Kirwan

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Kirwan is around 21,263. This reflects an increase of 483 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,780. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 21,260 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,815 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods in Kirwan.

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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 648 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 630 people.

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 for Kirwan shows around 11 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 55 homes. As of April 2026, 4 approvals have been recorded. The average construction cost value of new homes is $588,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year has seen $22.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kirwan has significantly less development activity, 88.0% below the regional average per person. The limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists equally of detached houses and townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 89.0% houses. With around 1285 people per dwelling approval, Kirwan reflects a highly mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating 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 likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives 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 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 with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 10,306 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 63.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses show that only 4.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Kirwan has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.5% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 1.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kirwan's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Kirwan was $57,217 and the average was $64,898 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld's median income being $53,146 and average income being $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $62,887 (median) and $71,329 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Kirwan rank modestly between the 45th and 51st percentiles. In income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 36.4% of residents (7,739 people), similar to metropolitan regions 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Kirwan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirwan was 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kirwan was $1,450, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Kirwan was $325, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Kirwan's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower at $1,450 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rent is 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 29.5%.

Educational participation is 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

Public transport analysis shows 50 active transport stops operating within Kirwan. These are served by a mix of buses along four individual routes, collectively providing 528 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 292 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kirwan faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,252 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (9.8%) and arthritis (8.8%). Conversely, 65.1% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,572 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors align with national rankings.

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, accounting for 57.6% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.0%), English (27.2%), and Irish (7.9%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher than average at 6.2%, while Maori (0.6%) and Samoan (0.2%) representations were lower compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 0.2% respectively.

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

The median age in Kirwan is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matching Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 14.7% of Kirwan's population compared to Rest of Qld's figure. Meanwhile, the 75-84 cohort makes up 5.6%, lower than Rest of Qld's percentage. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.0% to 13.4%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.4% to 5.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.5% to 12.7%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.8% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for Kirwan in 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 14% (399 people), reaching 3,249 from 2,849. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting Kirwan's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.