Kelso (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Kelso's population is estimated at around 11,103 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 504 people (4.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,599 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,101, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 646 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kelso's 4.8% growth since census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the Kelso (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 1,601 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Kelso received around 18 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 94 homes. In FY-26 so far, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated about 3.6 new residents per year. This indicates demand outpacing supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $361,000. This financial year has seen $395,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Kelso has significantly less development activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Similarly, the area's development activity is under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Kelso's low density nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 962 people in the area. Future projections indicate Kelso adding 1,623 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are River Parks Estate, Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension, Pinnacle Views Estate, and Riverstone Estate, as detailed below for relevance.

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 prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.2% as per AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 5124 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.1%, exceeding Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 61.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading industries for Kelso residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area had a notable employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.7% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3%, but employment declined by 0.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. As of 25-Nov 2025, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Kelso's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that income in Kelso is below the national average. The median assessed income is $52,761 and the average income stands at $59,108. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $53,146 and the average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from July 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $57,990 for median income and $64,966 for average income as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, Kelso's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 42nd and 44th percentiles. Income brackets show that 38.1% of Kelso residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (4,230 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the broader area where 31.7% fall into 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Kelso's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 1.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Kelso's home ownership rate was 23.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented ones at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kelso was $1,496, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Kelso was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. 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 account for 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 make up 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, larger than the Rest of Qld 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 discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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 and above 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. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing 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 offers 241 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically living 687 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kelso is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Kelso faces significant health challenges, with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages. Older age cohorts experience these issues to an even greater extent. Approximately 51% (~5,621 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Qld's 53.9%, and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.1% and 8.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.2% report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of Qld's 67.8%. Kelso has 13.4% (1,487 people) aged 65 and over, slightly less than Rest of Qld's 14.9%. Health outcomes for seniors require particular attention due to the challenges they face.

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 Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.6%), and speaking English only at home (95.5%). Christianity was the dominant religion in Kelso, making up 51.4% of the population compared to 52.7% across the Rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.3%), English (27.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.6%).

Notably, Samoan representation was higher in Kelso at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally, while German and Maori representations were similar to regional figures at 3.9% and 0.5% respectively.

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

The median age in Kelso is 34 years, which is lower than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and also substantially below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kelso has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 12.6% to 14.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 17.1% to 14.6%. By the year 2041, Kelso's age composition is expected to change significantly. The demographic shift will be led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 2,160 people from the current 1,632. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.