Kuluin

Kuluin 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 1 November 2025, the estimated population of Kuluin is around 2,877, reflecting a 6.6% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,700 people. This increase is inferred from an AreaSearch validation of 28 new addresses since the Census date and an estimated resident population of 2,768 based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024. The current population density stands at approximately 1,580 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Kuluin has shown a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%, surpassing that of its surrounding SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed around 54% to recent population gains in the suburb. For projections until 2032, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

Beyond 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 852 persons, representing a 31.3% rise over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kuluin when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Kuluin had approximately 12 new home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 64 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in Kuluin between FY-21 and FY-25 was 5.9 people. This indicates demand outstripping supply, potentially leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $804,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $9.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kuluin has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 61st percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Recent construction comprises 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current housing mix of 90.0% houses. This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Kuluin has around 241 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kuluin is projected to add 901 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kuluin has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch identified a single project likely to impact the area: Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme (2019), Bruce Highway Upgrade - Maroochydore Road to Mons Road (started 2017, completion expected 2020), Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Coordination Plan (launched 2018), and Mooloolaba to University Active Transport Corridor (underway since 2019).

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The labour market strength in Kuluin positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Kuluin has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% as of June 2025.

There are 1,530 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.3% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employs 1.5 times the regional average while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.7%, employment decreased by 1.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kuluin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Kuluin's median income among taxpayers was $43,892 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $56,445 during the same period. These figures are below those for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest Kuluin's median income is approximately $50,032 and average income is around $64,342 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household income in Kuluin ranks at the 47th percentile ($1,696 weekly), while personal income sits at the 27th percentile. Income distribution shows that 39.4% of the population (1,133 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, a figure similar to the metropolitan region's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kuluin, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Kuluin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Kuluin, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Kuluin was slightly lower than that of Non-Metro Qld, at 32.1%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (44.6%) or rented (23.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, below the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,820 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420 and the national figure of $375.

Kuluin features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.7% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.3%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

Educational attainment in Kuluin aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.5%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (34.2%).

Educational participation is high at 26.5%, including primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (3.0%). Kuluin State School, established in 1989, serves the local educational needs with an enrollment of 629 students as of 2021. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas from 2005 onwards. The area functions as an education hub with 21.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 9.7, attracting students from nearby communities since its establishment.

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

Transport analysis indicates eight operational public transport stops in Kuluin, utilising a combination of bus services. These stops are served by one specific route, facilitating 209 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these services is deemed good, with residents on average situated 249 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 29 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kuluin is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kuluin faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,426 people), compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 9.8% and arthritis impacts 8.8% of residents in Kuluin. Conversely, 64.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.2% across the rest of Queensland. As of 2021, 22.8% of Kuluin's residents are aged 65 and over (655 people), which is lower than the 24.4% figure for the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Kuluin had a lower level of cultural diversity, with 79.7% of its population born in Australia, 88.1% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.6% of Kuluin's population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.9%), Australian (28.6%), and Scottish (8.4%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.3% in Kuluin (vs 1.0% regionally), as were Germans at 5.6% (vs 4.8%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Kuluin hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kuluin has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and exceeding the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 12.6% compared to Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.2% to 13.9%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 10.6% to 8.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Kuluin's age profile will significantly evolve. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 169 people and reaching 569 from 399. The 55 to 64 group shows more modest growth at 10%, adding only 24 residents.