Kirwan - West

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kirwan - West's population is around 15,212 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 268 people (1.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,944 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,209 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,628 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 659 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 422 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Kirwan - West is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Kirwan - West has averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 26 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $366,000. Additionally, $22.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Kirwan - West records markedly lower building activity (92.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 2782 people per dwelling approval, Kirwan - West reflects a highly mature market.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Kirwan - West may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Kirwan - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Willowbank Estate, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive) Upgrade, and North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The employment environment in Kirwan - West shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kirwan - West possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.4%. As of December 2025, 7,969 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 4.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.3% of Kirwan - West's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force increased by 0.2% while employment declined by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kirwan - West. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kirwan - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Kirwan - West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $65,771, with an average of $74,298. This is above the national average, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $72,289 (median) and $81,661 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kirwan - West cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 40.1% of residents (6,100 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Kirwan - West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Kirwan - West was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 26.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.3%) or rented (33.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Kirwan - West's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Kirwan - West features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 78.1% of all households, comprising 32.9% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Kirwan - West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 28 active transport stops operating within Kirwan - West, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,296 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 330 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 4.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 185 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Kirwan - West, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~8,533 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.5% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 67.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,351 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Kirwan - West was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.7% of its population born in Australia, 90.3% being citizens, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kirwan - West is Christianity, which makes up 58.2% of people in Kirwan - West, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kirwan - West are Australian, comprising 28.5% of the population, English, comprising 27.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.4% of Kirwan - West (vs 3.9% regionally), Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.8%) and German at 3.9% (vs 4.7%).

Kirwan - West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Kirwan - West's median age is significantly below the Regional Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (14.8% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (4.9%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.4% to 4.9% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.4% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.7% to 12.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Kirwan - West's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 12%, adding 254 residents to reach 2,316. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 55% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 35 to 44 cohorts.