while labour force increased by 7.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to Sep-25 showed QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lagged the national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggested that while national employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, local growth in Kilkivan could be approximately 5.0%% over five years and 11.2% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Kilkivan's median income among taxpayers was $38,675 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $48,127 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $43,204 as of March 2025, with average income estimated at $53,763 during the same period. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Kilkivan fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $400 - $799 captures 28.4% of Kilkivan's community (1,111 individuals), unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Kilkivan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilkivan stood at 50.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 16.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,326. Median weekly rent in Kilkivan was $200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $290 and significantly below the national average of $375 for mortgage repayments and $284 for rents.

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

Family households constitute 68.5% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 36.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 31.5%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is high at 26.8%, including primary education (10.6%), secondary education (10.2%), and tertiary education (2.0%). Kilkivan's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 338 students, with varied educational conditions across the area. The educational mix includes 2 primary and 2 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 8.6, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Kilkivan faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 46% of Kilkivan's total population (~1,800 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in Kilkivan are arthritis (affecting 11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (9.1%). About 61.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 60.3%. As of a specific date or study period, Kilkivan has 25.4% of its population aged 65 and over (993 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Kilkivan are above average and better than those of the general population in terms of health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Kilkivan placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kilkivan's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.4% of its population being citizens, 89.7% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kilkivan, comprising 54.4% of people, compared to 50.4% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups based on country of birth of parents are English (33.6%), Australian (31.7%), and Scottish (9.3%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 6.0%, compared to 5.8% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is at 3.6% (vs 3.0%) and Irish is at 8.3% (vs 8.4%).

Kilkivan ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kilkivan's median age of 50 years is significantly older than Rest of Qld's 41 and higher than Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.4% of the population, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 7.7%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-Census data shows that from 2021 onwards, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.0% to 10.2%, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.9% to 10.4%. Additionally, the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 18.2% to 16.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Kilkivan's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 108 people (36%) from 301 to 410. Conversely, the numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 43.