Kilcoy

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Kilcoy statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,092 people. This reflects an increase from the previous reported population of 1,996 in the 2021 Census. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population data from June 2024 ABS ERP release, which showed a figure of 2,017 people. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 632 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing around 95% of overall population gains.

However, all migration factors including interstate migration and natural growth were positive influences. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data or 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. Looking ahead, the Kilcoy (SA2) is projected to experience above median population growth. By 2041, it is expected to grow by 353 persons, reflecting a total increase of 16.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kilcoy recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Kilcoy has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually. An estimated 34 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years between FY21 and FY25, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY26. This results in approximately 3.3 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The demand for dwellings is outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $342,000. Additionally, $4.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Kilcoy has significantly less development activity, with 73.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

This activity is also lower than nationally, 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 296 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections show Kilcoy adding 348 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 changes can significantly impact an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that are expected 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. The following list outlines those projects 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 labour market in Kilcoy shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Kilcoy's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 8.1%. As of September 2025, 1,071 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Kilcoy was 55.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries were manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Manufacturing was particularly strong with an employment share 6.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 1.2% of Kilcoy's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 8.1% while labour force grew by 5.6%, reducing unemployment by 2.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.8%, labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 and average is $60,246. This is below the national average. Greater Brisbane has a median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kilcoy would be approximately $57,385 (median) and $66,216 (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 shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.8% of the community (623 individuals), 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Kilcoy, as per the latest Census, was 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares 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, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,715. The 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, while 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, consisting of 30.3% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 25.5% and group households making up 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%, 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, including 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, offering a mix of bus services. This stop is served by one route, facilitating 24 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 606 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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.

Approximately 51% of Kilcoy's total population (~1,068 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.1%). Sixty-seven point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.1% across Greater Brisbane. Twenty-one point one percent of Kilcoy's residents are aged 65 and over (441 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 high cultural diversity, with 32.4% born overseas and 25.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kilcoy, accounting for 64.4%, compared to 51.2% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.2%), Australian (26.2%), and Filipino (17.1%), with Filipinos being significantly more represented than the regional average of 3.4%.

Notably, Spanish (1.0%) was disproportionately higher compared to the regional figure of 0.3%, as were Welsh (0.7% vs 0.5%) and Samoan (0.6% vs 0.2%).

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

Kilcoy has a median age of 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 shows strong representation in Kilcoy at 10.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age cohort is less prevalent in Kilcoy at 8.7%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.6% of Kilcoy's population, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 16.1% to 17.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.6% to 12.1%, and the 25-34 age group dropped from 15.5% to 14.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kilcoy's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 80%, reaching 286 people from the current figure of 158. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 67% of Kilcoy's population growth. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.