Kepnock

Kepnock is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Kepnock's population is estimated at 4764 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 263 people since the 2021 Census figure of 4501. The change is inferred from a resident population estimate of 4672 by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 26 new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1493 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Kepnock's growth rate of 5.8% since census is within 2.9 percentage points of its SA3 area (8.7%), indicating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 81.0% to overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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's state projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts lacking specific splits. Future trends project an above median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with Kepnock expected to increase by 616 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.8% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Kepnock has averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 66 homes. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.7 new residents arrive per year for every dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

This indicates demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are being constructed at an average value of $597,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $1.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kepnock has significantly less development activity (55.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

This is also lower than nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction has been comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 855 people per approval, Kepnock shows a mature, established area. Future projections show Kepnock adding 562 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Kepnock has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Sienna Boulevard, New Bundaberg Hospital, Bundaberg East Levee, and The Gateway Marina - Burnett Heads. Below is a list detailing those 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 employment landscape in Kepnock shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Kepnock has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of September 2024, showing an estimated employment growth of 9.4% over the preceding year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, Kepnock had 2,261 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is 1.1 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Kepnock was lower at 50.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with healthcare having a particularly notable concentration at 1.3 times the regional average. Mining had limited presence in Kepnock with only 1.2% employment compared to the regional average of 3.6%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.4%, while labour force grew by 9.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points in Kepnock. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and labour force grow by 2.1%, with a similar increase in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Kepnock's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Kepnock's median income among taxpayers was $44,876 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $55,452. This is compared to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,323 (median) and $60,947 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kepnock fall between the 10th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 28.7% of the population falls within the $800 - 1,499 income range, differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kepnock, with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile.

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

Kepnock's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kepnock was 35.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented ones at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Kepnock was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Kepnock's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kepnock has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 66.7% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 15.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are common, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (33.7%). Educational participation is high at 27.6%, comprising 11.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Kepnock shows that there are currently 14 operational transport stops. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with three individual routes providing a total of 61 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered good, with residents typically living within 250 metres of the nearest stop.

On average, each route offers eight trips per day, resulting in approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kepnock faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering around 2,342 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Approximately 57.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Kepnock has 23.9%, or 1,138 people aged 65 and over, compared to Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

Kepnock's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.5% of its population being citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Kepnock, comprising 53.9%, compared to 54.0% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (29.7%), and Scottish (7.3%).

Notably, German (6.8%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal (4.3%) and Korean (0.3%) were also overrepresented in Kepnock versus their respective regional averages of 3.4% and 0.2%.

Kepnock hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Kepnock's median age is 43 years, which is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.3% of Kepnock's population, compared to the Rest of Qld figure. The 25-34 cohort makes up 11.1%, which is less prevalent than in the Rest of Qld. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.9% of Kepnock's population, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Kepnock's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 24%, adding 125 residents to reach a total of 654. Conversely, the 15-24 age range is expected to decrease by 47%.