Kirwan

Kirwan has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's validation of new addresses, the Kirwan statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 21,261 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 481 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,780. AreaSearch's estimation is based on resident population data from June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was calculated at 1,815 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 57% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. According to these projections, the Kirwan (SA2) population is expected to decline by 645 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are anticipated to grow, with an increase of 629 people projected over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Kirwan is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Kirwan had around 11 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending FY26, totalling approximately 55 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. The declining population suggests demand has likely been met by new supply, providing good choice for buyers. Average construction cost value of new homes is $588,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY26, $22.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Kirwan has significantly less development activity, 88.0% below regional average per person, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 89.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1285 people per dwelling approval, Kirwan reflects a highly mature market with stable or declining population forecasts, potentially leading to less housing pressure and favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Kirwan may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Willowbank Estate, North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK), and Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive) Upgrade. The following list details 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.

Employment performance in Kirwan has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Kirwan has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 10,306 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 64.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. The area specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, but employment declined by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kirwan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Kirwan had a median taxpayer income of $57,217 and an average income of $64,898 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, compared to 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 $62,887 (median) and $71,329 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kirwan rank modestly, between the 45th and 51st percentiles. The income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 36.4% of residents (7,739 people), which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses.

Kirwan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kirwan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirwan was at 27.0%, with the rest either mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (35.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,450, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Kirwan was $325, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Kirwan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kirwan has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.3% of all households, including 29.2% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Kirwan fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high at 31.5%, comprising 11.1% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The transport analysis indicates that Kirwan has 50 active public transport stops currently in operation. These are served by a mix of bus routes, with a total of four individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 528.

Residents' accessibility to public transport is rated as good, with an average distance of 292 meters to the nearest stop. The overall service frequency across all routes averages 75 trips per day, which translates to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kirwan is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Kirwan has significant health challenges with common conditions prevalent across all ages but more so among older cohorts.

Its private health cover rate is approximately 53%, higher than the average SA2 area (~11,251 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Kirwan, affecting 9.8% and 8.8% of residents respectively. Around 65.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.5%, with 3,508 people in this age group, compared to 14.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Kirwan ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kirwan's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (86.3%), and speaking English only at home (91.9%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Kirwan, making up 57.6%, compared to 52.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.0%), English (27.2%), and Irish (7.9%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 6.2% in Kirwan compared to the regional average of 5.0%. Maori and Samoan representations were also slightly higher at 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively.

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

The median age in Kirwan is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matches Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 14.7% of Kirwan's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 75-84 cohort constitutes 5.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.4% to 5.5%, whereas the 5-14 group has decreased from 14.5% to 13.2% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Kirwan. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 18%, adding 506 people and reaching a total of 3,249 from its current figure of 2,742. Conversely, the 35-44 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.