Queanbeyan

Population growth drivers in Queanbeyan are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Queanbeyan's population is around 11,387 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 45 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,342 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,373 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,392 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 73.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 3,295 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 28.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Queanbeyan is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Queanbeyan has experienced around 14 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 73 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 67 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $324,000. Additionally, $30.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Queanbeyan has significantly less development activity (84.0% below the regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 1400 people per dwelling approval, Queanbeyan reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show Queanbeyan adding 3,281 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Queanbeyan has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, Queanbeyan East Public Preschool, 50 Morisset Street Apartments, and 202 Crawford Street Apartments, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Queanbeyan demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Queanbeyan has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. As of December 2025, 6,690 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.8% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.3% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.6% combined with employment decreasing by 4.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Queanbeyan. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Queanbeyan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Queanbeyan SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,899 with the average level standing at $69,959. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $66,295 (median) and $76,157 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 78th percentile ($996 weekly), while household income sits at the 47th percentile. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 36.1% of residents (4,110 people), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Queanbeyan displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Queanbeyan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 41.8% houses and 58.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Queanbeyan was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 23.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (44.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Queanbeyan's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Queanbeyan features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 54.7% of all households, comprising 21.0% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 45.3%, with lone person households at 41.9% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Queanbeyan aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (31.2% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of the SA4 region (24.1%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 5.4% in tertiary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 78 active transport stops operating within Queanbeyan, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 106 individual routes, collectively providing 3,939 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 158 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 562 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Queanbeyan is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Queanbeyan, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~6,137 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.2% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 66.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,603 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Queanbeyan was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Queanbeyan is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 28.3% of its population born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Queanbeyan is Christianity, which makes up 47.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 3.2% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Queanbeyan are Australian, comprising 23.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.0%, English, comprising 23.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.5%, and Other, comprising 13.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.8%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Queanbeyan (vs 0.4% regionally), Serbian at 0.7% (vs 0.2%) and Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.3%).

Queanbeyan's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 36-year median age in Queanbeyan is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 and similarly younger than Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 23.4% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 7.2%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.2 years to 36 from 37. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 20.9% to 23.4% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.5% to 16.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 8.1% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.1% to 9.9%. By 2041, Queanbeyan is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 1,024 people (38%) from 2,669 to 3,694. In contrast, the 55 to 64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (52 people).