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

Rothwell-Kippa-Ring's population was approximately 17,385 as per the 2021 Census. By November 2025, this figure had risen to around 17,753, an increase of 368 people (2.1%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates; the population was 17,628 in June 2024 and there were 79 new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density as of November 2025 was approximately 1,153 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth.

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 post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 509 persons, reflecting a total increase of 2.2% 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 approximately 42 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 213 homes. As of FY-26, 56 approvals have been recorded. The population has decreased during this period, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice while new properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $191,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $27.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rothwell-Kippa-Ring has significantly less development activity, 72.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is also lower than the national level, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% attached dwellings, with a shift towards compact living offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This reflects a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 74.0% houses, due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 939 people per dwelling approval, Rothwell-Kippa-Ring reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Rothwell-Kippa-Ring is expected to grow by 384 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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 47thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. AreaSearch identified 45 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Thyme Lifestyle Resort Rothwell (previously Grace Living Rothwell), Kippa-Ring Train Station Precinct, Redcliffe Hospital Mental Health Unit, and Kippa-Ring Innovation Precinct. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 landscape in Rothwell - Kippa-Ring shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Rothwell-Kippa Ring has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 8.6% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 7,947 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Brisbane's at 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.6%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, while professional & technical services employ only 4.7% of local workers compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 8.6%, and labour force grew by 5.7%, reducing unemployment by 2.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rothwell-Kippa Ring's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% 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

The Rothwell-Kippa Ring SA2 had lower than average incomes nationally in financial year 2022. Its median taxpayer income was $47,605 and the average was $54,041. Greater Brisbane's figures were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Rothwell-Kippa Ring's median income will be approximately $54,265 and average income $61,601, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since 2022. The 2021 Census showed Rothwell-Kippa Ring incomes ranked between the 16th and 20th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis revealed that the largest segment, 30.6%, earned $1,500-$2,999 weekly (5,432 residents), similar to surrounding regions at 33.3%. Housing affordability was severe 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Rothwell-Kippa Ring, as per the latest Census, consists of 74.1% houses and 26.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metropolitan area has 68.2% houses and 31.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rothwell-Kippa Ring is similar to that of Brisbane metro, with 32.6%. The remaining dwellings are either mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,625, below the Brisbane metro average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure is recorded at $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $350. Nationally, Rothwell-Kippa Ring's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households are prevalent, accounting for 68.6% of all households. They consist of 25.6% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.4%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.3.

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, 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 good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Rothwell-Kippa-Ring has 66 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 34 individual routes, facilitating 4,099 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 274 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency stands at 585 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 62 weekly trips per 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% (~8,343 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Brisbane's 51.3% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (10.2%).

Conversely, 58.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 59.7%. The area has 25.7% (4,567 people) of residents aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Brisbane's 28.2%. Senior health outcomes largely align with the general population's profile.

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 aligns with the broader region, with 86.3% citizens, 77.4% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 53.3%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 52.8%. The top three ancestral groups are English (30.9%), Australian (26.7%), and Irish (7.8%).

Notably, Maori (1.9%) and Samoan (1.3%) populations exceed regional averages of 1.4% and 0.7%, respectively, while New Zealand's representation is similar at 1.2%.

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

The median age in Rothwell-Kippa-Ring is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's average of 38 years. In the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group constituted 10.5% of the population in Rothwell-Kippa-Ring, compared to Greater Brisbane. The 25-34 age group made up 9.4%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Brisbane. Post-Census data shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 8.9% to 10.5% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort declined from 10.3% to 9.4%. By 2041, the population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Rothwell-Kippa-Ring. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 35%, reaching 2,535 people from 1,871. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.