Kingaroy
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Kingaroy's population is approximately 11,018 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 473 people from the 2021 Census count of 10,545 individuals. The estimated resident population of 11,009 in June 2024, along with an additional 72 validated new addresses since the census date, supports this growth inference. This results in a population density ratio of 157 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial space per person and potential for further development. Kingaroy's population growth rate of 4.5% since the Census places it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.0%. This demonstrates competitive growth fundamentals.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 44.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration 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 beyond 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for national regional areas. Kingaroy is expected to grow by 1,539 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 13.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Kingaroy has recorded approximately 18 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 94 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY-20 and FY-25, including 20 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, around 3.4 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five financial years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $515,000, in line with regional trends. There has been $72.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Kingaroy has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 50th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent construction comprises 91.0% detached dwellings and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 336 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections show Kingaroy adding 1,530 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Kingaroy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 14 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include South Burnett Renewable Energy Hub, Hillview Estate, Kingaroy Solar Farm, and Kingaroy Youth Park Redevelopment: Stage 1. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

The employment landscape in Kingaroy shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Kingaroy has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and estimated employment growth of 6.6% in the past year (as of June 2025). The unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, with workforce participation at 55.3%.

Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment is particularly high at 2.5 times the regional level, while professional & technical services employ only 2.4% locally compared to Rest of Qld's 5.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, employment increased by 6.6%, labour force by 7.6%, raising unemployment by 0.9 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% with a 0.2 increase in unemployment. Statewide (QLD), Sep-25 data shows employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National comparisons show QLD lagging slightly behind national employment growth and unemployment rates. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to grow by 6.6% in five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Kingaroy's mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Kingaroy has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $44,409 and the average is $52,756. In contrast, Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Kingaroy as of March 2025 would be approximately $49,609 (median) and $58,934 (average). Census 2021 data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Kingaroy fall between the 17th and 22nd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 28.5% of Kingaroy's population (3,140 individuals), similar to the region where 31.7% fall into this band. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains in Kingaroy, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

Kingaroy is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kingaroy's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingaroy stood at 33.7%, with mortgaged properties at 28.9% and rented dwellings at 37.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,083. Weekly rent in Kingaroy was recorded at $262, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. Nationally, Kingaroy's median monthly mortgage repayment was significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kingaroy features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.0% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for 34.0%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Kingaroy 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 14.6%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, including primary education (11.0%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (2.3%). Kingaroy's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,694 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 954, indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. Kingaroy functions as an education hub with 24.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Kingaroy 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 47% (~5,145 people) of Kingaroy's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.6% and 10.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 59.4% across the rest of Queensland. Kingaroy has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.4% (2,252 people), compared to the rest of Queensland's 26.8%. The health outcomes among seniors in Kingaroy are generally aligned with those of the overall population.

Kingaroy is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kingaroy's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (88.5%), and speaking English only at home (94.5%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Kingaroy, comprising 54.8% of the population, compared to 56.4% across the Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.2%), English (30.0%), and German (8.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 4.3%, New Zealanders at 0.7%, and Maori at 0.5% compared to regional averages of 6.0%, 0.5%, and 0.3% respectively.

Kingaroy's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Kingaroy is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but consistent with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 15.1%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 10.1%, lower than Rest of Qld. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group grew from 13.4% to 15.1%, and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.5% to 12.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Kingaroy. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 29%, reaching 2,137 people from 1,659, while the 15-24 cohort is expected to decline by 112 people.