Kelso (Qld)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Kelso (Qld)'s population is estimated at around 11,067 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 468 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,599 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,067, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 644 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Kelso's 4.4% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The local workforce shows a balanced distribution between professional and trade roles, with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of 7.2%. As of March 2026, 4,983 residents are employed, which leaves the unemployment rate 3.3% higher than the Regional Qld average of 3.9%, suggesting room for labor market improvement. Workforce participation is also slightly lower than the regional standard, sitting at 60.7% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data shows that a small 4.3% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may be influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Tax office data for the 2023 financial year indicates that personal incomes in the area are lower than the national average, with a median of $52,761 and an average of $59,108. This compares to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at approximately $58,755 for the median and $65,823 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes all place moderately, falling between the 42nd and 44th percentiles nationally. Looking at the earnings spread, 38.1% of the population (4,216 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is comparable to the wider region where 31.7% of people sit in this bracket. Affordability pressures are high, with residents retaining only of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix consists of 98.0% standalone houses and 1.9% other dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates trail the regional average, with only 23.5% of homes owned outright, while the rest are being purchased with a mortgage (43.7%) or rented (32.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,496 sits below the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent of $300 is lower than the regional figure of $345. On a national level, housing costs are highly affordable, with local mortgages significantly below the Australian average of $1,863 and rent payments well below the countrywide average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 78.5%, consisting of couples with children at 32.0%, couples without children at 26.6%, and single parents at 18.8%. The remaining 21.5% are non-family households, which are predominantly single person households at 18.3% alongside group households at 3.0%. The median household size of 2.8 people is slightly larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment profiles show that 12.1% of residents hold a university qualification, which is lower than the nationwide average of 30.4%. Among those with higher education, bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate degrees at 1.6%. Technical qualifications and trade skills are highly prevalent, with 43.9% of the population aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 34.0%.

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Public transport services include 16 stops located throughout the area, consisting of bus services. These stops are serviced by 1 distinct route, providing a combined total of 241 passenger services weekly. Transport convenience is low, with residents living an average of 687 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute to other areas, and private cars remain the dominant transport choice at 94%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars, which is higher than the regional average. A small 4.3% of the workforce worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates highlights notable health issues within the local population, affecting both younger and older age brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 51% of residents (~5,603 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%.

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The local area has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to national benchmarks, with citizens making up 88.4% of the population, 90.6% of residents born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 51.4% of the population, which is comparable to the 52.2% recorded across Regional Qld.

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The median age of 34 is younger than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher concentration of youth aged 15 - 24 (15.0%) but fewer seniors aged 65 - 74 (8.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 grew from 12.6% to 15.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 3.2% to 4.7%. Conversely, children aged 5 to 14 fell from 17.1% to 14.0%, and adults aged 45 to 54 declined from to . By demographic shifts are expected to alter the age profile, led by a increase in the to bracket, growing from to residents, while the to and to cohorts are projected to contract.

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Kelso currently has an estimated 741 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 436 children aged 0-2 and 291 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 16% by 2041 (to approximately 861 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,247. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.3 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.