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Kelso suburb profile

Kelso is a suburban area located in the city of Townsville, Queensland, known for its family-friendly environment and scenic surroundings. Situated approximately 20km southwest of Townsville's central business district, Kelso offers residents a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities. The suburb is characterized by its spacious residential properties, parks, and proximity to the Ross River, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Kelso is popular among families and individuals seeking a quieter suburban setting while still being connected to the broader Townsville region. Its community-oriented atmosphere and natural beauty make it an appealing choice for those looking to settle in North Queensland.

Kelso property market performance

Kelso’s property market has experienced significant growth in house values over the past 12 months, with a remarkable increase of 24.6%, bringing the median house price to $500,000. In contrast, unit values have remained stable, with no change, and a median price of $164,000.

Sales activity has been robust for houses, with 83 sold in the past 12 months, while only 2 units were sold, indicating a stronger demand for houses. Houses are selling rapidly, with a median of just 11 days on the market, compared to 66 days for units, suggesting a slower unit market.

The rental market in Kelso has seen a notable increase in house rents, rising by 11.6% over the last 12 months, with an average rent of $480. Meanwhile, unit rents have remained unchanged, averaging $290, reflecting a stable demand in the unit rental sector.

Median price - houses$515KPast 3 months

Median price - units$164KPast 3 months

Change in value - houses29.6%12 months

Change in value - units-33.2%12 months

Houses sold71Past 3 months

Units sold1Past 3 months

Median DOM - houses12Past 12 months

Median DOM - units66Past 12 months

Average rent - houses$490Past 12 months

Average rent - units$290Past 12 months

Change in rent - houses11.4%Past 12 months

Change in rent - unitsN/APast 12 months

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 diverse community that includes young families, professionals, and long-term residents. The suburb's proximity to the Ross River and various parks makes it an attractive location for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a relaxed lifestyle.

The housing market 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 many residents investing in their homes for the long term. Additionally, 32.7% of the properties are rented, providing options for those seeking more flexible living arrangements. The suburb's family-oriented nature is reflected in the household composition, with 39.7% of families being couples with children and 34.4% being couples without children.

Kelso's community is supported by local amenities, including schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, making it a convenient place for families to settle. The median total household income of $1,626 per week suggests a comfortable standard of living for its residents. Overall, Kelso offers a balanced lifestyle with its mix of home ownership, family-friendly environment, and access to natural and urban amenities, making it a desirable suburb for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Kelso infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Kelso is experiencing several developments that may impact its property market. The expansion of the Riverway Drive corridor, including the recent completion of the Riverway Drive duplication project, has improved connectivity and reduced travel times to Townsville's CBD. This enhancement in infrastructure could potentially increase property values and attract new residents to the area.

The ongoing development of the Riverparks Estate is bringing new housing options and community facilities to Kelso, including planned parklands and future retail spaces. Additionally, the proximity to the Ross River Dam offers recreational opportunities for residents. These factors, combined with Kelso's relatively affordable housing market and family-friendly atmosphere, are likely to sustain interest in the suburb's property market and contribute to its gradual growth and development.

Kelso rental market trends

The rental market in Kelso has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 11.6% over the past year to $480 per week, while unit rents have remained stable at $290 per week. This stability in unit rents, combined with the rise in house rents, suggests a balanced market, making Kelso an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking steady returns in a suburban setting.

Suburbs near Kelso

Some popular suburbs near Kelso include:

Common questions about Kelso

  • Is Kelso a nice place to live?

    Kelso is a delightful suburb that offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled in the scenic surroundings of the Townsville region, Kelso provides a charming blend of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities. Its spacious residential properties and proximity to the Ross River create a serene atmosphere, perfect for families and individuals who appreciate outdoor activities and a relaxed lifestyle. The suburb's strong sense of community is evident, with local amenities such as schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities catering to the needs of its residents.

    For families, Kelso is particularly appealing due to its community-oriented vibe and the availability of parks and green spaces. The suburb's layout encourages a safe and welcoming environment, ideal for raising children. While Kelso offers a quieter lifestyle compared to the bustling city center, it remains well-connected to Townsville's CBD, thanks to recent infrastructure developments like the Riverway Drive corridor expansion. This improved connectivity ensures that residents can enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful suburban living with easy access to the city's conveniences.

    However, living in Kelso does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's distance from the city center means that those seeking vibrant nightlife or a trendy urban scene might find it lacking. Additionally, while the ongoing development projects promise future growth and amenities, they may also bring changes to the suburb's character over time. Nonetheless, for those who value a family-friendly atmosphere, natural beauty, and a balanced lifestyle, Kelso stands out as a charming and desirable place to live.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Kelso?

    Kelso offers a relatively affordable living experience, especially when compared to some of the more expensive suburbs in Queensland. With the median house price at $500,000 and units at $164,000, buying property in Kelso is more accessible than in many other areas. Renting is also reasonable, with houses averaging $480 per week and units at $290, which aligns well with the area's average income levels.

    When you look at the average wage in Kelso, which is around $69,000 per year, it becomes clear that the cost of living is manageable for many residents. The median weekly household income of $1,626 suggests that housing costs, whether buying or renting, would not consume an overwhelming portion of the average income. This makes Kelso a financially viable option for those looking to balance affordability with the lifestyle benefits of living in this suburb.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Kelso a good place to invest?

    Kelso is showing promising signs for property investors, particularly in the housing market. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a significant 24.6% increase in median house values, indicating strong capital growth potential. This surge suggests that Kelso is becoming increasingly attractive to buyers, likely due to its affordability compared to more central areas and its appeal to families seeking more space.

    While the unit market in Kelso has remained stable with no change in median values or rents, the housing sector tells a different story. Rental prices for houses have risen by 11.6% over the last year, reflecting strong demand and offering potential for solid rental returns. This makes Kelso an appealing option for investors looking for properties that can provide both capital growth and rental income.

    Overall, Kelso presents a compelling opportunity for investment, especially in the housing market. Its recent growth in property values and rental prices suggests a suburb on the rise, making it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to invest in a growing community with promising returns.

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