🔍

Kelso

QLD 4815 • Rest of QLD

10,599
Population (2021)
$84,552
Median Household Income
17.17 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
North QueenslandAffordableFamily-FriendlyTropical

About Kelso

Kelso is a suburb of Townsville in North Queensland, 10 kilometres from the CBD. The suburb offers affordable family housing with access to Willows Shopping Centre and proximity to regional services.

Affordable Townsville living defines Kelso—families find accessible housing while maintaining tropical lifestyle. The suburb attracts working families seeking North Queensland at reasonable prices.

Kelso falls under postcode 4815 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Thuringowa electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4815
Urban Area
Thuringowa
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Thuringowa
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.39°, 146.72°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
17.17 km²
Elevation
29m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,496
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
34 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 3315-4420 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1105 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 1105 km from Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Townsville Local Government Area, which contains Kelso. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
2yr Down 40.2% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
2yr Down 28.0% 10yr Up 17.0%
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 250.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
2yr Down 35.4% 10yr Up 52.8%
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Townsville →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
10,538
Census 2021
10,599
▲ 0.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,124
Personal Income 2021
$40,404
▲ 22.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$40,404 / yr
$777/wk
Household
$84,552 / yr
$1626/wk
Family
$94,068 / yr
$1809/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 8,802
Born Overseas 912

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 217
  • 2. England 212
  • 3. Philippines 58
  • 4. Papua New Guinea 50
  • 5. Germany 35
  • 6. Scotland 27
  • 7. South Africa 26
  • 8. Malaysia 17
  • 9. Netherlands 17
  • 10. United States 17

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 4,233
English 4,011
Australian Aboriginal 1,240
Irish 1,036
Scottish 1,035
German 565
Italian 429
Dutch 141
Chinese 113
Filipino 94

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

7,412
Both parents born in Australia
1,148
Both parents born overseas
1,115
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.0%
No Religion
42.5%
Buddhism
0.4%
Islam
0.1%
Hinduism
0.0%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
683 (6.4%)
5-14 years
1,816 (17.1%)
15-19 years
758 (7.2%)
20-24 years
760 (7.2%)
25-34 years
1,337 (12.6%)
35-44 years
1,360 (12.8%)
45-54 years
1,420 (13.4%)
55-64 years
1,202 (11.3%)
65-74 years
858 (8.1%)
75-84 years
342 (3.2%)
85+ years
63 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kelso known for? +

Kelso is a well-established residential suburb in Townsville, QLD, with a population of approximately 10,599 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Kelso from Brisbane CBD? +

Kelso is approximately 1105 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. The drive typically takes 1.5+ hours outside peak hours, though most residents use local regional centres rather than commuting to the capital CBD.

Does Kelso have public transport? +

Kelso is served by local bus services connecting to the broader network. Train access is available via nearby stations.

What is the population of Kelso? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kelso has a population of approximately 10,599 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Townsville district.

Is Kelso a good place to live? +

Kelso offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $48,733, it attracts a broad demographic mix. Like most QLD suburbs, its appeal depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Kelso? +

The postcode for Kelso, QLD is 4815.

What is the average income in Kelso? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Kelso is about $777 per week (around $40,400 per year). The median household income is $1,626 per week and the median family income is $1,809 per week.

What is the age profile of Kelso? +

The median age in Kelso is 34. The largest age group is 5–14 (1,816 residents, around 17%). Around 31% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Kelso a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Kelso is part of the Townsville LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Kelso? +

In Kelso, the median weekly rent is $300, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,496 (2021 Census).