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, as of May 2026, is approximately 11,251 people. This figure represents a decrease of 91 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,342. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,251 in June 2025 and an additional 55 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,363 persons per square kilometer, placing Queanbeyan in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilizing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Queanbeyan is forecasted to experience significant population growth in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 2,946 persons, reflecting a total gain of 26.2% over the 16-year period.

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

Queanbeyan has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 73 homes. As of FY26, 70 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average cost 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 the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's development activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. New developments consist of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With approximately 1400 people per dwelling approval, Queanbeyan demonstrates an established market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to increase by 2,946 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and driving price increases.

Queanbeyan has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include the Yass Road, Bungendore Road, and Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, Queanbeyan East Public Preschool, 50 Morisset Street Apartments, and 202 Crawford Street Apartments. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Queanbeyan ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Queanbeyan's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of December 2025. This rate was 1.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Queanbeyan was 71.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 8.0% of residents worked from home. Employment concentrations were in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Public administration & safety employed 3.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.3%, below Regional NSW's 5.3%.

Many Queanbeyan residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.6% and employment declined by 4.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, with a labour force decrease of 0.8% and an unemployment rise of 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Queanbeyan's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Queanbeyan SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,899 with average level at $69,959. This is slightly above national average and compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,184 (median) and $77,179 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 78th percentile ($996 weekly), while household income sits at the 47th percentile. Distribution data shows earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 36.1% of community (4,061 individuals). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. 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

The dwelling structure in Queanbeyan, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.8% houses and 58.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queanbeyan was at 23.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (44.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $330, matching Regional NSW's figure. Nationally, Queanbeyan's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 45.3%, with lone person households at 41.9% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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 university qualification rate is 31.2%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. This rate is also higher than that of the SA4 region at 24.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.5% and graduate diplomas at 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% 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

Queanbeyan has 78 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 106 routes, providing a total of 3939 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 158 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Queanbeyan's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 562 trips per day, equating to roughly 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 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.

The rate of private health cover in Queanbeyan is approximately 54% of the total population (~6,064 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area and Regional NSW's 51.9%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, 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 Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,596 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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local areas, with 28.3% born overseas and 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home, as of the latest available data. Christianity was the predominant religion in Queanbeyan, accounting for 47.1% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 3.2%, higher than the regional average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 23.8%, lower than the regional average of 30.0%. English ancestry followed at 23.2%, also below the regional average of 30.5%. The 'Other' category stood out at 13.0%, significantly higher than the regional average of 4.8%. Certain ethnic groups showed notable differences: Macedonian was overrepresented at 2.0% compared to 0.4% regionally, Serbian at 0.7% versus 0.2%, and Croatian at 0.9% against 0.3%.

Queanbeyan's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Queanbeyan is 36 years, which is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 22.3% of the population in Queanbeyan, compared to Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.5%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.8%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 20.9% to 22.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 9.4% to 8.5%. Population forecasts for Queanbeyan indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 36%, reaching 3,407 people from 2,506. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 3%, with an increase of 32 people.