Kelvin Grove

Population growth drivers in Kelvin Grove are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Kelvin Grove's population is estimated at around 9,486, reflecting an increase of 1,577 people since the 2021 Census. This growth rate of 19.9% exceeds both national (9.7%) and state averages. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,467 residents, based on ERP data released by ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Population density stands at 5,613 persons per square kilometer, placing Kelvin Grove in the top 10% nationally. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area until 2032, after which Queensland State Government's projections are used.

Future population growth is projected to be above median national statistical areas, with an expected expansion of 2,500 persons by 2041, reflecting a 26.1% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kelvin Grove recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates that Kelvin Grove has experienced approximately 10 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 54 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 15.1 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

The supply is substantially lagging demand, suggesting heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $655,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $7.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing limited commercial development focus. The new development consists of 14.0% detached houses and 86.0% attached dwellings, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 31.0% houses).

This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 486 people per dwelling approval, Kelvin Grove shows a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 2,478 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could 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

The performance of a local area is significantly influenced by changes in its infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 20 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Herston Quarter Redevelopment, Brisbane 2032 Games Venue Infrastructure Program, New Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park Olympic Stadium), and Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park). The following list provides details of 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.

Employment conditions in Kelvin Grove remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Kelvin Grove has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of September 2025, 5961 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 0.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 70.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food services, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employs only 4.2% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. There are 1.2 workers per resident, indicating that Kelvin Grove functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7% and labour force by 1.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a similar reduction in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kelvin Grove's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Kelvin Grove had a median taxpayer income of $54,203 and an average income of $78,814 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages of $58,236 for median income and $72,799 for average income. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,575 (median) and $86,624 (average). In Kelvin Grove, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 40th and 45th percentiles in the 2021 Census. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 30.9% of residents (2,931 people), similar to regional levels at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 78.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Kelvin Grove features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a predominantly rental market

Dwelling structure in Kelvin Grove, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 31.4% houses and 68.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Home ownership level was 13.3%, with 20.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 65.8% rented. Median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, while median weekly rent was $400. Nationally, Kelvin Grove's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding 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% that are couples with children, 21.6% that are couples without children, and 9.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. Specifically, 51.7% of these residents hold university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the state (QLD) average of 25.7% and the national average of 30.4%. This indicates that Kelvin Grove has a substantial educational advantage compared to broader benchmarks. Among those with university qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 31.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%.

Vocational pathways account for 20.1% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.3% and certificates accounting for 10.8%. Educational participation in Kelvin Grove is notably 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.

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

Transport analysis shows 28 operational transport stops in Kelvin Grove, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 29 individual routes, facilitating 4762 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located on average 142 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 680 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 170 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 show notable results with low prevalence of common health conditions in both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 58% of its total population (5,542 people) has private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.7 and 6.4% of residents respectively. 77.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Brisbane overall. The area has 6.0% (569 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

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 population speaking languages other than English at home, and 42.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kelvin Grove, comprising 30.3% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Kelvin Grove at 4.4%, compared to none across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (21.3%), Australian (18.5%), and Other (14.0%). There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: French is overrepresented at 0.8% in Kelvin Grove compared to none regionally, 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. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 15-24 age cohort is significantly over-represented in Kelvin Grove at 29.5%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 3%. This concentration of young adults aged 15-24 is well above the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decrease in median age from 28 to 27 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 increased from 27.2% to 29.5%, while those aged 25 to 34 rose from 22.7% to 24.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 decreased from 10.4% to 9.1%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 9.6% to 8.4%. Population forecasts for Kelvin Grove indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 15-24 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 494 people (18%) from 2,798 to 3,293. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort grows by a modest 9% (28 people).