Kilkivan

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kilkivan's population is around 3,925 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 137 people (3.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,788 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,913 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 63.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 457 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kilkivan according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Kilkivan has seen around 17 new homes approved annually, totalling 88 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $223,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $4.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Kilkivan records roughly half the building activity per person while it places among the 57th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 271 people per approval, Kilkivan reflects a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Kilkivan will gain 445 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Kilkivan has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Woolooga Solar Farm, Lower Wonga Solar Farm (Proposed), EQUIS Lower Wonga (Woolooga) BESS, and Curra Town Centre Development, 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.

The labour market in Kilkivan demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Kilkivan has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 4.0%, and 8.5% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,914 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.7% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 21.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 5.5 times the regional average. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 10.6% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.5% while the labour force increased by 8.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kilkivan. 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 Kilkivan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Kilkivan SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Kilkivan SA2's median income among taxpayers is $40,562 and the average income stands at $52,499, compared to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $44,582 (median) and $57,702 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Kilkivan all fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 28.4% of the community (1,114 individuals), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Kilkivan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kilkivan was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 50.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (16.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Kilkivan's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.5% of all households, comprising 23.3% couples with children, 36.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Kilkivan 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 (12.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Kilkivan are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Kilkivan, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,817 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.3 and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 61.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.3% of residents aged 65 and over (993 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.4% of its population being citizens, 89.7% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kilkivan is Christianity, which makes up 54.4% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kilkivan are English, comprising 33.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, and Scottish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.0% of Kilkivan (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.6% (vs 3.9%) and Irish at 8.3% (vs 8.2%).

Kilkivan ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kilkivan's median age of 50 years is materially older than Regional Qld's 41 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (17.0%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.0%) than in Regional Qld. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.0% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 18.2% to 17.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Kilkivan's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 95 people (30%) from 314 to 410. In contrast, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 50.