Kirkwood

Kirkwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Kirkwood is around 2,719, reflecting an increase of 206 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.2% rise from the previous population count of 2,513. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, which estimated a resident population of 2,699 for Kirkwood. This increase resulted in a density ratio of 321 persons per square kilometer. Kirkwood's growth rate exceeded that of the SA4 region (6.6%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 are adopted, using proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. According to these trends, the suburb is projected to increase its population by 634 persons to reach 2041, reflecting a total gain of 22.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Kirkwood approved six new dwellings annually over the period from 2016 to 2020. These low development levels reflect its rural nature, where housing needs often drive development rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Kirkwood's construction activity is notably lower than that of the rest of Queensland and below national averages. Recent developments have consisted solely of standalone homes, favoring family dwellings suited to rural lifestyle preferences. As of 2021, Kirkwood has an estimated population of 1069 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kirkwood's population is projected to grow by 603 residents by 2041.

If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Kirkwood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

"Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely impacting the area: Clinton Industrial Estate, Calliope Residential Growth Area, Gladstone Project, and Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) are key projects, with the following list detailing those most relevant.".

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

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The labour market in Kirkwood demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Kirkwood's workforce is skilled with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%.

As of June 2025, 1,533 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is 0.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 75.4%, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among Kirkwood residents were manufacturing, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 10.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.5% while labour force grew by 5.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8%, labour force expanded by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project 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 Kirkwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Kirkwood's median taxpayer income was $73,965 and average income was $91,431 according to AreaSearch aggregated postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates would be approximately $84,313 (median) and $104,222 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Kirkwood, between the 77th and 83rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 40.6% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 31.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 84th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Kirkwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirkwood was 8.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (47.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kirkwood was $1,777, compared to Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Kirkwood was $350, while Non-Metro Qld recorded $275 and the national figure was $375.

Kirkwood features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 84.5% of all households, including 46.5% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.5%, with lone person households at 12.5% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Kirkwood shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 18.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is high at 36.2%, with 15.0% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Schools are located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring residents to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis indicates two active stops operating within Kirkwood. These stops offer mixed bus services, collectively serving 150 weekly passenger trips through two individual routes. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically located 493 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kirkwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Kirkwood shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 63% of Kirkwood's total population (1,724 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.6% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Kirkwood, affecting 9.1 and 7.7% of residents respectively.

A total of 76.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in the rest of Queensland. Kirkwood has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 4.3% (116 people), compared to 15.2% in the rest of Queensland. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Kirkwood are strong and broadly align with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Kirkwood was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kirkwood's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.1% born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kirkwood, accounting for 42.0% of its population. Notably, Hinduism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 3.4% versus 0.7%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (29.5%), English (25.0%), and Other (7.2%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: South African at 2.2% (versus regional 0.6%), Maori at 1.7% (versus 0.8%), and Filipino at 3.4% (versus 1.4%).

Kirkwood hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Kirkwood's median age is 28 years, which is notably younger than Queensland's average of 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kirkwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, Kirkwood's population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.0% to 14.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 20.0% to 18.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Kirkwood's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 46%, adding 244 residents to reach a total of 777. Conversely, the 85+ age group is not expected to grow at all, with no additional residents projected by 2041.