Kingston (Qld)

Kingston is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Kingston's population was approximately 11,180 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 809 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,371. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,172 in June 2025 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,641 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kingston's growth rate of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth, with the area expected to grow by 336 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 2.9% over the 16 years.

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

Kingston has received approximately 32 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 160 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has attracted 2.4 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost for new homes is $202,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

In the current financial year, $28.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Kingston's development levels per capita are similar to Greater Brisbane, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, recent activity has moderated and is below national averages, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. New developments consist of 70% detached houses and 30% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With approximately 481 people per dwelling approval, Kingston is an established area with population forecasts indicating a gain of 328 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Kingston has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 43 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, Water and Wastewater Capital Works Program, INNOVA Shailer Park at 7-9 Knobel Court, and Loganlea Road Upgrade. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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Employment conditions in Kingston face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kingston has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 13.0% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%.

In December 2025, 4,064 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 8.9%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation in Kingston was lower at 55.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. Only 6.1% of residents worked from home according to Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have affected this figure. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with a particularly high concentration in manufacturing at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical employment was limited at 2.8%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9% while the labour force decreased by 1.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 3.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw an increase in employment (3.2%), labour force growth (3.0%), and a smaller decrease in unemployment (0.1%). National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kingston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not consider local population projections.

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

The Kingston SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kingston SA2 is $42,885 and the average income stands at $45,921. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's median income is $58,236 and average income is $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kingston SA2 would be approximately $47,757 (median) and $51,138 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Kingston all fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.2% of the population, equating to 3,488 individuals, fall within the $800 - $1,499 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kingston SA2, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Kingston's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingston was at 21.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.8% and rented ones at 52.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kingston was $1,322, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Weekly rent in Kingston averaged $315, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Kingston's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kingston features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 70.9% of all households, including 27.3% couples with children, 17.5% couples without children, and 23.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 4.9%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.3%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 30.8%. Educational participation is high, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.5% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Kingston has 58 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 28 routes, collectively facilitating 2,362 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 202 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outward, with car being the primary mode at 89%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency stands at 337 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kingston is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Kingston faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,187 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.2%) and mental health issues (10.1%), while 65.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane.

Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,479 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Kingston was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kingston's population shows significant cultural diversity, with 29.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kingston, comprising 47.4% of its population. Notably, Islam is overrepresented compared to the Greater Brisbane average, making up 9.1% of Kingston's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (22.2%), Other (21.1%), and Australian (20.6%). There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan at 5.0%, Maori at 3.1%, and New Zealand at 1.2%, all higher than their respective regional averages.

Kingston hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Kingston's median age is 32 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kingston has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.1%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 75-84 increased from 3.5% to 4.8%, while those aged 5-14 rose from 15.3% to 16.4%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 25-34 decreased from 15.8% to 14.3%, and those aged 45-54 dropped from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Kingston's age profile. The population aged 85+ is expected to grow substantially, increasing by 239 people (181%), from 131 to 371. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting Kingston's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age cohorts of 5-14 and 0-4 years.