Kirwan - East

Kirwan - East has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Kirwan - East's population was approximately 7,910 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 217 people, a 2.8% rise from the 2021 Census which recorded 7,693 inhabitants. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 7,910 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,247 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.2% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends show a projected decline of 2 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are anticipated to grow by 266 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Kirwan - East, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Kirwan - East has averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 29 homes. As of FY-26 to date, two approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.5 new residents per dwelling has been observed between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $427,000.

This financial year, there have also been $3.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kirwan - East shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 82.0% below the regional average per person. Limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although building activity has increased in recent years. This is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 84.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 2175 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market with stable or declining population expected in the future, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Kirwan - East should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Kirwan - East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK), Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Willowbank Estate, and Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Kirwan - East has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. It specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 0.9% compared to 4.5% regionally. As of September 2025, 3,174 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 11.3%. This is 7.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags at 55.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, employment declined by 3.3%, raising unemployment by 2.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kirwan - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Kirwan - East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,882 and an average level of $56,350. This was lower than the national average, which stood at $53,146 in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $54,825 (median) and $61,934 (average). From the 2021 Census, incomes in Kirwan - East fell between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The data showed that 29.9% of the population (2,365 individuals) had incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Kirwan - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirwan - East was 29.0%, with the remainder either mortgaged (33.9%) or rented (37.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and Australia's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $273, substantially lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.

Kirwan - East has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 67.8% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 17.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 30.6%. Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Kirwan - East indicates that there are currently 28 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 4 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 528 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in this residential area is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 218 meters from their nearest transport stop. As most residents commute outward from Kirwan - East, the car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.3, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect conditions related to COVID-19. The service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kirwan - East faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% (~3,757 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions in the area, affecting 10.9% and 9.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,593 people). Health outcomes among seniors are generally in line with national rankings.

Kirwan - East ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kirwan-East was found to have a below-average cultural diversity, with 86.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home, as of the 2016 Census. The predominant religion in Kirwan-East is Christianity, which comprises 56.3% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the Rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (27.1%), Australian (27.0%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have differing representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 7.8%, Filipino at 1.8%, and Maori at 0.6%.

Kirwan - East's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Kirwan - East is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but in line with Australia's 38 years. The 15-24 age group represents 14.5% of the population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25-34 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.4%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.8% to 10.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for Kirwan - East indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 17 people, reaching 1,240 from 1,057. Conversely, the 65-74 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.