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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations for the suburb of Kepnock, the estimated population stands at around 4,611 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 110 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,501. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 4,581 in June 2025 and 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,445 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration contributed approximately 81.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb of Kepnock expected to increase by 549 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.3% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Kepnock, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis indicates Kepnock averaged approximately 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 67 homes. As of FY26, 17 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 1.4 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed. However, this figure has increased to 6.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. The average construction value of new homes is $597,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment.

In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $1.1 million, indicating Kepnock's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kepnock has significantly less development activity, with 54.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Additionally, Kepnock's new construction is entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With approximately 778 people per approval, Kepnock demonstrates a mature, established area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kepnock is projected to add 519 residents by 2041. 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 identified nine projects expected to impact the region. Key projects include Sienna Boulevard, New Bundaberg Hospital, Bundaberg East Levee, and The Gateway Marina - Burnett Heads. Below is a list detailing 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 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 is 5.1%. Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 7.9%.

As of December 2025, 2,192 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%, 1.1% higher than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 61.1% compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to the Census, only 4.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional average), retail trade, and education & training.

Mining has limited presence with 1.2% employment compared to 3.6% regionally. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 7.9%, while labour force grew by 7.8%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kepnock's industry mix, local employment is estimated to grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Kepnock's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $44,876. The average income stood at $55,452 during the same period. In Regional Qld, these figures were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $49,974 and average income $61,751, considering an 11.36% growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Kepnock fall between the 10th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 28.7% of Kepnock's population earn within the $800 - 1,499 range, differing from surrounding regions where earnings predominantly fall within $1,500 - 2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kepnock, with only 84.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

Kepnock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kepnock's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kepnock stood at 35.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented ones at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Kepnock was $280, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Kepnock's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,200 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5 people.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 33.7%.

Educational participation is 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

Kepnock has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 61 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 250 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Kepnock, with cars being the primary mode of transport for 95% of them. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Each route has an average service frequency of 8 trips per day, resulting in approximately 4 weekly trips per 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 as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,267 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.1%), with 57.8% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to elevated chronic condition rates. Kepnock has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,102 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with the overall population.

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

Kepnock had a cultural diversity index below the 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 predominant religion in Kepnock, accounting for 53.9% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (29.7%), and Scottish (7.3%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.8% in Kepnock versus 4.7% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 4.3% compared to 3.9%, and Korean at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.

Kepnock hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Kepnock's median age is 43 years, which is higher than Regional Qld's average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The percentage of residents aged 85 and above in Kepnock is 4.5%, higher than that of Regional Qld. However, the 25-34 age group makes up only 10.8% of Kepnock's population, lower compared to Regional Qld. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 10.4% to 11.7%, while those aged 15 to 24 have risen from 11.6% to 12.7%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 75 to 84 has decreased from 10.2% to 9.1%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kepnock's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 21%, adding 106 residents to reach a total of 604. Conversely, the number of residents aged 15 to 24 is projected to decrease by 46.