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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Kirkwood's population is estimated at around 2,637 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 124 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,513 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,624 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 311 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Kirkwood has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for 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 where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the Kirkwood statistical area expected to increase by 636 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 26.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Kirkwood approved 1 new dwelling annually between 2016 and 2020, totaling 5 dwellings. This low development level reflects Kirkwood's rural nature, where housing needs drive development rather than market demand. The small sample size can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national averages, Kirkwood has less construction activity. Recent development consists entirely of standalone family homes suited for rural living. As of 2021 Q2 AreaSearch estimate, Kirkwood's population is 1336 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Kirkwood's population is forecasted to grow by 687 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not meet population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Kirkwood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. One notable project has been pinpointed by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects include Clinton Industrial Estate, Calliope Residential Growth Area, Gladstone Project, and Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET), with the following providing details on those most likely to be 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 Kirkwood demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Kirkwood's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.0%. This rate is below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, with a workforce participation rate of 75.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors are manufacturing, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing has an employment share of 2.6 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 10.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, labour force by 1.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 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

The suburb of Kirkwood had a median taxpayer income of $73,965 and an average of $91,431 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $81,295 (median) and $100,492 (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 the largest segment comprises 40.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,070 residents). 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 and 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

The dwelling structure in Kirkwood, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Kirkwood was 8.9%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (47.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,777, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, Kirkwood's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is high, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (15.0%), secondary education (11.0%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

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

Transport analysis indicates two active public transport stops in Kirkwood, both serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by two distinct routes, collectively facilitating 150 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically situated 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 ages, with low prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 63% (1,672 people) have private health cover, higher than Rest of Qld's 56.8%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.1% and 7.7% respectively. A total of 76.5% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 69.4%. Kirkwood has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 4.3% (113 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 15.2%. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Kirkwood's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 22.1% born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Kirkwood, comprising 42.0% of its population. Hinduism was notably overrepresented compared to Rest of Qld, making up 3.4% versus 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.5%), English (25.0%), and Other (7.2%). Some ethnic groups had notable divergences 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 lower than the national average of 38. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kirkwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.5%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.4%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.0% to 14.7%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 20.0% to 18.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Kirkwood's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 264 residents to reach a total of 779. Conversely, the 85+ group shows no growth, with zero residents added.