Kalinga

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kalinga is around 2,195. This reflects an increase of 51 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,144. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,310 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilised. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Kalinga, expected to grow by 401 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.3% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Kalinga has experienced approximately 1 dwelling receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 8 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26.

Despite population decline in the area, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which could be beneficial for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $536,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kalinga records significantly lower building activity, at 90.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though recent construction activity has increased. This level is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development in Kalinga has been entirely comprised of medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 90.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 741 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections show Kalinga adding 401 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kalinga has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified nine potential impact projects: Greville, Clayfield Development Aggregate, Clayfield Villagio Shopping Centre Revitalisation, and 12-14 Figgis Street Townhouses. Key projects are listed below for relevance consideration.

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 labour market in Kalinga demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Kalinga has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,189 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 72.4%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. Census data shows that 34.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Kalinga has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical employment, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, retail trade shows lower representation at 6.1% compared to the regional average of 9.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% while employment declined by 1.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Kalinga. These projections estimate national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kalinga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Kalinga has an exceptionally high national income level according to the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kalinga is $68,515, while the average income stands at $96,413. These figures compare to those of Greater Brisbane, which are $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kalinga's median income would be approximately $76,298 and the average income would be around $107,366 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Kalinga all rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 99th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 46.9% of the population (1,029 individuals) fall within the $40,000+ income range, differing from regional patterns where the $15,000 - $29,999 range dominates with 33.3%. Economic strength is evident in Kalinga through 56.0% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, which supports elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 89.2% of their income, reflecting strong 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, were 89.7% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% 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 was $3,033, surpassing Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Kalinga was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Kalinga's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.8%, with lone person households making up 18.2% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

In Kalinga, a notable proportion of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, with 53.3%. This figure is higher than the broader benchmarks in Queensland at 25.7% and Australia at 30.4%, indicating a significant educational advantage for the area. Among these university-qualified residents, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.2% and graduate diplomas at 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 in the area, 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.

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

Kalinga has 19 operational public transport stops, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by three routes, collectively facilitating 477 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents typically residing 118 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 79%, followed by trains at 13% and cycling at 3%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 34.4% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 68 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Kalinga is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Kalinga demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (1,435 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.8 and 6.2% of residents respectively. A total of 74.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 12.6% of residents aged 65 and over (276 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 has a lower than average cultural diversity, with 79.5% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kalinga, making up 59.3% of people, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestral groups are English (28.2%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (11.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.8%, compared to the regional average of 7.4%. German ancestry stands at 4.7% in Kalinga, slightly higher than the regional average of 4.2%. New Zealand ancestry is present at 0.9%, slightly lower than the regional average of 1.0%.

Kalinga's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Kalinga is 39 years, which is 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 proportion of residents aged 5-14 years (18.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (8.1%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.5% to 14.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 17.0% to 16.2%. By 2041, Kalinga's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 446 people from the current 355. Meanwhile, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are anticipated to decrease in number.