Rothwell - Kippa-Ring

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rothwell - Kippa-Ring's population is around 17,753 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 368 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,385 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,628 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 116 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,153 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying 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, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 509 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Rothwell - Kippa-Ring has seen around 42 new homes approved each year, totalling 213 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26296 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $191,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $27.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rothwell - Kippa-Ring has significantly less development activity (72.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 74.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 939 people per dwelling approval, Rothwell - Kippa-Ring reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Rothwell - Kippa-Ring is expected to grow by 384 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Rothwell - Kippa-Ring has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 46 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Thyme Lifestyle Resort Rothwell (formerly Grace Living Rothwell), Kippa-Ring Innovation Precinct, Peninsula Private Hospital Redevelopment, and Kippa-Ring Train Station Precinct, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Rothwell - Kippa-Ring recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Rothwell - Kippa-Ring has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and 4.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,839 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (56.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 4.7% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.0% alongside the labour force increasing by 3.9%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rothwell - Kippa-Ring. 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 Rothwell - Kippa-Ring's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Rothwell - Kippa-Ring SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Rothwell - Kippa-Ring SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,519 and the average income stands at $56,823, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane's of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,525 (median) and $62,454 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring all fall between the 16th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 30.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,432 residents), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

Rothwell - Kippa-Ring is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Rothwell - Kippa-Ring, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 74.1% houses and 26.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Rothwell - Kippa-Ring was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 32.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Rothwell - Kippa-Ring's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Rothwell - Kippa-Ring has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.6% of all households, comprising 25.6% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.4%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.1%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 65 active transport stops operating within Rothwell - Kippa-Ring comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 40 individual routes, collectively providing 3,999 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 276 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 5% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 571 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 61 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Rothwell - Kippa-Ring, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~8,450 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7% and 10.2% of residents, respectively, while 58.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 26.4% of residents aged 65 and over (4,692 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Rothwell - Kippa-Ring records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rothwell - Kippa-Ring was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.3% of its population being citizens, 77.4% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring is Christianity, which makes up 53.3% of people in the area. This compares to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring are English, comprising 30.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Rothwell - Kippa-Ring (vs 1.1% regionally), Samoan at 1.3% (vs 0.9%) and New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 1.0%).

Rothwell - Kippa-Ring's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 44-year median age in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring is considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (11.0%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.9%) than in Greater Brisbane. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.9% to 11.0% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.3% to 8.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 576 people (29%) from 1,958 to 2,535. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.