Queanbeyan

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

Queanbeyan's population was around 11,385 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 43 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,342. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,373 in June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,391 persons per square kilometer, placing Queanbeyan in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Queanbeyan's population was forecast to increase by 3,295 persons, 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 averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 73 homes. As of FY26, 67 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $324,000.

This financial year, $30.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Queanbeyan shows significantly reduced construction activity (84.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting an established market and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 1400 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts estimate Queanbeyan will gain 3,283 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones are Yass Road, Bungendore Road, Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, Queanbeyan East Public Preschool, 50 Morisset Street Apartments, and 202 Crawford Street Apartments. The following list details most relevant projects.

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

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Employment conditions in Queanbeyan demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Queanbeyan has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 is 2.3%. There are 6,698 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 71.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 3.2 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.3% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.6% while employment declined by 5.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.3%. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise to 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Queanbeyan's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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 on June 30, 2023, Queanbeyan SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,899 with an average level standing at $69,959. This is slightly above national averages, which were $52,390 and $65,215 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for median income would be approximately $66,295 and average income around $76,157 as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 78th percentile with weekly earnings of $996, while household income sits at the 47th percentile. Distribution data shows that 36.1% of the community (4,109 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. 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

Queanbeyan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.8% houses and 58.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queanbeyan stood at 23.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 44.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Queanbeyan was $330, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure but below the national average of $375. Nationally, Queanbeyan's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

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

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

The area's university qualification rate is 31.2%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's rate of 24.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 21.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.0% in primary, 5.4% in tertiary, and 5.1% in secondary education.

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

Queanbeyan has 78 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 106 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,939 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 158 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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

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

Queanbeyan faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~6,136 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Rest of NSW at 51.9%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 66.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,614 people), lower than the 23.0% in Rest of 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's population shows higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 28.3% born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Queanbeyan, accounting for 47.1%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 3.2%, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (23.8%) and English (23.2%) are the top groups but are lower than regional averages of 30.0% and 30.5% respectively. 'Other' ancestry is significantly higher at 13.0%, compared to 4.8%. Certain ethnic groups show notable differences: Macedonian (2.0%), Serbian (0.7%), and Croatian (0.9%) are overrepresented in Queanbeyan compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.2%, and 0.3% respectively.

Queanbeyan's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Queanbeyan is 36 years, significantly below Rest of NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 22.9%, higher than Rest of NSW and well above the national average of 14.5%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 7.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25-34 age group grew from 20.9% to 22.9%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.5% to 15.9%. The 5-14 cohort declined from 9.4% to 8.2%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 8.2% to 7.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Queanbeyan, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 42% (1,086 people), reaching 3,694 from 2,607. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1% (12 people).