Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Kelso (Qld) has an estimated 11,067 residents, up from 10,599 at the 2021 Census — a change of 468 people, or 4.4%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. That puts 645 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Kelso (Qld)'s population is estimated at around 11,067 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 468 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,599 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,067, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This level of population equates to a density ratio of 644 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kelso's 4.4% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.1%), 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. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are adopted for each SA2 zone. If specific SA2 areas lack coverage, or for periods past 2032, state government forecasts from 2023 utilizing 2021 data are used. Because Queensland Government projections omit age segmentations, age-specific growth proportions are aligned with the 2023 capital region projections from the ABS based on 2022 figures. Looking ahead, population growth in non-metropolitan areas is anticipated to exceed the national median, with the suburb of Kelso (Qld) projected to gain 1,475 individuals by 2041 based on compiled regional projections, representing a 13.3% rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
96 new dwellings have been approved in Kelso (Qld) over the past five years, an average of 19 a year. That is 1.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 20 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 90% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 20, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Property tracking indicates that building approvals are granted for approximately 19 homes annually in the area, accumulating to about 96 approvals over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 19 building approvals have been logged. Over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 3 new residents arrived for every constructed home, meaning demand outpaces new supply, which typically drives up pricing and intensifies buyer rivalry. During this time, the average construction cost for new dwellings stood at $361,000. Additionally, commercial building approvals worth $395,000 have been logged in the current financial year, highlighting a focus that is mostly residential.
Compared with the broader regional average, building permits in the area are significantly lower, registering 58.0% below the average per capita for the Rest of Qld. Such restricted construction volume generally supports values and demand for existing houses. The volume of approvals also sits below the nationwide average, reflecting the established layout of the neighborhood and potential planning barriers. Recent building activity is composed of 90.0% standalone houses and 10.0% semi-detached or multi-unit dwellings, reinforcing the traditional low-density profile suited for families desiring space. There are 964 residents in the local area for every single residential building approval, confirming a quiet development landscape with minimal building activity. Forecasts indicate that the local population will grow by 1,475 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates. If building activity continues at its current pace, the addition of new housing may fall short of population gains, which could elevate buyer competition and underpin stronger appreciation in property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Kelso (Qld)
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Kelso (Qld), worth an estimated $420 million. A further 36 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $9.9 billion. 16 are already under construction and 9 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and commercial developments are key drivers of neighborhood performance. A total of 8 significant projects have been identified that are expected to influence the local area, including Pinnacle Views Estate, River Parks Estate, Riverstone Estate, and Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
River Parks Estate
River Parks is a master-planned residential community spanning 72 hectares in Kelso, approximately 20 kilometres south-west of Townsville CBD. The development provides 888 residential allotments for families and young professionals, featuring seven hectares of dedicated parkland, 2.3 kilometres of walking and cycling pathways, and a planned 6,800 square metre retail and commercial hub including a village with shops, a cafe, and a childcare centre. The estate is bound by Dunlop Street to the north and Riverway Drive to the east, with the Ross River Dam within walking distance.
Pinnacle Views Estate
Pinnacle Views is a residential land development offering 52 large blocks from 2,000 to 9,899 sqm in an open space living neighbourhood. Features wide roads, quiet avenues, lush native bushland backdrop, NBN ready with fiber to premises, sewered blocks, town water, and includes $10,000 contribution towards fencing and driveways with every block sold.
Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension
Stage 2 expansion of Riverway Plaza in the Upper Ross growth corridor of Townsville. The project delivers a new 3,585 sqm full-line Coles supermarket, approximately 30-35 specialty stores, and a 650 sqm Snap Fitness gym. Infrastructure improvements include a 140-space basement car park, additional shaded surface parking, and upgraded public amenities, completing the transition into a comprehensive district retail hub.
Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal
Renewal and duplication of a 9.5km pipeline connecting Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant, enhancing resilience and water security for Townsville, which supplies approximately 85% of the city's water.
Riverstone Estate
Riverstone Estate is a 271 hectare masterplanned residential community in Rasmussen, Townsville, being delivered by Elements North Queensland. The development will provide around 1,500 homes together with future neighbourhood retail, community facilities, open space, walking trails along the Bohle River and supporting infrastructure. Construction is progressing with Stage 3 now selling and the land sales centre operating on site.
First Nations Social Housing Project (Rasmussen)
Construction is underway on 24 new social homes at 1145 Riverway Drive, Rasmussen. The project is being delivered by Yumba-Meta Limited with Queensland Government support as part of a broader pipeline of social and community housing across North Queensland. Units are intended to meet Social Housing Design guidelines and accessibility standards. Completion is targeted for late 2025.
Somers & Hervey Estate
A residential development by Urbex, a BMD Group company, located in Rasmussen, Queensland. The estate offers approximately 850 lots for new homes.
Pinnacle Drive Estate
Residential development by Markwell Developments located in Rasmussen, Queensland. This project provides new housing options in the area.
4,983 residents of Kelso (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 5,371. Unemployment sits at 7.2%, with participation at 60.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 8,400, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce shows a balanced distribution between professional and trade roles, with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of 7.2%. As of March 2026, 4,983 residents are employed, which leaves the unemployment rate 3.3% higher than the Regional Qld average of 3.9%, suggesting room for labor market improvement. Workforce participation is also slightly lower than the regional standard, sitting at 60.7% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data shows that a small 4.3% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may be influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, retail, and construction. The community displays an exceptionally high concentration of public administration & safety workers, with local employment in this sector reaching 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agricultural, forestry, and fishing industries are under-represented, employing just 0.7% of the local workforce compared to 4.5% across Regional Qld. This residential suburb offers relatively few local jobs, as indicated by the comparison between the working population counted in the Census and the resident labor force. Data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS shows that during the year leading to March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 2.0% while overall employment fell by 2.3%, pushing the unemployment rate up by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% rise in employment and a 0.3% expansion of its workforce, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 offer additional context on prospective local demand. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Across Australia, employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with wide variation among industries. Applying these sectoral growth rates to the local employment distribution suggests employment among residents could rise by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, noting that this is a simple weighted projection that does not factor in local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Kelso (Qld) is $1,626 a week (about $85,000 a year), with median personal income at $777 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,761 a year against an average of $59,108. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax office data for the 2023 financial year indicates that personal incomes in the area are lower than the national average, with a median of $52,761 and an average of $59,108. This compares to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at approximately $58,755 for the median and $65,823 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes all place moderately, falling between the 42nd and 44th percentiles nationally.
Looking at the earnings spread, 38.1% of the population (4,216 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is comparable to the wider region where 31.7% of people sit in this bracket. Affordability pressures are high, with residents retaining only 84.7% of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the 44th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Kelso (Qld) had 3,474 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 44% are owned with a mortgage, 33% rented and 24% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,496 a month. Rent absorbs 18.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing mix consists of 98.0% standalone houses and 1.9% other dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates trail the regional average, with only 23.5% of homes owned outright, while the rest are being purchased with a mortgage (43.7%) or rented (32.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,496 sits below the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent of $300 is lower than the regional figure of $345. On a national level, housing costs are highly affordable, with local mortgages significantly below the Australian average of $1,863 and rent payments well below the countrywide average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Kelso (Qld) counted 3,474 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 78.5%, consisting of couples with children at 32.0%, couples without children at 26.6%, and single parents at 18.8%. The remaining 21.5% are non-family households, which are predominantly single person households at 18.3% alongside group households at 3.0%. The median household size of 2.8 people is slightly larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.1% of adults in Kelso (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 8.7% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 86% of areas nationally. A further 34.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 327 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 835 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment profiles show that 12.1% of residents hold a university qualification, which is lower than the nationwide average of 30.4%. Among those with higher education, bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate degrees at 1.6%. Technical qualifications and trade skills are highly prevalent, with 43.9% of the population aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 34.0%. A high proportion of the community is engaged in learning, with 34.4% of residents enrolled in formal education.
This enrollment is made up of 14.1% in primary schools, 10.4% in secondary schools, and 3.5% in higher education or university programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Kelso (Qld) reaches 16 stops on 1 route, timetabled for about 240 services a week. The typical home sits about 690 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services include 16 stops located throughout the area, consisting of bus services. These stops are serviced by 1 distinct route, providing a combined total of 241 passenger services weekly. Transport convenience is low, with residents living an average of 687 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute to other areas, and private cars remain the dominant transport choice at 94%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars, which is higher than the regional average. A small 4.3% of the workforce worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.
Across all transit routes, service frequency averages 34 runs per day, which translates to roughly 15 weekly services for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.2% of residents in Kelso (Qld) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 93% of areas nationally. 7.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates highlights notable health issues within the local population, affecting both younger and older age brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 51% of residents (~5,603 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the most common diagnoses, affecting 11.1% and 8.8% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 64.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic health issues are relatively elevated among the working-age population.
Seniors aged 65 and older represent 14.1% of the population (1,560 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Health outcomes for seniors show some challenges, with national rankings aligning closely with the broader population trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Kelso (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 90.6% of residents, with 4.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (29.3%) and English (27.8%). 8.6% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local area has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to national benchmarks, with citizens making up 88.4% of the population, 90.6% of residents born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 51.4% of the population, which is comparable to the 52.2% recorded across Regional Qld. Regarding family heritage, the three largest ancestry groups are Australian at 29.3%, English at 27.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 8.6%. There are minor differences in the representation of other backgrounds compared to the region, with Samoan background representing 0.2% locally (vs 0.2% regionally), German at 3.9% (vs 4.7%), and Maori at 0.5% (vs 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Kelso (Qld) is 34, younger than 82% of areas nationally. 30.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 34 is younger than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher concentration of youth aged 15 - 24 (15.0%) but fewer seniors aged 65 - 74 (8.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 grew from 12.6% to 15.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 3.2% to 4.7%. Conversely, children aged 5 to 14 fell from 17.1% to 14.0%, and adults aged 45 to 54 declined from 13.4% to 12.2%.
By 2041, demographic shifts are expected to alter the age profile, led by a 28% increase in the 25 to 34 bracket, growing from 1,660 to 2,117 residents, while the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Kelso (Qld)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 92 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (10,599 at the 2021 Census → 11,067 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31499). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.