Kearneys Spring

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kearneys Spring is around 10,869. This figure reflects an increase of 1,450 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,419. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025. Including additional validated new addresses brings the estimated resident population to 10,770. This results in a density ratio of 1,672 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the 2021 Census is 15.4%, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 9.2%.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 77% to overall population gains in recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For years post-2032 and areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to increase by 4,047 persons, reflecting a total increase of 36.3% over 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kearneys Spring among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kearneys Spring averaged around 57 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 289 homes. So far in FY-26, 90 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 3.7 people moving to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply is lagging demand, which generally leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $461,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

There have also been $19.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. When compared to the Rest of Qld, Kearneys Spring has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This is despite current patterns suggesting a higher proportion of density housing (59.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes. The location has approximately 190 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Kearneys Spring is expected to grow by 3,948 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 24 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are Kearney West Estate, Ladbroke Grove Estate, Platz Street - Wuth Street Intersection Upgrade, and Pinnacle of Kearneys. The following list details those projects deemed 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.

The employment landscape in Kearneys Spring presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Kearneys Spring has a well-educated workforce as of December 2025. Essential services sectors are well represented with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. There are 5,246 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 61.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses show that only 6.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level, while construction employs only 5.1% of local workers compared to Regional Qld's 10.1%.

The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.5% and employment decreased by 4.2%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kearneys Spring's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

In AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Kearneys Spring had a median taxpayer income of $51,952 and an average income of $63,834. Nationally, the median was $53,146 and the average was $66,593 in Regional Qld. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,854 (median) and $71,086 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 38th percentile ($746 weekly) and household income at the 22nd percentile. The largest income segment is 32.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,554 residents), similar to the broader area's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile.

Kearneys Spring displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Kearneys Spring, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.4% houses and 40.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kearneys Spring stood at 28.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (26.2%) or rented (45.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Kearneys Spring's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kearneys Spring features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.5% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households making up 3.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Kearneys Spring exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 28.3%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area's 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 23.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.1% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

A total of 50 active public transport stops operate within Kearneys Spring, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by five individual routes that collectively facilitate 626 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is deemed good, with residents on average located 223 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most inhabitants commute outward, with the car remaining the primary mode of transportation at 94%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.1, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 89 trips per day, translating to roughly 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kearneys Spring faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,706 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.6%) and mental health issues (9.2%). Conversely, 66.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (19.3%, or 2,097 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. While health outcomes for seniors are broadly in line with national rankings, some challenges exist.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Kearneys Spring was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kearneys Spring's population was found to have 28.7% born overseas and 26.2% speaking a language other than English at home, indicating higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kearneys Spring, with 53.9% of people identifying as such. However, the percentage of people identifying as 'Other' (5.4%) was notably higher than the regional average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English and Australian were the top two groups at 24.6% and 23.7% respectively, although both were lower than the regional averages of 29.6% and 16.5%. The 'Other' group comprised 15.8%, significantly higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Additionally, certain ethnic groups showed notable differences: German at 6.2% (regional average 4.7%), Indian at 3.9% (0.7%), and Korean at 0.4% (0.2%).

Kearneys Spring's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Kearney Springs is 34 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional Queensland, Kearney Springs has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the previous one, there has been a rejuvenation in Kearney Springs' population as the median age decreased from 35 to 34 years. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 16.9% to 20.1%, while those aged 15-24 rose from 11.8% to 13.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 decreased from 8.3% to 6.6%, and those aged 65-74 dropped from 9.5% to 8.2%. By 2041, Kearney Springs is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 51% (1,104 people), reaching a total of 3,289 from the previous figure of 2,184.