Kingaroy

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kingaroy reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Kingaroy as of February 2026 is around 10,743. This reflects an increase of 477 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,266. The change was inferred from the resident population of 10,712 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 157 persons per square kilometer. Kingaroy's growth rate of 4.6% since census positions it within 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 45.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort. Demographic trends project an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to grow by 1,500 persons to 2041 reflecting an increase of 13.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kingaroy when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kingaroy recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 136 homes. In FY-26 so far, 33 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 3.4 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. Demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing buyer competition.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $515,000. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $72.9 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Kingaroy has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 49th percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. New development consists of 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 328 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Kingaroy is expected to grow by 1,473 residents through to 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Kingaroy has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact this region. Key projects include South Burnett Renewable Energy Hub, Broadway Hotel Redevelopment, Kingaroy Youth Park Redevelopment: Stage 1, and New Kingaroy Shopping Complex. The following list details 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 employment landscape in Kingaroy shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Kingaroy has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 9.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of this date, 5,474 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Kingaroy was on par with Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicated that only 4.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stood out as particularly strong, with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction was under-represented at 7.3% of Kingaroy's workforce compared to 10.1% in Rest of Qld. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.9% while labour force increased by 10.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points in Kingaroy. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Kingaroy. These projections suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors, with local employment projected to increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years based on a simple weighting extrapolation using Kingaroy's employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Kingaroy suburb's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. Kingaroy's median income among taxpayers was $44,208 and average income stood at $52,518, compared to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,589 and average income $57,723. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Kingaroy all fall between the 16th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.7% of residents (3,083 people) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

Kingaroy is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kingaroy, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.9% comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingaroy stood at 33.1%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged properties at 28.6% and rented dwellings at 38.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Kingaroy was recorded at $260, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Kingaroy's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Kingaroy features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.4% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Kingaroy faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Kingaroy faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions. Only 48% (~5,158 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.6 and 10.4% of residents respectively. However, 61.8% claim to be free of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 20.4% (2,191 people) aged 65 and over, with senior health outcomes broadly inline with national rankings.

Kingaroy is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kingaroy's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (88.4%), and speaking English only at home (94.3%). Christianity was the main religion in Kingaroy, comprising 54.3%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.1%), English (30.1%), and German (8.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 4.4% in Kingaroy versus 3.9% regionally, while New Zealand was lower at 0.7% versus 0.9%, and Maori was also lower at 0.5% versus 0.8%.

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

The median age in Kingaroy is 38 years, slightly lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matching Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 15.5% of Kingaroy's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows an increase in the 25 to 34 age group from 13.6% to 15.5%, and a decrease in the 5 to 14 cohort from 13.5% to 12.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Kingaroy. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 26%, adding 436 people to reach a total of 2,102 from the current 1,665. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to decline by 119 people.