Kelso is the largest of the Upper Ross suburbs and, with around 10,600 residents, the second most populous suburb in Townsville after Kirwan. It sits at the south-western edge of the city, near the Ross River Dam, about 18 kilometres from the CBD in a straight line. Much of it was built through the 1990s and 2000s, so its housing is mostly brick family homes and newer estate homes on suburban blocks, with plenty of parks between them. Kelso's rental appeal is simple: space at an affordable rent. Families can find a three- or four-bedroom home for less than in suburbs closer to the city, with Kelso State School in the suburb and more schools in neighbouring Rasmussen and Condon. JCU, the hospital and Lavarack Barracks are all within about ten kilometres. For landlords, Kelso offers deep, steady family demand.
Rental snapshot
Median weekly rent for new leases in Kelso.
- 3-bedroom house June 2026 · up $35 on a year earlier
- $520 per week
- 4-bedroom house June 2026 · up $50 on a year earlier
- $580 per week
Source: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), median weekly rent for new bonds lodged. Medians move around from quarter to quarter, and a specific home can rent well above or below them.
Get an appraisal for your propertyWho rents in Kelso
Kelso is a family suburb through and through. Most tenants are couples with children looking for a bigger home and yard at a rent they can afford. Defence families from Lavarack Barracks, about 10 km away, choose Kelso for value, as do workers across the Upper Ross and southern suburbs and some JCU and hospital staff.
With so many residents, Kelso has a large rental pool, which means competition among similar homes. Air-conditioning, a secure yard, a pool or a big shed can make a home stand out.
Schools, shops and getting around
Kelso State School covers Prep to Year 6 within the suburb. Rasmussen State School and Good Shepherd Catholic School are next door in Rasmussen, and Thuringowa State High School is in Condon. Ryan Catholic College in Kirwan is a popular choice for families wanting Catholic education through to Year 12.
For shopping, residents use the local centres in Rasmussen and the larger Willows Shopping Centre in Thuringowa Central. Kelso has plenty of parks, including Bartlett Park and Charles Moroney Park, and the Ross River Dam and its surrounding parklands are close by. Riverway Drive is the main route out, heading east towards JCU, the hospital and the city.
Local considerations for landlords
Kelso’s homes are generally 20 to 35 years old. Plan for replacing air-conditioners, hot water systems and appliances as they reach the end of their life, and budget for roof and gutter maintenance. Newer estate homes are built to modern cyclone standards, but older homes should still have roof fixings checked.
Some low-lying streets near creeks and drainage channels were affected in the 2019 floods, while most of the suburb was not. Check the council’s flood maps for the specific address, and hold landlord insurance with storm, flood and loss-of-rent cover.
Managing a rental in Kelso
In a big suburb with many comparable homes, getting the price right is critical. We look closely at recent Kelso leases for homes of similar size, age and features, and we tell you honestly how your property compares. Clear photos and descriptions highlight what sets it apart.
Kelso is along Riverway Drive from our Kirwan office, so inspections, viewings and maintenance visits are easy to schedule. We market to families and defence households on our database and check every applicant carefully.
Kelso FAQs
Why do families rent in Kelso?
Kelso offers family-sized homes at rents generally below those of suburbs closer to the city, with a state primary school, plenty of parks and easy access to Riverway Drive. It's a practical choice for families on a budget.
Is Kelso too far from the city?
Kelso is about 18 km from the CBD in a straight line. Most tenants drive, and Riverway Drive gives a direct route to JCU, the hospital and the city. For families who work in the western or southern suburbs, the commute is often shorter than it looks.
Sources: population from the ABS 2021 Census. Distances are straight-line, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data (© OpenStreetMap contributors). School list from the Queensland Government schools directory. Page reviewed September 2026.