Kirwan

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kirwan is around 21,232. This figure reflects a growth of 452 people (2.2%) from the 2021 Census population of 20,780. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 21,193 residents based on the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2025 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 1,813 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains in recent periods for Kirwan.

AreaSearch employs 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 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied when utilising them. Looking ahead, demographic trends indicate a projected decline of 696 persons by 2041 according to AreaSearch's methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25-34 age group with a projected increase of 471 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 shows Kirwan had approximately 11 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 55 homes. As of FY26, there have been 5 approvals recorded so far. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. The average value of new homes being built 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. Comparatively, Kirwan has significantly less development activity than the rest of Queensland, with 88.0% below the regional average per person. This 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. Nationally, this activity is also below average. New development in Kirwan consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 89.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 1286 people per dwelling approval, Kirwan reflects a highly mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Kirwan may experience less housing pressure in the future, 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 15 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Willowbank Estate, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive) Upgrade, and Kirwan Police Complex. 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's workforce comprises an even mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. By this date, 10,166 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Kirwan is largely similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses reveal that only 4.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The primary employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Kirwan specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 1.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Kirwan's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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

The median taxpayer income in Kirwan is $57,217, with an average of $64,898, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,717 (median) and $72,270 (average). 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 (7,728 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing expenses, 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 held on 28 August 2016, comprised 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. In Regional Qld, this was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirwan was at 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,450, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Kirwan was $325, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Kirwan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, which is larger than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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%, with 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

Public transport analysis indicates 50 active transport stops operating within Kirwan, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 4 individual routes, collectively offering 528 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 292 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car remaining 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Kirwan, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Notably high prevalence of common health conditions is observed across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,235 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area's rate. The most prevalent medical conditions in Kirwan are mental health issues (9.8%) and arthritis (8.8%), while 65.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,588 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with those of 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, and speaking English only at home by the year 2016 census. The predominant religion in Kirwan was Christianity, accounting for 57.6% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 28.0%, English 27.2%, and Irish 7.9% of Kirwan's population by 2016 census data.

Notable differences were observed in the representation of Australian Aboriginal (6.2% vs regional 3.9%), Maori (0.6% vs 0.8%), and Samoan (0.2% vs 0.2%) ethnic groups.

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

The median age in Kirwan is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group constitutes 14.5% of Kirwan's population, higher than Regional Queensland's figure. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort makes up 5.7%, lower compared to Regional Queensland. Post-2021 Census data shows an increase in the 75-84 age group from 4.4% to 5.7%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 12.2%, and the 5-14 group has fallen from 14.5% to 13.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Kirwan. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 14% (381 people), reaching 3,120 from 2,738. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting Kirwan's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 and 45-54 cohorts are predicted to experience population declines.