Economic Dashboard

QLD

Queensland economic indicators, side by side with Australia and ranked against the other states

Updated 19 Sep 2026 2,788 Indicators

Market Overview - September 2026 Economic Summary

Queensland SFD grew 3.3% to June 2026, 0.2pp faster than the national rate.

State Final Demand in Queensland reached $545.9bn in the year to June 2026, up 3.3% and 0.2pp faster than Australia's 3.1%. Per capita SFD grew 1.7% to $95,111, sitting 3.6% below the national average but 6.5% above its historical average. Queensland ranked equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories for SFD growth, supported by steady private and public demand. Queensland's unemployment rate stood at 4.19% in July 2026, sitting 0.3pp below the national 4.5% rate and 0.94pp below its 10-year average. Total employment reached 3.05 million, expanding 1.9% over the year. Queensland recorded the fastest employment growth of the six reporting states, alongside the second-lowest unemployment rate, supported by 1.4% full-time job growth. Against the other states, QLD ranks state final demand growth equal 3rd highest of 8 states (2026-Jun) and unemployment rate 2nd lowest of 6 reporting (2026-Jul).

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Queensland weekly reports

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The Queensland economy this week

5 key points

QLD SFD grew 3.3%, equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories.

Queensland's economy expanded steadily into mid 2026, with State Final Demand growing 3.3% over the year to June, 0.2pp faster than Australia. Growth was supported by 1.6% population growth (equal second-fastest nationwide) and employment growth of 1.9%, the fastest of the six reporting states. However, living costs remained elevated: headline inflation ran at 3.7% and Brisbane house prices rose 18.8%, straining purchasing power while nominal wage growth tracked at 3.4%.

1 State Final Demand grew 3.3% over the year to June 2026, outperforming Australia's 3.1% and ranking equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories.
2 Total employment expanded 1.9% over the year to July 2026, outpacing the national 1.3% rate and ranking as the fastest of the six reporting states.
3 Brisbane median house prices rose 18.8% over the year to $1.16m, growing 13.3pp faster than Australia's 5.5% and ranking equal second-fastest of the eight states and territories.
4 Dwelling approvals rose 22.4% over the year to 48,350 in July 2026, running 13.6pp faster than Australia's 8.8% and ranking third-fastest of the eight states and territories.
5 The Wage Price Index increased 3.4% over the year to June 2026, running 0.2pp faster than Australia's 3.2% and ranking as the second-fastest of the eight states and territories.

What X is saying about the Queensland economy

6 recent posts

Posts about the Queensland economy from the last 14 days, collected 19 Sep 2026. Each post was matched to its own X status ID before publication. Views are the authors' own.

GDP & Economic Output

State Final Demand
$545.9bn +3.3%
Australia $2,753.8bn (+3.1%)
QLD as at 2026-Jun
State Final Demand per Capita
$95,111 +1.7%
Australia $98,629 (+1.6%)
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Queensland SFD grew 3.3% to June 2026, 0.2pp faster than the national rate.
State Final Demand in Queensland reached $545.9bn in the year to June 2026, up 3.3% and 0.2pp faster than Australia's 3.1%. Per capita SFD grew 1.7% to $95,111, sitting 3.6% below the national average but 6.5% above its historical average. Queensland ranked equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories for SFD growth, supported by steady private and public demand.

State Final Demand in Queensland totalled $138.3bn in the June Quarter 2026, with $545.9bn over the rolling year. Annual growth reached 3.3%, while quarterly year-on-year growth stepped up to 3.8%. This annual expansion ran 0.2pp faster than Australia's 3.1%, indicating firm economic activity across the state.
On a per-person basis, SFD stood at $95,111 per person annually in June 2026, an annual increase of 1.7%. While headline demand grew 3.3%, per capita gains were more modest at 1.7%, though still 0.1pp faster than the national per capita rate of 1.6%. The annual per capita level sits 3.6% below Australia's $98,629, but remains 6.5% above its historical average of $89,328.
Across the country, Queensland's 3.3% annual SFD growth was equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories alongside New South Wales, trailing South Australia's 3.7% but exceeding the Northern Territory's -1.9%. On a per capita basis, Queensland's 1.7% increase was the third-fastest of the eight states and territories, behind South Australia's 2.7% and ahead of the Northern Territory's -3.4%.
QLD against the other states
3 State Final Demand growth — Equal 3rd highest of 8 states at 3.3% (2026-Jun)
3 State Final Demand per Capita growth — 3rd highest of 8 states at 1.7% (2026-Jun)
States are compared on State Final Demand. GDP by state is not published - national GDP is on the Australia page.
QLD State Final Demand growth
+3.3% (Jun-26)
+3.3% vs Australia +3.1% (0.2pp faster); equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD SFD per capita growth
+1.7% (Jun-26)
+1.7% vs Australia +1.6% (0.1pp faster); the third-fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD SFD per capita
$95,111 (Jun-26)
$95,111 vs Australia $98,629 (3.6% below Australia); vs avg $89,328 (+6.5%)
Rising
QLD quarterly SFD per capita
$24,092 (Jun-26)
$24,092 vs avg $22,583 (+6.7%); quarterly SFD $138.3bn (YoY +3.8%)
Rising

Population & Migration

Population
5,739,461 +1.6%
Australia 27,921,150 (+1.4%)
QLD as at 2026-Mar
Net Overseas Migration
55,217 -1.3%
Australia 292,137 (-5.6%)
QLD as at 2026-Mar
Net Interstate Migration
14,718 -9,601 people
QLD as at 2026-Mar
Queensland population grew 1.6% to 5.74 million in the year to March 2026.
Queensland's population reached 5.74 million in March 2026, growing 1.6% over the year and running 0.2pp faster than the national 1.4% rate. Growth was driven by 55,217 overseas migrants and 14,718 net interstate arrivals. Queensland recorded the equal second-fastest population growth of the eight states and territories alongside Victoria, with interstate inflows moderating.

Queensland's population reached 5.74 million as at March 2026, expanding by 1.6% over the year. This 1.6% annual growth rate outpaced the national average of 1.4% by 0.2pp. While population gains remained strong, annual growth has settled slightly from earlier peak influxes as cross-border movements normalised.
Examining the three components of growth, net overseas migration delivered 55,217 persons, natural increase added 20.4k persons, and net interstate migration contributed 14,718 persons. Natural increase was the standout gainer, up 2.5% compared to its 10-year average decline of -4.3%. In contrast, net interstate migration of 14.7k fell 43.9% below its 10-year average of 26.2k, while overseas migration eased 1.3% over the year against a historical average growth rate of +10.0%.
In national comparisons, Queensland's 1.6% population growth was equal second-fastest of the eight states and territories alongside Victoria, behind Western Australia's 2.1% but outpacing Tasmania's 0.6%. Queensland continued to attract residents from interstate, adding 2.6 net interstate migrants per 1,000 people, the second-highest of the eight states and territories behind Western Australia's 3.3 per 1,000, while the Northern Territory lost -5.9 per 1,000.
QLD against the other states
2 Population growth — Equal 2nd highest of 8 states at 1.6% (2026-Mar)
2 Net Interstate Migration per 1,000 People — 2nd highest of 8 states at 2.6 per 1,000 (2026-Mar)
Net interstate migration is ranked per 1,000 residents so it is not simply a ranking of state size. Australia-wide it nets to zero.
QLD population growth
+1.6% (Mar-26)
+1.6% vs Australia +1.4% (0.2pp faster); equal second-fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD net interstate migration per 1,000 people
2.6 per 1,000 (Mar-26)
the second-highest of the eight states and territories (highest WA 3.3, lowest NT -5.9)
Falling
QLD net overseas migration
55,217 (Mar-26)
-1.3% YoY vs Australia -5.6% YoY (4.3pp faster); growth vs 10yr avg +10.0% (-11.3pp)
Falling
QLD natural increase growth
+2.5% (Mar-26)
growth +2.5% vs 10yr avg -4.3% (+6.8pp); total natural increase 20.4k
Rising

Development Activity

Dwelling Approvals (rolling year)
48,350 +22.4%
Australia 206,298 (+8.8%)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People
8.4 per 1,000 +20.0%
Australia 7.4 per 1,000 (+7.2%)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Queensland dwelling approvals rose 22.4% to 48,350 in the year to July 2026.
Dwelling approvals in Queensland rose 22.4% to 48,350 in the year to July 2026, running 13.6pp faster than the national 8.8% rate. At 8.4 approvals per 1,000 residents, Queensland ranked equal second-highest of the eight states and territories. While approvals and commencements lifted sharply, completions contracted 2.1% to 33.0k, indicating persistent construction conversion delays.

Dwelling approvals in Queensland reached 48,350 in the year to July 2026, representing an annual increase of 22.4%. This equated to 8.4 approvals per 1,000 residents, running 1.0pp above the Australian figure of 7.4 per 1,000. Approvals growth exceeded its 10-year average of -0.7% by 23.1pp, having rebounded from earlier cyclical lows to expand 13.6pp faster than Australia's 8.8%.
A comparison across pipeline stages highlights conversion delays between planning and delivery. While annual approvals reached 48.4k (up 22.4%) and commencements grew 19.8% to 43.3k, completions fell 2.1% to 33.0k. Completions per 1,000 people stood at 6 versus their historical average of 7 (-18.6%). Attached dwelling approvals drove the pipeline acceleration, climbing 37.3% compared to their 10-year average of -2.7%.
Across the eight states and territories, Queensland's 22.4% approvals growth was the third-fastest, behind the Australian Capital Territory's 39.4% but well ahead of Victoria's -0.6%. On a per-capita intensity basis, Queensland's 8.4 approvals per 1,000 people was equal second-highest of the eight states and territories alongside Western Australia, closely trailing the Australian Capital Territory's 8.5 per 1,000.
QLD against the other states
3 Dwelling Approvals (rolling year) growth — 3rd highest of 8 states at 22.4% (2026-Jul)
2 Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People — Equal 2nd highest of 8 states at 8.4 per 1,000 (2026-Jul)
QLD dwelling approvals growth
+22.4% (Jul-26)
+22.4% vs Australia +8.8% (13.6pp faster); the third-fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD dwelling approvals per 1,000 people
8.4 per 1,000 (Jul-26)
8.4 vs Australia 7.4 (1.0pp above Australia); equal second-highest of the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD attached dwelling approvals growth
+37.3% (Jul-26)
growth +37.3% vs 10yr avg -2.7% (+40.0pp)
Rising
QLD dwelling completions
33.0k (Mar-26)
YoY -2.1%; completions per 1,000 people 6 vs avg 7 (-18.6%)
Falling

Housing Market

Capital City House Price
$1.16m +18.8%
Australia $1.09m (+5.5%)
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Regional House Price
$800k +10.1%
Australia $745k (+8.9%)
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Brisbane house prices rose 18.8% to $1.16m in the year to June 2026.
Brisbane median house prices reached $1.16m in June 2026, rising 18.8% over the year and outpacing the national 5.5% pace by 13.3pp. Regional houses grew 10.1% to $800,000. Price growth accelerated well above 10-year averages, lifting the capital house price-to-income multiple to 10.43x. Queensland ranked equal second-fastest of the eight states and territories for capital city price growth.

The median house price in Brisbane reached $1.16m in the June Quarter 2026, rising 18.8% over the year. This annual pace accelerated 10.0pp above its 10-year average growth rate of 8.8%. Regional Queensland house prices also climbed to $800,000, up 10.1% over the year, running 1.2pp faster than Australia's regional price growth of 8.9%.
Escalating prices have pushed housing into severely unaffordable territory. Capital city houses trade at 10.43x annual household income, 20.8% above the 10-year average multiple of 8.64x. Capital city attached dwellings reached $830,100 (up 17.2%), sitting at 7.49x income compared to a 6.08x average. In the regions, attached dwellings reached 7.27x income against a 6.25x average.
Stretched buyer affordability coincided with lower turnover, as capital city house sales fell 5.3% over the year and regional house sales dropped 7.6%. Across the nation, Brisbane's 18.8% capital price growth was equal second-fastest of the eight states and territories alongside Western Australia, running well above Australia's 5.5%, outpaced only by the Northern Territory's 21.4%, while New South Wales contracted 2.1%. Regional price growth of 10.1% was mid-pack among the seven reporting states and territories.
QLD against the other states
2 Capital City House Price growth — Equal 2nd highest of 8 states at 18.8% (2026-Jun)
4 Regional House Price growth — 4th of 7 reporting at 10.1% (2026-Jun)
QLD capital city house price
$1.16m (Jun-26)
$1.16m vs Australia $1.09m (6.0% above Australia; growing 13.3pp faster); equal second-fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD regional house price
$800k (Jun-26)
$800k vs Australia $745k (7.4% above Australia; growing 1.2pp faster); mid-pack among the seven reporting states and territories
Rising
QLD capital city house price-to-income multiple
10.43 (Jun-26)
10.43 vs avg 8.64 (+20.8%)
Rising
QLD capital city attached dwelling price
$830,100 (Jun-26)
growth +17.2% vs 10yr avg +7.2% (+10.0pp); multiple 7.49 vs avg 6.08 (+23.3%)
Rising

Housing Finance

Housing Finance Commitments
$21.8bn +11.1%
Australia $99.0bn (+6.6%)
QLD as at 2026-Jun
New-Build Share of Lending
18.4% +2.0pp
Australia 18.2% (+2.1pp)
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Queensland housing finance grew 11.1% to $21.8bn in the June Quarter 2026.
Housing finance commitments in Queensland reached $21.8bn in the June Quarter 2026, rising 11.1% over the year and outpacing Australia's 6.6% rate by 4.5pp. Owner-occupiers took $13.2bn while investor borrowing rose 12.9% to $8.7bn. New builds captured 18.4% of purchase lending, above the 17.3% average recorded since 2019, ranking mid-pack among the eight states and territories.

Housing finance commitments in Queensland totalled $21.8bn in the June Quarter 2026, expanding 11.1% compared to a year ago. This annual increase outpaced Australia's 6.6% growth rate by 4.5pp, supported by strong property price growth across the state.
By borrowing segment, owner-occupiers took $13.2bn (up 10.0% over the year), while investor lending rose 12.9% to $8.7bn. Investor demand was notably elevated in the construction sector, with investor lending for new builds reaching $2.0bn, more than doubling its historical average of $935m (+108.8%). Owner-occupier new-build lending reached $2.1bn, up 29.6% against its $1.6bn average.
Lending for new builds totalled $4.0bn, compared to $17.8bn for existing dwellings. New builds captured 18.4% of dwelling purchase lending, above the 17.3% average recorded since 2019 (+1.14pp) and 0.2pp above the national share of 18.2%. Across the eight states and territories, Queensland's new-build share ranked mid-pack behind South Australia's 24.8% and above New South Wales at 13.4%, while Queensland's 11.1% total lending growth was the third-slowest of the eight states and territories.
QLD against the other states
6 Housing Finance Commitments growth — 3rd lowest of 8 states at 11.1% (2026-Jun)
4 New-Build Share of Lending — 4th of 8 states at 18.4% (2026-Jun)
QLD housing finance commitments growth
+11.1% (Jun-26)
+11.1% vs Australia +6.6% (4.5pp faster); the third-slowest of the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD new-build share of lending
18.4% (Jun-26)
18.4% vs Australia 18.2% (0.2pp above Australia); mid-pack among the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD investor new-build lending
$2.0bn (Jun-26)
$2.0bn vs avg $935m (+108.8%)
Rising
QLD investor lending growth
+12.9% (Jun-26)
investor lending reached $8.7bn (+12.9% YoY) vs owner-occupier $13.2bn (+10.0% YoY)
Rising

Rental Market

Median Rent (rolling year)
$632/wk +7.3%
Australia $625/wk (+5.6%) · 2026-Mar
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Median Rent Growth
7.3% +2.0pp
Australia 5.6% (-1.8pp) · 2026-Mar
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Rent as a Share of Earnings
29.7% +1.0pp
Australia 29.4% (+0.5pp) · 2026-Mar
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Queensland rolling-year median rent rose 7.3% to $632 per week in June 2026.
Queensland's rolling-year median rent reached $632 per week in the June Quarter 2026, rising 7.3% over the year, outpacing Australia's $625 per week recorded in March (up 5.6%). Regional rents of $657 per week exceeded capital city rents of $654 per week, pushing the capital premium to -2.00%. In March comparisons, Queensland rent growth was second-highest of the five reporting states.

The median rent in Queensland reached $655 per week in the June Quarter 2026, representing $632 per week on a rolling-year basis. Rolling-year median rent increased 7.3% over the year, accelerating by 2.0pp from the prior year. This ran 1.7pp faster than the national rolling-year rent of $625 per week reported in March 2026 (up 5.6%).
Regional rental tightness is a defining feature of the market. Capital city rents stood at $654 per week, whereas regional rents were higher at $657 per week (and $640 per week rolling year, 42.1% above its $450.52 average). The capital city rent premium fell to -2.00% against its 1.16% historical average. For units, rolling-year rents for 3-bedroom units averaged $829 per week, 46.1% above their $567.25 average, while 1-bedroom units reached $543 per week.
Across reporting jurisdictions at March 2026, Queensland's 7.0% rent growth was the second-highest of the five reporting states behind Tasmania's 7.7% and ahead of South Australia's 6.0%. Rolling-year rent absorbed 29.7% of full-time earnings in June (and 29.6% in March, the third-lowest of the five reporting states). Market rent growth of 7.3% outstripped the ABS CPI rent index of 4.60%, indicating continued flow-through to broad living costs.
QLD against the other states
2 Median Rent Growth — 2nd highest of 5 reporting at 7.0% (2026-Mar)
3 Rent as a Share of Earnings — 3rd lowest of 5 reporting at 29.6% (2026-Mar)
Not in this comparison: VIC (latest 2025-Sep), NT (no data), ACT (no data). Rent series are published on different schedules by each state. Every rank here is taken at one common quarter; states without a value at that quarter are listed with their own latest period instead.
QLD rolling-year median rent
$632/wk (Jun-26)
$632/wk vs Australia $625/wk (Mar-26, 1.1% above Australia); growing 1.7pp faster
Rising
QLD median rent growth
7.0% (Mar-26)
7.0% vs Australia 5.6% (1.4pp above Australia); the second-highest of the five reporting states
Rising
QLD rent as share of earnings
29.6% (Mar-26)
29.6% vs Australia 29.4% (0.2pp above Australia); the third-lowest of the five reporting states
Rising
QLD CPI rents growth
4.60% (Jun-26)
4.60% vs avg 2.98% (+54.4%)
Rising

Employment

Unemployment Rate
4.2% +0.1pp
Australia 4.5% (+0.2pp)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Total Employment
3.05m +1.9%
Australia 14.81m (+1.3%)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Queensland employment rose 1.9% to 3.05m with 4.19% unemployment in July 2026.
Queensland's unemployment rate stood at 4.19% in July 2026, sitting 0.3pp below the national 4.5% rate and 0.94pp below its 10-year average. Total employment reached 3.05 million, expanding 1.9% over the year. Queensland recorded the fastest employment growth of the six reporting states, alongside the second-lowest unemployment rate, supported by 1.4% full-time job growth.

The unemployment rate in Queensland stood at 4.19% as at July 2026, edging up by 0.07pp over the year. The jobless rate remains low and stable, tracking 0.94pp below its 10-year average of 5.13%. However, the count of unemployed persons rose 3.6% over the year, running 4.8pp above its 10-year average contraction of -1.2%.
Total employment reached 3.05 million persons in July 2026, representing an annual increase of 1.9%. Job creation was led by full-time employment, which reached 2,092 thousand persons with an annual gain of 1.4%. Headline employment growth ran 0.6pp faster than the Australian expansion rate of 1.3%, pointing to steady workforce hiring across the state.
Across the country, Queensland's 1.9% employment growth was the fastest of the six reporting states, outperforming New South Wales at 1.5% and Tasmania's contraction of -0.6%. Queensland's 4.2% unemployment rate was the second-lowest of the six reporting states, trailing only South Australia's 4.1% and sitting well below Victoria's 5.1%, while remaining 0.3pp below Australia's 4.5%.
QLD against the other states
2 Unemployment Rate — 2nd lowest of 6 reporting at 4.2% (2026-Jul)
1 Total Employment growth — Highest of 6 reporting at 1.9% (2026-Jul)
Not in this comparison: NT (latest 2026-Mar), ACT (latest 2026-Mar).
QLD total employment growth
+1.9% (Jul-26)
+1.9% vs Australia +1.3% (0.6pp faster); the fastest of the six reporting states
Rising
QLD unemployment rate
4.19% (Jul-26)
4.2% vs Australia 4.5% (0.3pp below Australia); the second-lowest of the six reporting states
Stable
QLD unemployment rate vs 10-year average
4.19% (Jul-26)
4.19% vs avg 5.13% (-0.94pp)
Stable
QLD unemployed persons growth
+3.6% (Jul-26)
growth +3.6% vs 10yr avg -1.2% (+4.8pp)
Rising

Job Advertisements

Job Advertisements
151,985 -0.7%
Australia 627,215 (-1.7%)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Queensland job ads eased 0.7% to 151,985 in July 2026, 1.0pp above Australia.
Job advertisements in Queensland totalled 151,985 in July 2026, easing 0.7% over the year. While annual growth lagged the 10-year average of +5.6% by 6.3pp, advertising volumes held up better than the national decline of -1.7%. Queensland ranked mid-pack among the eight states and territories, with industrial vacancies rising 1.4% while professional roles declined 1.3%.

Job advertisements in Queensland totalled 151,985 (152.0k) in July 2026, down 0.7% compared to a year ago. Annual growth lagged its 10-year average of +5.6% by 6.3pp. However, the 0.7% decline was milder than the national contraction of -1.7%, running 1.0pp faster than Australia as hiring activity normalises across the state.
Demand trends diverged across occupational categories. Professional vacancies fell 1.3% over the year to 37.7k, lagging their 10-year average growth rate of +5.2% by 6.5pp. In contrast, Industrial and trades advertisements rose 1.4% to 35.2k, although this fell 6.1pp short of their 10-year average pace of +7.5%. Sales vacancies increased 1.1%, trailing their 10-year average of +4.2% by 3.1pp.
Across the country, Queensland's -0.7% annual change in job advertisements sat mid-pack among the eight states and territories. South Australia recorded the fastest growth at 3.3%, while the Northern Territory experienced the steepest pullback at -7.7%. Because job advertising historically leads employment by several months, the mild 0.7% decline reflects steady labour demand.
QLD against the other states
4 Job Advertisements growth — 4th of 8 states at -0.7% (2026-Jul)
QLD total job ads growth
-0.7% (Jul-26)
-0.7% vs Australia -1.7% (1.0pp faster); mid-pack among the eight states and territories
Falling
QLD professional job ads growth
-1.3% (Jul-26)
growth -1.3% vs 10yr avg +5.2% (-6.5pp)
Falling
QLD industrial job ads growth
+1.4% (Jul-26)
growth +1.4% vs 10yr avg +7.5% (-6.1pp)
Rising
QLD sales job ads growth
+1.1% (Jul-26)
growth +1.1% vs 10yr avg +4.2% (-3.1pp)
Rising

Wages & Earnings

Wage Price Index
162.8 +3.4%
Australia 161.2 (+3.2%)
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Full-Time Weekly Earnings
$2,130 +4.0%
Australia $2,157 (+3.5%)
QLD as at 2026-May
Queensland wage growth was 3.4% in June 2026, 0.2pp faster than Australia.
Wages in Queensland grew 3.4% over the year to June 2026, running 0.2pp faster than the national 3.2% pace and ranking second-fastest of the eight states and territories. Full-time weekly earnings reached $2,130 in May 2026, rising 4.0% over the year. However, with inflation running at 3.7%, nominal wage growth lagged consumer price increases, mildly reducing real worker purchasing power.

Wages in Queensland grew 3.4% over the year to June 2026, as measured by the Wage Price Index. This represented an increase that ran 0.2pp faster than the national wage growth rate of 3.2%. The index stood at 162.8, running 1.6pp above the Australian figure of 161.2 and 16.1% above its historical average of 140.2.
Average weekly earnings for full-time workers reached $2,130 in May 2026, representing an annual gain of 4.0%, while annual full-time earnings reached $109,949 (up 3.5%). With headline inflation running at 3.7%, nominal wage growth of 3.4% trailed overall price increases, eroding real purchasing power for workers over the year.
Across the country, Queensland's 3.4% wage growth was the second-fastest of the eight states and territories, behind South Australia's 3.6% and above the Northern Territory's 2.8%. Full-time earnings of $2,130 sat 1.2% below the national average of $2,156, but Queensland's 4.0% earnings growth ran 0.5pp faster than Australia's 3.5% increase.
QLD against the other states
2 Wage Price Index growth — 2nd highest of 8 states at 3.4% (2026-Jun)
QLD Wage Price Index growth
+3.4% (Jun-26)
+3.4% vs Australia +3.2% (0.2pp faster); the second-fastest of the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD full-time weekly earnings
$2,130 (May-26)
$2,130 vs Australia $2,156 (1.2% below Australia; growing 0.5pp faster)
Rising
QLD Wage Price Index level
162.8 (Jun-26)
162.8 vs Australia 161.2 (1.6pp above Australia); vs avg 140.2 (+16.1%)
Rising
QLD full-time annual earnings
$109,949 (May-26)
YoY +3.5%; weekly earnings $2,130 (YoY +4.0%)
Rising

Household Consumption

Household Consumption
$71.7bn +1.9%
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Household Consumption per Capita
$12,490 +0.3%
QLD as at 2026-Jun
Queensland household consumption rose 1.9% to $71.7bn in the June Quarter 2026.
Household consumption in Queensland totalled $71.7bn in the June Quarter 2026, rising 1.9% over the year. On a per-capita basis, consumption rose just 0.3% to $12,490, ranking equal third-slowest of the eight states and territories. Spending was driven by essential utilities, with power outlays rising 9.0%, while discretionary categories such as clothing (-0.3%) and alcohol (-2.0%) contracted.

Household consumption expenditure in Queensland reached $71.7bn in the June Quarter 2026, expanding 1.9% over the year. On a per-person basis, quarterly consumption stood at $12,490, edging up 0.3% compared to the prior year. Population growth accounted for most of the aggregate increase, leaving per-person real consumption volumes subdued.
Spending patterns showed marked contrast between essential and discretionary goods. Essential power spending rose 9.0%, outperforming its 10-year average growth of +1.1% by 7.9pp, while food spending rose 2.8% to $7.3bn. In contrast, discretionary spending was constrained: clothing contracted 0.3% (5.6pp below its 10-year average of +5.3%), alcohol fell 2.0% (2.1pp below average), and recreation grew just 1.1% (2.8pp below average).
Across the country, Queensland's 0.3% per-capita consumption growth was equal third-slowest of the eight states and territories alongside Western Australia. Tasmania recorded the fastest per-capita growth at 1.5%, while Victoria recorded the slowest at 0.0%. National accounts aggregate comparators for state household consumption are not published.
QLD against the other states
6 Household Consumption per Capita growth — Equal 3rd lowest of 8 states at 0.3% (2026-Jun)
QLD household consumption per capita growth
+0.3% (Jun-26)
equal third-slowest of the eight states and territories (fastest TAS +1.5%, slowest VIC +0.0%)
Rising
QLD household consumption power growth
+9.0% (Jun-26)
growth +9.0% vs 10yr avg +1.1% (+7.9pp)
Rising
QLD household consumption clothing growth
-0.3% (Jun-26)
growth -0.3% vs 10yr avg +5.3% (-5.6pp)
Falling
QLD household consumption food
$7.3bn (Jun-26)
YoY +2.8%; total consumption $71.7bn (YoY +1.9%)
Rising

Household Spending

Household Spending
$50.8bn +6.2%
Australia $244.5bn (+6.2%)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Household Spending per Capita
$8,842 +4.9%
Australia $8,757 (+4.9%)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Queensland monthly household spending grew 6.2% to $50.8bn in July 2026.
Monthly household spending in Queensland reached $50.8bn in July 2026, rising 6.2% over the year to match the national growth rate. On a per-capita basis, spending rose 4.9% to $8,842, sitting 1.0% above Australia's $8,757 and 24.3% above historical averages. Queensland ranked mid-pack among the eight states and territories, with essential food and tobacco spending driving headline gains.

Household spending in Queensland totalled $50.8bn in July 2026, up 6.2% compared to a year ago, matching the national growth rate of 6.2%. Per-capita spending reached $8,842 per person, running 24.3% above its 10-year average of $7,111. Annual per-capita spending growth tracked at 4.9%, matching Australia's 4.9% pace, while sitting 1.0% above the national per-capita level of $8,757.
Category breakdowns showed strong nominal spending in essential goods alongside specific outlays. Spending on food rose 6.6% over the year to $8.0bn, while miscellaneous goods increased 7.0%, 2.0pp above its 10-year average of +5.0%. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco spending grew 9.2% to $1.8bn, exceeding its 10-year average of +0.2% by 9.0pp. In contrast, health spending grew 4.3%, lagging its 10-year average of +6.7% by 2.4pp.
Across the nation, Queensland's 4.9% per-capita spending growth ranked mid-pack among the eight states and territories. The Northern Territory recorded the fastest per-capita growth at 8.9%, while the Australian Capital Territory recorded the slowest at 4.0%. Elevated price inflation has kept nominal monthly expenditure high, matching nominal income expansion across the state.
QLD against the other states
5 Household Spending per Capita growth — 5th of 8 states at 4.9% (2026-Jul)
QLD household spending per capita
$8,842 (Jul-26)
$8,842 vs Australia $8,757 (1.0% above Australia); mid-pack among the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD household spending growth
+6.2% (Jul-26)
+6.2% vs Australia +6.2% (growing at the same pace as Australia)
Rising
QLD alcohol and tobacco spending growth
+9.2% (Jul-26)
growth +9.2% vs 10yr avg +0.2% (+9.0pp)
Rising
QLD health spending growth
+4.3% (Jul-26)
growth +4.3% vs 10yr avg +6.7% (-2.4pp)
Rising

Inflation & Cost of Living

Consumer Price Index
102.9 +3.7%
Australia 103.1 (+3.5%)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Housing CPI
104.7 +6.3%
Australia 104.7 (+5.0%)
QLD as at 2026-Jul
Queensland annual CPI inflation stood at 3.7% in the year to July 2026.
Headline inflation in Queensland reached 3.7% in the year to July 2026, running 0.2pp faster than the national 3.5% rate and above the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2-3% target band. Cost pressures were driven by housing, where prices rose 6.3%, 1.3pp above Australia. Queensland's inflation rate ranked mid-pack among the eight states and territories, continuing to pressure real wages.

Inflation in Queensland reached 3.7% in the year to July 2026, with the Consumer Price Index standing at 102.9. This annual rate was 0.2pp faster than the national inflation rate of 3.5%, and remained above the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2-3% target band. Persistent price momentum indicates ongoing cost-of-living pressures across household essentials.
Housing costs remained the principal driver of inflation across the state. The Housing CPI index reached 104.7, rising 6.3% over the year and tracking 28.1% above its historical average of 81.8. This 6.3% housing inflation rate exceeded the national housing increase of 5.0% by 1.3pp, mirroring the elevated pressures observed in residential rents and construction costs.
Across the country, Queensland's 3.7% headline inflation rate was mid-pack among the eight states and territories, alongside the Northern Territory. Price growth was slowest in the Australian Capital Territory at 3.2% and fastest in Tasmania at 4.5%. Housing inflation of 6.3% also placed Queensland mid-pack, below Tasmania's 8.9% and above the Australian Capital Territory's 3.6%. With wage growth at 3.4%, price rises continued to run ahead of nominal earnings.
QLD against the other states
4 Consumer Price Index growth — Equal 4th of 8 states at 3.7% (2026-Jul)
5 Housing CPI growth — 5th of 8 states at 6.3% (2026-Jul)
CPI is ranked lowest to highest. A low reading is not automatically a good outcome - it is stated as a position, not a verdict.
QLD Consumer Price Index growth
+3.7% (Jul-26)
+3.7% vs Australia +3.5% (0.2pp faster); mid-pack among the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD Housing CPI growth
+6.3% (Jul-26)
+6.3% vs Australia +5.0% (1.3pp faster); mid-pack among the eight states and territories
Rising
QLD Housing CPI level
104.7 (Jul-26)
level with Australia 104.7; vs avg 81.8 (+28.1%)
Rising
QLD Consumer Price Index level
102.9 (Jul-26)
102.9 vs Australia 103.1 (0.1pp below Australia)
Rising