Kirwan - East
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Kirwan - East's population is approximately 7,910 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 217 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,693. The growth is inferred from the 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, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For Kirwan - East's SA2 area, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so 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. Examining future population trends, projections indicate a decline of 2 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase 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, two approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has accommodated an average of 2.5 new residents per year during this period, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $427,000.

This financial year has seen $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. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, although building activity has increased recently. The area's new building activity consists of 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to create 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 a 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eleven projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Willowbank Estate, Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication, and Kirwan Police Complex. The following list details those most likely to be 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, as of June 2025, has an unemployment rate of 11.0%. It has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment, well-represented essential services sectors, and 3,271 residents in work.

The unemployment rate is 7.1% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is lower at 55.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particular specialization 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 the regional 4.5%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0%, and employment declined by 5.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and a labour force expansion of 2.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) 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 growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Kirwan - East had a median taxpayer income of $47,740 and an average income of $54,149. These figures are lower than the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income in Kirwan - East is approximately $54,419 by September 2025, with average income at around $61,724. Census data from 2021 indicates incomes in Kirwan - East fall between the 20th and 24th percentiles nationally. In this area, 29.9% of individuals (2,365 people) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

Kirwan - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

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 81.3% houses and 18.7% 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 $1,517 and Australia's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $273, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (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. Kirwan - East is anchored by Kirwan State High School, serving 1,877 students as of a recent count. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions, with secondary education dominating (1 school) while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (23.7 places per 100 residents vs 16.7 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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 in operation. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 4 individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 528.

Residents have good access to public transportation, with an average distance of 218 meters to the nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes is 75 trips per day on average, which translates to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kirwan - East faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, covering around 3,717 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 53.3% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 10.9% and 9.7% of residents respectively.

However, 59.8% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 67.8%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20%, or 1,585 people, than Rest of Qld's 14.9%. Health outcomes among seniors broadly align with the general population's health profile.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 86.3% citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.3%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.7%. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.1%), Australian (27.0%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 5.0%. Filipino (1.8%) and Maori (0.6%) populations were also slightly higher than regional averages of 1.1% and 0.5%, respectively.

Kirwan - East's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Kirwan - East is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but inline with Australia's 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 14.4% of the population, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.7%, lower than Rest of Qld. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group grew from 13.0% to 14.4%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 11.6% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 11.8% to 10.5%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Kirwan - East, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow by 21% (218 people), reaching 1,240 from 1,021. Conversely, the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.