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, as of November 2025, is approximately 3917. This figure represents an increase of 129 people from the 2021 Census count of 3788, reflecting a growth rate of 3.4%. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 3913, with an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 63.2% of Kilkivan's recent population growth, although natural growth and overseas migration also contributed positively.

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. However, 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kilkivan is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas by 2041. The latest population numbers indicate an expected increase of 457 persons by that year, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 11.6% 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 over the past five financial years, totalling 88 homes. In FY26 so far, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 people move to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $223,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $4.2 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting Kilkivan's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kilkivan records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 57th percentile nationally for areas assessed. All new construction consists of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

Kilkivan reflects a low density area with around 271 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Kilkivan will gain 453 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects potentially 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.

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.

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

Kilkivan's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with diverse industry representation. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 6.2% in the past year.

As of that date, 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 at 47.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area had a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, 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%. 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. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally, with local growth estimates of 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 in financial year 2022 was $38,675. The average income stood at $48,127. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $44,086 (median) and $54,860 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Kilkivan all fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 28.4% of the community (1,112 individuals). Housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained. However, 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

The latest Census evaluation of Kilkivan's dwelling structures showed 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilkivan was recorded at 50.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 16.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,326. The median weekly rent figure for Kilkivan was $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $290. Nationally, Kilkivan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 the remaining 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 has lower university qualification rates at 12.1%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high at 26.8%, with 10.6% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Kilkivan's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 338 students. The area has varied educational conditions across its schools, which include 2 primary and 2 K-12 institutions. School places per 100 residents are lower at 8.6%, compared to the regional average of 13.8%. Some students may attend schools in nearby 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, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 46% of Kilkivan's total population (~1,801 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (9.1%). Conversely, 61.8% of Kilkivan's residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 60.3%. As of the latest data, 25.4% of Kilkivan's population is aged 65 and over (994 people), with health outcomes among seniors outperforming both local and national averages in various 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. The predominant religion in Kilkivan is Christianity, accounting for 54.4% of the population, compared to 50.4% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Kilkivan are English (33.6%), Australian (31.7%), and Scottish (9.3%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented at 6.0% in Kilkivan versus 5.8% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal and Irish ethnicities have slightly higher representations at 3.6% and 8.3%, respectively, compared to their regional averages of 3.0% and 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 Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up a particularly prominent group at 15.4%, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 7.7%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.2%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.4%. Additionally, the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 18.2% to 16.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Kilkivan's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 108 people (36%) from 301 to 410. Conversely, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 43.