Kalkie

Kalkie lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of Kalkie is around 3,126. This reflects an increase of 158 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,968. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,052 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 338 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts where state projections lack age category splits. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Kalkie expected to grow by 461 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kalkie when compared nationally

Kalkie has recorded approximately 15 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 79 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this figure has eased to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting better supply availability.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $408,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. This year, there have been $16.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kalkie shows 19.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally, with recent periods showing increased development activity. Recent construction comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

This shows a shift from the current housing mix of 93.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 125 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Looking ahead, Kalkie is expected to grow by 402 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Kalkie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include The Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Kalkie has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.9%.

As of June 2025, 1,651 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance had an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while construction employed only 7.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 6.9%, labour force grew by 7.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points in Kalkie. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kalkie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

In financial year 2022, Kalkie had a median income among taxpayers of $53,585 and an average level of $66,214. These figures are slightly above the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $61,082 and average income will reach $75,477, based on a 13.99% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kalkie rank modestly between the 33rd and 41st percentiles. The income distribution shows that 34.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region at 31.7%. Housing costs are manageable, with 86.7% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Kalkie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Kalkie, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kalkie stood at 35.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented ones at 24.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,502, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Kalkie was $310, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Kalkie's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,502 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 79.3% of all households, including 31.7% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.7%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Kalkie shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 30.3%. Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education - 10.4% in secondary, 9.5% in primary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 1,380 students: St Luke's Anglican School and Kalkie State School. It functions as an education hub with 44.1 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 13.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Public transport analysis shows seven active transport stops operating within Kalkie. These stops serve a mix of buses. Two individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 81 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 408 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 11 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kalkie is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Kalkie, affecting various age groups. Approximately 53% (~1,670 people) have private health cover, higher than the rest of Queensland at 48.0%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (8.9%). About 63.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in the rest of Queensland. Kalkie has 21.4% residents aged 65 and over (668 people), lower than the 26.3% in the rest of Queensland. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Kalkie, as per the data, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.4% of its population born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 91.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kalkie, accounting for 58.1%, compared to 54.0% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.5%), English (30.3%), and Scottish (7.7%).

Notable differences existed in the representation of German (6.6% vs regional 6.4%), South African (0.7% vs 0.2%), and Korean (0.4% vs 0.2%) ethnic groups.

Kalkie's median age exceeds the national pattern

Kalkie's median age is 40, closely matching Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The percentage of residents aged 15-24 is strong at 13.2%, compared to Rest of Qld, while those aged 55-64 are less prevalent at 9.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.8% to 13.6% of Kalkie's population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kalkie's age profile. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 42%, adding 177 people and reaching 603 from the current 425. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for those aged 45-54 and 5-14 years old.