Kirwan

QLD 4817 • Rest of QLD

20,780
Population (2021)
$86,996
Median Household Income
11.71 km²
Area
$325/wk
Median Rent
Tropical LivingEstablishedRegional SuburbFamily-Friendly

About Kirwan

Kirwan is Townsville's largest suburb, a sprawling community of 20,800 residents in North Queensland's capital city. Located 10 kilometres from the CBD, it serves as the major residential hub for Townsville's southwestern growth. The suburb is well-established with comprehensive facilities serving the regional city's population.

The suburb offers classic North Queensland suburban living—spacious homes designed for tropical climate, pools in backyards, and an outdoor lifestyle year-round. Willows Shopping Centre provides major retail, while proximity to James Cook University brings students and academics. Kirwan attracts families seeking Townsville's affordable lifestyle with modern amenities.

Kirwan falls under postcode 4817 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Thuringowa electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4817
Urban Area
Thuringowa
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.30°, 146.72°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
11.71 km²
Elevation
15m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$325
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,450
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.6%

290 state housing + 52 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 3336-4448 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1112 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 1112 km from Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Daily errands can often be done on foot near local shopping strips, but a car is useful for larger trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    320 Thuringowa Drive Kirwan 4817 QLD
  • Woolworths
    Willows Shopping Centre, Cnr Hervey Range Road & Thuringowa Drive Kirwan 4817 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
21,418
Census 2021
20,780
3% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$35,932
Personal Income 2021
$42,068
17.1% 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
$42,068 / yr
$809/wk
Household
$86,996 / yr
$1673/wk
Family
$101,400 / yr
$1950/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 16,881
Born Overseas 2,690

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 473
  • 2. New Zealand 451
  • 3. Philippines 269
  • 4. India 115
  • 5. Papua New Guinea 113
  • 6. Scotland 75
  • 7. South Africa 68
  • 8. Thailand 55
  • 9. Germany 44
  • 10. Vietnam 44

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 8,018
English 7,808
Irish 2,274
Scottish 2,135
Australian Aboriginal 1,791
German 1,133
Italian 942
Filipino 384
Chinese 259
Dutch 208

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

13,858
Both parents born in Australia
3,375
Both parents born overseas
2,274
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
53.1%
No Religion
37.5%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.4%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
1,170 (5.6%)
5-14 years
3,010 (14.5%)
15-19 years
1,590 (7.7%)
20-24 years
1,322 (6.4%)
25-34 years
2,487 (12.0%)
35-44 years
2,692 (13.0%)
45-54 years
2,859 (13.8%)
55-64 years
2,529 (12.2%)
65-74 years
1,900 (9.1%)
75-84 years
923 (4.4%)
85+ years
287 (1.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kirwan known for? +

Kirwan is a well-established residential suburb in Townsville, QLD, with a population of approximately 20,780 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Kirwan from Brisbane CBD? +

Kirwan is approximately 1112 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 Kirwan have public transport? +

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

What is the population of Kirwan? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kirwan has a population of approximately 20,780 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Townsville district.

Is Kirwan a good place to live? +

Kirwan offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $53,371, 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 Kirwan? +

The postcode for Kirwan, QLD is 4817.

What is the average income in Kirwan? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Kirwan is about $809 per week (around $42,100 per year). The median household income is $1,673 per week and the median family income is $1,950 per week.

What is the age profile of Kirwan? +

The median age in Kirwan is 38. The largest age group is 5–14 (3,010 residents, around 14%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Kirwan a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Kirwan 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 Kirwan? +

In Kirwan, the median weekly rent is $325, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,450 (2021 Census).