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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Kalkie's population is estimated at around 3,157 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 189 people (6.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,968 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,067, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 341 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kalkie's 6.4% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 429 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.7% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Kalkie has annually granted approval for approximately 14 residential properties. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 74 homes were approved, with an additional nine approved so far in FY26. The average population increase per dwelling built over these five years was 1.8 people, suggesting balanced supply and demand conditions. This figure has recently eased to 0.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $408,000. In FY26, commercial approvals have reached $11.0 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kalkie shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 81st percentile nationally in terms of development activity. Recent periods have seen an increase in this activity.

New developments consist of 69.0% standalone homes and 31.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses at 93.0%. Kalkie shows characteristics of a growth area with around 130 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kalkie is projected to grow by 339 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact the local 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 detailed 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 essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.1% based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, there are 1,691 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation stands at 68.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 4.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented at 7.1% compared to Regional Qld's 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 9.1% and labour force grew by 8.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate overall growth of 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Kalkie is below the national average. The median income is $53,585 and the average income is $66,214. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, the estimated current incomes are approximately $59,672 (median) and $73,736 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data ranks Kalkie's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 33rd and 41st percentiles. The largest segment comprises 34.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,098 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 86.7% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 45th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Kalkie, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Kalkie was $310, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Kalkie's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 13.0% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 38.5% holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (30.3%).

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

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

Kalkie has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 81 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 408 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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 considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Kalkie faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average. The prevalence of common health conditions is particularly high among older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,687 people), slightly above the SA2 area average. The most prevalent medical conditions in Kalkie are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.8 and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. Working-age residents exhibit a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Kalkie has 22.2% of its population aged 65 and over (700 people), which is higher than the 20.4% regional average. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally compared to 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.4% of its population born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 91.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, accounting for 58.1% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.5%), English (30.3%), and Scottish (7.7%).

Notable differences included German representation at 6.6% in Kalkie versus 4.7% regionally, South Australian at 0.7% versus 0.5%, 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 Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 13.7%, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age cohort constitutes 10.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.8% to 13.7% of Kalkie's population, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Kalkie's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 31%, reaching 568 people from the current 432. Conversely, the 15-24 age range is expected to decrease by 45%.