Kilcoy

Population growth drivers in Kilcoy are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Kilcoy's population is estimated at around 2,061 people, reflecting an increase of 65 individuals since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.3% rise from the previous count of 1,996 residents. AreaSearch validated this estimate using resident population data from June 2024 ABS ERP release and additional 17 new addresses identified post-Census date. The resulting density ratio is approximately 622 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed significantly to Kilcoy's growth, accounting for about 95% of overall population gains recently.

However, all migration types and natural growth factors were positive contributors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, 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 adopted. Age category splits are applied proportionally according to ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population trends indicate above median growth for Kilcoy. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by an additional 353 persons, representing an 18.4% increase over 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kilcoy 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 shows Kilcoy experienced around 5 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 28 homes were approved, with another 5 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 4 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Given this demand outpaces supply, it typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average value for new dwellings developed is $342,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This year has seen $1.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating Kilcoy's residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kilcoy records markedly lower building activity, with 78.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

However, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Kilcoy will gain 379 residents through to 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kilcoy has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No changes can impact an area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of zero projects that are likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Queensland Supergrid South, Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, Borumba Pumped Hydro Transmission Connections, and Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) Interim Amendment No. 1, with the following list outlining those most pertinent.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market in Kilcoy shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Kilcoy has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over the preceding year was estimated at 10.6%. As of June 2025, 1,057 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Kilcoy lagged behind Greater Brisbane at 55.2% compared to 64.5%. Leading employment industries included manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Manufacturing had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 6.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 1.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census data comparisons of working population versus resident population. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 10.6% alongside a labour force increase of 7.7%, resulting in an unemployment rate decrease of 2.5 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 4.4%, labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected overall national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kilcoy's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 3.5% over five years and 9.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Kilcoy's median income among taxpayers is $52,211 with an average of $60,246. This is below the national average and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Kilcoy would be approximately $59,515 (median) and $68,674 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kilcoy rank modestly between the 24th and 39th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.8% of the community (614 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

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 97.6% houses and 2.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilcoy stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,715. Median weekly rent in Kilcoy was $335, compared to Brisbane metro's $340. Nationally, Kilcoy's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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% composed of couples with children, 26.1% consisting of 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, aligning 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%, considerably 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 at 31.3%, comprising 11.8% in primary education, 11.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Kilcoy State High School and Kilcoy State School serve a total of 677 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 978) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 32.9 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities compared to the regional average of 9.5.

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

Transport analysis shows one active public transport stop in Kilcoy. This stop offers a mix of bus services, with one route providing 24 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 606 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kilcoy is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kilcoy faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,052 people), compared to 48.5% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.9 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Greater Brisbane. As of a recent report (2021), 21.1% of Kilcoy's residents are aged 65 and over (434 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 showed higher cultural diversity than most nearby areas, with 32.4% born overseas and 25.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kilcoy, comprising 64.4%, compared to 51.2% in Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.2%), Australian (26.2%), and Filipino (17.1%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 3.4%.

Notably, Spanish (1.0%) was overrepresented compared to the region's 0.3%, Welsh (0.7%) was slightly above the regional average of 0.5%, and Samoan (0.6%) was also higher than the regional figure of 0.2%.

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 65-74 age group comprises 10.7% of Kilcoy's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's figure, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 8.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.6%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 16.1% to 17.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.6% to 12.1%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 15.5% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Kilcoy's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 83 people, reaching 286 from 156. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 66% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.