Kelso suburb profile
Kelso is a suburban area located in the city of Townsville, Queensland, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and natural surroundings. Situated approximately 20km southwest of the Townsville CBD, Kelso offers a peaceful residential environment with a mix of modern homes and established properties. The suburb is bordered by the Ross River, providing residents with scenic views and recreational opportunities such as walking trails and parks. Kelso is well-serviced by local amenities, including schools, shopping centers, and public transport, making it a convenient choice for families and individuals seeking a relaxed lifestyle within reach of urban conveniences.
Kelso property market performance
Property growth+24.6%Past 12 months
Kelso’s property market has experienced significant growth over the past 12 months, particularly in the housing sector. House values have surged by 21.6%, with the current median house price reaching $630,000. The unit market, however, remains stagnant with no change in median value, reflecting limited activity in this segment.
Sales activity has been robust for houses, with 51 sold in the past year, and they are moving quickly with a median of just 15 days on the market. In contrast, the unit market has seen minimal activity, with only one unit sold and no median days on market data available, indicating a lack of demand or supply.
The rental market for houses in Kelso has also seen positive movement, with average rents increasing by 8.2% over the last 12 months, now averaging $530. The unit rental market remains inactive, with no change in rent prices.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $625K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 20.2% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 52 | 1 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 16 | N/A |
Average rent Past 12 months | $530 | $490 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 7.5% | N/A |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Kelso demographics
Kelso, located in the Townsville region of Queensland, is a suburb that offers a blend of suburban tranquility and family-friendly living. With a population of 10,599 and a median age of 34, Kelso is home to a mix of young families and established residents. The suburb's appeal is evident in its family-oriented community, with 39.7% of households being couple families with children, and 34.4% being couple families without children. This balance of family types contributes to a supportive and cohesive neighborhood atmosphere.
The housing landscape in Kelso is characterized by a significant proportion of home ownership, with 23.5% of properties owned outright and 43.8% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable community with a strong sense of investment in the area. Additionally, 32.7% of properties are rented, providing options for those seeking more flexible living arrangements. The median total household income of $1,626 per week reflects a comfortable standard of living for many residents.
Kelso's community is further enriched by its diverse family structures, including 24.2% one-parent families and a small percentage of other family types. This diversity is complemented by the suburb's proximity to essential amenities, schools, and recreational facilities, making it an attractive location for families and individuals alike. With its welcoming environment and convenient location, Kelso continues to be a desirable place for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in the Townsville region.
Kelso infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Kelso benefits from its position within the wider Townsville growth corridor, with ongoing upgrades to key arterial roads and bridge connections along the Ross River improving access to employment hubs and retail centres in nearby suburbs. Enhanced connectivity to major shopping centres, health services and the Townsville CBD supports Kelso’s appeal to buyers seeking more affordable, larger-block housing while maintaining reasonable commuter links.
Local schools and community facilities in surrounding areas continue to receive incremental investment, which underpins Kelso’s family-friendly reputation and helps sustain steady demand from owner-occupiers. There are currently no widely publicised, game-changing infrastructure or planning announcements specific to Kelso itself, so the property market is being driven more by broader Townsville economic conditions, lifestyle appeal and affordability than by major new local developments at this time.
Kelso rental market trends
The rental market in Kelso has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 8.2% over the past year to $530 per week. However, there has been no change in unit rents, which remain at $0, indicating a potential lack of available units. Kelso continues to attract interest with its affordable housing options and community-focused lifestyle.
Suburbs near Kelso
Some popular suburbs near Kelso include:
How does Kelso compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Kelso’s median house price is 1.1% higher than Rasmussen’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kelso have grown 3.2% higher than in Rasmussen.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Kelso have grown 4.5% higher than in Condon.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Kelso are selling 5.9% faster than in Rasmussen.

