Kilcoy

Population growth drivers in Kilcoy are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations for the suburb of Kilcoy, its estimated population is around 2,043 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 47 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,996. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,008 in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 617 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 95.0% of overall 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 for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 with a base year of 2022. Future population projections indicate above median growth, expecting the suburb to grow by 314 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 13.7% over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Kilcoy has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 34 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home built over these years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new dwellings being developed is $342,000. In FY-26, $4.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kilcoy has significantly less development activity, with 72.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Nationally, development activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Kilcoy has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 288 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kilcoy is projected to add 279 residents by 2041. Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Kilcoy has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure projects. AreaSearch has identified zero such projects likely to impact this area. Key projects include Queensland Supergrid South, Borumba Pumped Hydro Transmission Connections, Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme, and Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) Interim Amendment No. 1. 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 labour market in Kilcoy demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Kilcoy has a skilled labour force with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of an unspecified date. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%.

As of December 2025981 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is 0.7% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Kilcoy was 60.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, only 4.5% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among Kilcoy residents were manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area showed strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 6.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 1.2% of Kilcoy's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, labour force grew by 1.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, employment should increase by 3.5% in Kilcoy, and over ten years by 9.8%. These projections are based on industry-specific growth rates applied to Kilcoy's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Kilcoy's median income among taxpayers is $52,211, with an average of $60,246. This is below the national average. Greater Brisbane has a median income of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kilcoy's median income are approximately $58,142 and the average is around $67,090 as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family and personal incomes in Kilcoy modestly, between the 24th and 39th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 29.8% of Kilcoy's community (608 individuals) earns between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kilcoy, with only 84.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile.

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

Kilcoy's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilcoy was at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented dwellings at 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Kilcoy was recorded at $335, compared to Brisbane metro's $380 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Kilcoy's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Kilcoy features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.8% of all households, including 30.3% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Educational outcomes in Kilcoy fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (29.2%). Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.8% in primary, 11.7% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 11.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kilcoy has one active public transport stop operating, which offers a mix of bus services. This stop is served by one route that facilitates 24 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility to public transport is limited, with residents living an average of 606 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most Kilcoy residents commute outward. Cars are the dominant mode of transportation, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kilcoy is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kilcoy faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,043 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.9%) and mental health issues (8.1%). 67.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Kilcoy has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.5%, or 439 people, compared to 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Kilcoy was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kilcoy's population shows significant cultural diversity, with 32.4% born overseas and 25.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kilcoy, comprising 64.4%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.2%), Australian (26.2%), and Filipino (17.1%), which is considerably higher than the regional average of 1.2%.

Notably, Spanish (1.0%) and Welsh (0.7%) are overrepresented in Kilcoy compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively. Samoan representation also varies, with Kilcoy at 0.6% versus the region's 0.9%.

Kilcoy's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Kilcoy's median age is 38, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 8.1% of Kilcoy's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 15-24 cohort represents 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.7% to 8.1%, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 11.5%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 15.5% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Kilcoy's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 60% (98 people), reaching 264 from 165. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 68% of this growth, while the 5-14 and 0-4 cohorts are predicted to experience population declines.