Kelso (Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kelso reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kelso (Qld) is around 11,067 people. This reflects an increase of 468 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,599 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 644 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kelso's growth rate of 4.4% since the census is within 2.7 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 7.1%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. The primary driver of population growth in the area was natural growth, contributing approximately 80.0% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Looking ahead, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,475 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.3% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kelso according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kelso has received approximately 18 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 94 homes. In FY26 so far, 18 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 3.5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and increases buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $361,000.

Commercial approvals of $395,000 have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kelso has significantly less development activity, being 59.0% below regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Similarly, activity is under the national average, suggesting established area planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining low density nature with emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 961 people, reflecting quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Kelso adding 1,475 residents by 2041, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases if current development rates struggle to match population growth.

Kelso has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives are River Parks Estate, Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension, Pinnacle Views Estate, and Riverstone Estate. The following details 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.

Employment drivers in Kelso are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kelso's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate, as of December 2025, is 6.9%, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data. In the same month, 5,055 residents are employed, an unemployment rate of 2.9% higher than Regional Queensland's rate of 4%.

Workforce participation in Kelso is lower at 61.3%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. Census responses show that only 4.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Kelso has a notable specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.7% of local workers, below Regional Queensland's 4.5%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 0.7%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Kelso's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Kelso's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Kelso is $52,761 and average income is $59,108. Regional Qld's median income is $53,146 with an average of $66,593 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median and average incomes in Kelso would be approximately $58,755 and $65,823 respectively by that date. According to the 2021 Census, Kelso's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 42nd and 44th percentiles. Income brackets indicate 38.1% of Kelso residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (4,216 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends in the area showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kelso, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile.

Kelso is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Kelso, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.0% houses and 1.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelso was 23.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented dwellings at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kelso was $1,496, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Kelso was $300, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Kelso's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households make up 78.5% of all households, including 32.0% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.5%, with lone person households at 18.3% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Kelso faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (34.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.1% in primary, 10.4% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

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

Kelso has 16 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route that facilitates 241 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents living an average of 687 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outwards, primarily by car (94%). On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 15 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Kelso is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Kelso faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of Kelso's total population (around 5,603 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.1% and 8.8% of residents respectively. About 64.2% of Kelso residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Kelso has 14.1% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,560 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Kelso is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kelso's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.4% of its population being citizens, born in Australia at a rate of 90.6%, and speaking English only at home at 95.5%. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kelso, comprising 51.4% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Kelso are Australian at 29.3%, English at 27.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 8.6%.

Notably, Samoan representation is higher than average at 0.2% (vs regional 0.2%), German at 3.9% (vs 4.7%), and Maori at 0.5% (vs 0.8%).

Kelso hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Kelso is 34 years, which is notably under Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Regional Queensland, Kelso has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.3%). Since the Census conducted in 2021, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 12.6% to 15.0%, while the age group of 75 to 84 increased from 3.2% to 4.7%. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 declined from 17.1% to 14.0%, and the age group of 45 to 54 dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. By the year 2041, Kelso is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the age group of 25 to 34 will grow by 28%, adding 456 people and reaching a total of 2,117 from the previous count of 1,660. Meanwhile, both the age groups of 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 are expected to see reduced numbers.