Kalinga

Kalinga has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Kalinga's population is estimated at around 2,260 based on ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This reflects an increase of 116 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,144. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,224 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,378 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Kalinga has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.0% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the state. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 479 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 24.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kalinga according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Between FY-21 and FY-25, Kalinga had approximately 1 dwelling receiving development approval per year, totalling around 5 homes. In FY-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of about 38 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kalinga has significantly less development activity, being 94.0% below the regional average per person. Recent development has been entirely comprised of townhouses or apartments, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 90.0% houses. Population forecasts indicate Kalinga will gain around 554 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.

Population forecasts indicate Kalinga will gain 554 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Kalinga has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Greville, Clayfield Development Aggregate, Clayfield Villagio Shopping Centre Revitalisation, and 12-14 Figgis Street Townhouses. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Kalinga well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Kalinga has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.9%. The unemployment rate in Kalinga is 1.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Kalinga is 67.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Major employment sectors are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Professional & technical employment is particularly notable at 2.1 times the regional average. Retail trade employs only 6.1% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 9.4%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels in Kalinga increased by 3.9%, while labour force increased by 3.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kalinga's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 7.6% over five years and 15.3% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Kalinga's median taxpayer income was $68,515 and average was $96,413 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $78,100 and average around $109,901, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows Kalinga's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 99th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 46.9% of locals (1,059 people) earn over $4,000 weekly, contrasting with the region where the majority fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 33.3%. A substantial 56.0% of residents exceed $3,000 weekly income, indicating strong purchasing power. After housing costs, residents retain 89.2% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Kalinga's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kalinga was 34.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.0% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,033, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Kalinga was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $410. Nationally, Kalinga's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.2% of all households, including 49.6% who are couples with children, 22.0% who are couples without children, and 7.1% who are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.8%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2.

Kalinga demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Kalinga's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 53.3% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. The area's highest qualification type is bachelor degrees at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.5%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 10.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 12.0% in secondary education, and 7.6% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Kalinga has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three routes that together offer 477 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 117 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 68 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kalinga's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Kalinga, with younger cohorts particularly experiencing very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (1,478 people), compared to 71.3% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.8 and 6.2% of residents respectively, while 74.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 73.7% across Greater Brisbane.

As of 2021, 12.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (277 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Kalinga's cultural diversity was below average, with 79.5% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Kalinga, comprising 59.3%, compared to 45.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestral groups were English (28.2%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (11.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.8%, compared to 8.7% regionally, as was German ancestry at 4.7% versus 4.0%. New Zealand ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

Kalinga's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Kalinga is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kalinga has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (17.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.3%). This 5-14 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 18.3% to 17.3%. By the year 2041, Kalinga's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 29%, increasing from 379 to 490 people. Meanwhile, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are anticipated to decrease in numbers.