Kilcoy

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

As of Feb 2026, Kilcoy's population is estimated at around 2,093 people, reflecting an increase of 97 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,996. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,017 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 632 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for Kilcoy's population growth was overseas migration contributing approximately 95.0% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Population projections indicate an above median growth for Kilcoy, expecting to grow by 350 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.1% over the 17 years.

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 shows Kilcoy had around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 34 homes were approved, with another 11 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 3.3 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $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, being 73.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Development 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 338 residents by 2041, according to 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 have been identified by AreaSearch that could significantly impact the area's performance. Key projects include Queensland Supergrid South, Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, Borumba Pumped Hydro Transmission Connections, and Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) Interim Amendment No. 1. These are likely to be most relevant.

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. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 8.3% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, there are 1,078 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Kilcoy is 65.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, only 4.5% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Manufacturing shows strong specialization with an employment share 6.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 1.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 8.3%, labour force grew by 5.7%, and unemployment fell by 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kilcoy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 3.5% over five years and 9.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reports Kilcoy's median income among taxpayers as $52,211 and average at $60,246. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Brisbane has a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kilcoy's median income would be approximately $57,385 and average at $66,216 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 that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.8% of the community (623 individuals), aligning with regional levels at 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Brisbane metropolitan area's structure which comprised 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilcoy stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 30.6% and rented ones making up 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, significantly lower than Brisbane's average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Kilcoy was recorded at $335, substantially lower than Brisbane's $380 and Australia's national average 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% 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% of the total. 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 29.2%. Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 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 within its boundaries, serving a mix of bus routes. This stop is serviced by one individual route, offering 24 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 606 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,069 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.1%). 67.5% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. As of September 2021, 21.8% of Kilcoy's population is aged 65 and over (456 people), higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 32.4% born overseas and 25.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Kilcoy, accounting for 64.4%, compared to 47.8% in Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestral groups are English (27.2%), Australian (26.2%), and Filipino (17.1%), significantly higher than the regional average of 1.2%.

Notably, Spanish (1.0%) and Welsh (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively, while Samoan representation is slightly lower 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 8.3% of Kilcoy's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 45-54 cohort comprises 8.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.7% to 8.3%, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 15.5% to 13.4%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 13.6% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kilcoy's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 64% (111 people), reaching 285 from 173. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 67% of the projected growth, while the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.