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 for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Kepnock's estimated population stands at around 4,765 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 264 people (5.9%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,501. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 4,672 in Jun 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,493 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration primarily drove population growth for the area, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2 area projections 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 622 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.9% 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 averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 66 homes. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 3.7 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed, indicating demand significantly exceeded new supply. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $597,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In this financial year, there have been $1.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating Kepnock's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kepnock had significantly less development activity, at 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Kepnock's development levels were also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction was comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining Kepnock'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 estimate Kepnock adding 566 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 buyer competition 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 9 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Sienna Boulevard, New Bundaberg Hospital, Bundaberg East Levee, and The Gateway Marina - Burnett Heads. The following list details those expected 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 both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 5.2%, an increase of 1.1% compared to Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.3%.

As of September 2025, 2,257 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 61.9%, below Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 4.6% of residents worked 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.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 9.3%, while labour force grew by 9.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's employment and labour force growth rates of 1.7% and 2.1% respectively, and a similar unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kepnock's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Kepnock's suburb income level is below national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Kepnock is $44,876 and average income stands at $55,452, compared to Rest of Qld's $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $49,323 and average income $60,947 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% 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 population (1,367 individuals) earn within $800-$1,499 range, differing from surrounding region where $1,500-$2,999 dominates at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile.

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

In Kepnock, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kepnock stood at 35.7%, with mortgaged properties at 30.5% and rented ones at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Kepnock was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Kepnock's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.3%, comprising 29.8% lone person households and 3.3% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - 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, 9.2% in secondary, and 2.5% in 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. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically living within 250 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outwards, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 95%. 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 be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of Kepnock's total population (~2,343 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Conversely, 57.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Kepnock has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (23.7%, or 1,129 people) than the rest of Queensland (20.4%). While national rankings for senior health outcomes are generally in line with the broader population, some challenges exist among seniors in Kepnock.

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 is the predominant religion in Kepnock, making up 53.9% of people, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Kepnock are English (31.2%), Australian (29.7%), and Scottish (7.3%).

Notably, German is overrepresented at 6.8%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 4.3% versus 3.9%, and Korean is slightly above average 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 the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 9.2% of Kepnock's population compared to Rest of Qld. The 25-34 cohort makes up 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.4% to 12.0%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.8% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Kepnock's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 23%, adding 122 residents to reach 656. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age range is expected to decrease by 48.