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

As of May 2026, Rothwell-Kippa-Ring's population is approximately 17,572. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census count of 17,385 people, a rise of 187 individuals (1.1%). The estimated resident population in June 2025 was 17,562, with an additional 153 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 1,141 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages observed across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data and years beyond 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Regarding demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally. Rothwell-Kippa-Ring is projected to grow by 393 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 2.2% over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 approximately 42 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25213 homes were approved, with a further 312 approved in FY-26 as of now. Despite population decline during this period, new supply appears to have kept pace with demand, providing buyers with good options.

The average value of new homes is $191,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $27.5 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rothwell-Kippa-Ring has significantly less development activity, with 71.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. The area's development activity is also below the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 48.0% detached houses and 52.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 74.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

With around 939 people per dwelling approval, Rothwell-Kippa-Ring reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate the area will gain approximately 383 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Rothwell - Kippa-Ring has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 44 projects likely influencing the area. Notable projects include Thyme Lifestyle Resort Rothwell (previously Grace Living Rothwell), Kippa-Ring Innovation Precinct, Kippa-Ring Train Station Precinct, and Rothwell Train Station Park 'n' Ride 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 performance in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Rothwell-Kippa-Ring has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented. The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of December 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0%.

As of December 2025, 7839 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation was 57% in Rothwell-Kippa-Ring, lower than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. Home-based workers constituted a low 11% of residents.

Key industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Professional & technical services were under-represented at 4.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4% while unemployment remained broadly flat. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% with a slight fall in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Rothwell - Kippa-Ring SA2 has lower incomes compared to the national average. The median income is $50,519 and the average income is $56,823. In contrast, Greater Brisbane's median income is $58,236 with an average of $72,799. Based on a 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $56,258 (median) and $63,278 (average). Census data shows that Rothwell - Kippa-Ring's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 16th and 20th percentiles nationally. Specifically, 30.6% of the population, equating to 5,377 individuals, earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 33.3% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

In Rothwell-Kippa Ring, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 26.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Brisbane's metropolitan area, which had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rothwell-Kippa Ring stood at 32.6%, with mortgaged properties at 29.4% and rented ones at 38.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Brisbane's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Rothwell-Kippa Ring was $360, compared to Brisbane's $380 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Rothwell-Kippa Ring's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 68.6 percent of all households, including 25.6 percent couples with children, 26.2 percent couples without children, and 15.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.4 percent, with lone person households at 28.1 percent and group households comprising 3.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 14.1%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, with 10.4% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rothwell-Kippa-Ring has 65 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 40 routes, facilitating 3999 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 276 meters to the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward using cars (88%), with trains accounting for 5%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 11% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 571 trips daily 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

Rothwell-Kippa-Ring faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% (around 8,364 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.7% and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 58.7% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 25.9% (4,547 people) aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for 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's cultural diversity is roughly similar to the wider region, with 86.3% of its population being citizens, 77.4% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Rothwell-Kippa Ring, comprising 53.3% of people, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.9%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (7.8%).

Notably, Maori (1.9%) and Samoan (1.3%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Rothwell-Kippa Ring compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively. New Zealanders also make up a slightly higher proportion at 1.2%.

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

The median age in Rothwell-Kippa-Ring is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.7% of the population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 age group makes up 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.7%, and the 25-34 age group has decreased from 10.3% to 9.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Rothwell-Kippa-Ring. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 30%, reaching 2,444 people from 1,881. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.