Kelvin Grove

Population growth drivers in Kelvin Grove are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Kelvin Grove's population is estimated at around 9,472 people. This figure reflects an increase of 1,563 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,909 people. The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024). This results in a resident population estimate of 9,461 for Kelvin Grove. The suburb's population density stands at 5,604 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kelvin Grove's growth rate since the 2021 Census, at 19.8%, exceeds both the national average (8.9%) and state averages, indicating strong population growth in the area.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% 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 are used, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort when utilizing state projections. Future population dynamics suggest an above median growth for the suburb, with projections indicating an increase of 2,500 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 26.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Kelvin Grove experienced around 11 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 56 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, with another 17 approved so far in FY26.

This results in an average of 14.6 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually over these five years. Supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $678,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Recent construction comprises 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This shift represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition of 31.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 385 people per dwelling approval, Kelvin Grove exhibits characteristics of a developed market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Kelvin Grove is expected to grow by 2,492 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Seventeen infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Herston Quarter Redevelopment, Victoria Park Stadium (Brisbane 2032 Olympic Stadium), Queensland Cancer Centre, and Brisbane 2032 Games Infrastructure Program. The following list details those likely to be 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 labour market in Kelvin Grove demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Kelvin Grove has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%.

As of June 2025, 5,977 residents are employed, aligning with Greater Brisbane's 4.1% unemployment rate but exceeding its workforce participation rate (70.3% vs 64.5%). Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, accommodation & food services have employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. However, construction is under-represented with only 4.2% of Kelvin Grove's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%.

The area functions as an employment hub with a worker-to-resident ratio of 1.2, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, labour force by 2.8%, leading to a 1.8 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Kelvin Grove's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Kelvin Grove had a median taxpayer income of $54,196 and an average income of $78,804. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $61,778 (median) and $89,829 (average). Census data indicates Kelvin Grove's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 40th and 45th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 30.9% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Kelvin Grove features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Kelvin Grove, as per the latest Census evaluation, 31.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 68.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had no reported houses or other dwellings at that time. Home ownership in Kelvin Grove stood at 13.3%, with mortgaged properties at 20.9% and rented dwellings at 65.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's figures of $0 for both categories. Nationally, Kelvin Grove's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Kelvin Grove features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a median household size of 2.3 people

Family households account for 53.1% of all households, including 20.3% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 46.9%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 15.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people.

Educational achievement in Kelvin Grove places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Kelvin Grove's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 51.7% of residents aged 15 years and older hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 20.1% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and older, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 10.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 45.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 26.1% in tertiary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing primary education. Kelvin Grove's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 4,220 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1141. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. As of the same period, there are 44.5 school places per 100 residents in Kelvin Grove, indicating strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis in Kelvin Grove shows 28 active public transport stops operating. These are served by a mix of bus routes, totalling 28 individual services. Together, these routes facilitate 4,559 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 143 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 651 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 162 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kelvin Grove's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Kelvin Grove's health outcomes data shows excellent results with low prevalence of common health conditions in both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 58% (5,534 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.7 and 6.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 77.4%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 0% in Greater Brisbane overall. As of 2021, 6.0% (568 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention than the broader population despite being above average.

Kelvin Grove is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kelvin Grove has a significant cultural diversity, with 33.8% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 42.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kelvin Grove, accounting for 30.3% of the population. Notably, Buddhism comprises 4.4% of the population, which is higher compared to the None% reported across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (21.3%), Australian (18.5%), and Other (14.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable overrepresentation: French at 0.8%, Korean at 1.0%, and Spanish at 0.7%.

Kelvin Grove hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Kelvin Grove as of 2021 is 27 years, which is notably lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age cohort is over-represented in Kelvin Grove at 29.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 3%. This concentration of young adults is well above the national average of 12.5%. Post-Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, Kelvin Grove's median age decreased by one year from 28 to 27, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 27.2% to 29.5%, while those aged 25-34 rose from 22.7% to 24.5%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 10.4% to 9.1%, and those aged 5-14 dropped from 9.6% to 8.3%. Population forecasts for Kelvin Grove in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 15-24 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 500 people (18%) from 2,794 to 3,295. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow modestly by 10% (28 people).