Kelso (NSW)

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According to evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Kelso (NSW) is estimated to be approximately 11,338 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 1,299 people (12.9%) from the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 10,039 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 11,309, estimated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 290 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level means a density ratio of 357 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial room per individual and potential space for additional expansion. The 12.9% expansion of the suburb of Kelso (NSW) since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (2.2%), as well as the SA3 area, establishing it as a growth frontrunner in the district. Population expansion for the locality was mainly pushed by interstate migration which accounted for roughly of total population gains during recent times, though all indicators including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors.

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Kelso possesses a qualified labor force, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 5,938 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is significantly above average (68.5% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census feedback, a low 11.3% of residents were recorded working from home, though Covid-19 lockdown influences should be taken into account.

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The income level in the suburb of Kelso is lower than average on a national scale according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in the suburb of Kelso is $53,360 and the average income is $64,355, which compares to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,867 (median) and $70,996 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank moderately in Kelso, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.8% of residents (4,059 people), mirroring regional levels where 29.9% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure in Kelso, as assessed at the most recent Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the rate of home ownership in Kelso was behind that of Regional NSW, at 32.7%, with the rest of the dwellings being mortgaged (39.0%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Regional NSW average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Kelso's mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are below the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the majority at 77.4% of all households, consisting of 32.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.6%, with single person households at 20.4% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The locality experiences educational difficulties, with university qualification rates (18.7%) significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a hurdle and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational and technical skills are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (31.7%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 160 active transport stops operating within Kelso comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 53 individual routes, collectively providing 885 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health statistics show substantial difficulties facing Kelso, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age brackets, and the rate of private health insurance just ahead of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,939 people).

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Kelso was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kelso was found to be Christianity, which makes up 63.4% of people in Kelso. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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The 36-year median age in the suburb of Kelso (NSW) is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 similarly somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. The 15 - 24 age bracket shows strong representation at 14.0% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.9% to 14.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 14.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for the suburb of Kelso (NSW). Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by ( people), reaching from .

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Kelso currently has an estimated 793 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 458 children aged 0-2 and 304 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 44% by 2041 (to approximately 1,145 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,283. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.