Kirwan - East

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

As of May 2026, Kirwan - East's population is approximately 7961. This figure represents an increase of 268 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7693 people. The growth from June 2025's estimated resident population of 7924, as per the ABS, and address validation confirms this rise. With a density ratio of 2261 persons per square kilometer, Kirwan - East's population exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Examining future trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 47 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25-34 age group projected to increase by 202 individuals.

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 so far, two approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.5 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $427,000.

This financial year has seen $3.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kirwan - East exhibits significantly reduced construction activity, with 82.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although building activity has increased in recent years. This is also under 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, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to provide more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 84.0% houses. The location has approximately 2175 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Kirwan - East should experience 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 affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects that could impact the area. Major projects include Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Willowbank Estate, Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication, and Townsville University Hospital Expansion. 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 Kirwan - East face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kirwan - East has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key industries 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 December 2025, 3,129 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 11.3%. Workforce participation lags at 55.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 4.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally, with a lower Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.0%, employment declined by 3.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7% and labour force expand by 1.0%, with a smaller unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Kirwan - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,882 and an average income of $56,350. These figures are lower than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 is approximately $55,549, with average income at $62,751. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Kirwan - East fall between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999 are reported by 29.9% of the population (2,380 individuals), consistent with surrounding regions at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile.

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, consisted of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirwan - East was at 29.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented ones at 37.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $273, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Kirwan - East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 consist of 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 Regional Queensland average.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.4% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 4.0% in 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 transportation in Kirwan - East shows 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 to the area. Collectively, these routes offer 528 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the region is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 218 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting patterns show outward movement, with the car remaining the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, only 4.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages around 75 trips per day, translating 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 assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at around 48% of the total population (~3,781 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.9% and 9.7% of residents respectively. Around 59.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,599 people). Health outcomes among seniors are broadly 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 had a lower cultural diversity, with 86.3% Australian citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 56.3%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.1%), Australian (27.0%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 7.8% (vs regional 3.9%), Filipino at 1.8% (vs 0.9%), and Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.8%).

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

The median age in Kirwan - East is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group makes up 14.1% of the population in Kirwan - East, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage. Conversely, the 55-64 age cohort comprises 10.3%, which is lower compared to Regional Queensland. Post the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 11.6% to 12.7% of Kirwan - East's population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.1%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age group decreased from 11.9% to 10.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 11.8% to 10.6%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Kirwan - East. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 16% (162 people), reaching a total of 1,175 from the current figure of 1,012. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of the total population growth, indicating an aging demographic profile in the area. In contrast, the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.