Kalkie

Population growth drivers in Kalkie are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Kalkie statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 3,114 people. This reflects an increase of 146 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,968 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,042 residents, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 337 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the Kalkie (SA2) expected to grow by 460 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.3% over the 17 years.

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

Kalkie has recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 68 homes were approved in the area over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and 7 have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.8 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. This figure has eased to 0.9 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting better supply availability.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $408,000. In FY-26, there have been approximately $11.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to other areas. Kalkie shows around 75% of the construction activity per person compared to the rest of Qld and places among the 78th percentile nationally for development activity. Recent periods have seen increased development activity in the area.

New developments consist of approximately 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (93.0%). The location has around 146 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kalkie is expected to grow by approximately 413 residents through to 2041. Development in the area is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Kalkie 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 has identified nine projects likely impacting this area. Key projects include The Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 environment in Kalkie shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kalkie has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 10.1%.

As of September 2025, 1,679 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for Kalkie residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance employs 1.4 times more residents than the regional level, while construction employs only 7.1% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 10.1%, and labour force grew by 9.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Kalkie had median income among taxpayers of $53,585 and average income of $66,214. This is slightly lower than national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,895 and average income around $72,776. From the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing conducted in August 2021, household incomes rank at 33rd percentile, family incomes at 41st percentile, and personal incomes also at 41st percentile in Kalkie. Income distribution shows that 34.8% (1,083 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, slightly higher than metropolitan region's 31.7%. Housing costs retention is high at 86.7%, but disposable income ranks below average at 45th percentile. Kalkie'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, according to the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures consisted of 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's structure 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 also lower at $310 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 make up the remaining 20.7%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly 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 prevalent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high at 28.3%, comprising secondary education (10.4%), primary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (3.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in secondary education, 9.5% in primary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Kalkie shows seven active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 81 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as moderate, with residents typically situated 408 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 11 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate in Kalkie stands at approximately 53%, covering around 1,664 people, compared to the average SA2 area rate of 48.4% across Rest of Qld.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.8% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 8.9%). Notably, 63.0% of Kalkie's population declares no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% across Rest of Qld. As of 2021, 21.4% of Kalkie's residents are aged 65 and over (totaling 666 people), which is lower than the 26.3% recorded in Rest of Qld. The health outcomes among seniors in Kalkie generally align with those of the broader population.

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

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

Notably, German ancestry was higher in Kalkie at 6.6% versus 6.4% regionally, South African at 0.7% versus 0.2%, and Korean at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Kalkie's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Kalkie has a median age of 40, which is close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 13.2% of Kalkie's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort makes up 9.7%. Post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 11.8% to 13.6%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 13.9% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kalkie's age profile. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 42%, reaching 603 people from the current 423. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 cohorts.