Queanbeyan - East

Queanbeyan - East has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Queanbeyan - East's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 5,150, reflecting a growth of 65 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 1.3% change from the previously reported figure of 5,085. The population estimate for June 2024 was 5,132, with an additional 34 validated new addresses added post-Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 396 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential room for further development. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 58.9% of the overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Queanbeyan - East is expected to experience population growth just below the median rate of regional areas nationally. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by approximately 766 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.5% over the 17-year period, as per the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Queanbeyan - East recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Queanbeyan - East has averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 114 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average rate of new residents per year per dwelling constructed in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.1. New construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that could surpass current expectations.

The average value of new properties under construction is $398,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $16.4 million have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of NSW, Queanbeyan - East has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, but it ranks among the 84th percentile nationally for development activity, which has picked up in recent periods. New development consists of 29% detached dwellings and 71% attached dwellings, favouring denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

The estimated population density is 879 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Queanbeyan - East is projected to add 748 residents by 2041. Construction is keeping pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

Queanbeyan - East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 12 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Celesse Apartments, Spotlight Queanbeyan Retail Redevelopment, Queanbeyan East Public Preschool, and Yass Road, Bungendore Road, and Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Queanbeyan - East has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.8%. The area's unemployment rate is 2.1% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is higher at 74.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census responses, only 8.7% of residents work from home. Employment in the area is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Public administration & safety has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 3.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

The ratio of workers to residents is 0.6, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 5.4%, employment decreased by 5.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. 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 - East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Queanbeyan - East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $67,503 with an average level standing at $77,545. This is higher than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $73,484 (median) and $84,415 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, individual earnings stood out at the 85th percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,104. However, household income ranked lower at the 52nd percentile. Income analysis revealed that 37.1% of the population, equating to 1,910 individuals, fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional trends where 29.9% occupied this bracket. After accounting for housing expenses, 85.3% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

In Queanbeyan - East, as per the latest Census, 36.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 63.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queanbeyan - East stood at 23.3%, with mortgaged properties at 32.1% and rented ones at 44.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in the area was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Queanbeyan - East's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $375.

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

Family households account for 55.5% of all households, including 22.1% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 44.5%, with lone person households at 40.6% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Queanbeyan - East exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Queanbeyan - East has a higher rate of university qualifications among its residents aged 15 and above compared to the broader benchmarks. Specifically, 33.0% of its residents have university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW's 21.3% and the SA4 region's 24.1%. This educational advantage indicates a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding them. This includes advanced diplomas held by 10.7% of residents and certificates held by 22.9%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% enrolled in primary education, 5.6% in tertiary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Queanbeyan - East has 50 active public transport stops operating within it, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 36 individual routes that collectively provide 286 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 40 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Queanbeyan - East is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Queanbeyan - East faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 58% of the total population (~2,987 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW. Mental health issues impact 10.2% of residents, while asthma affects 8.2%. About 68.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.5% of residents aged 65 and over (643 people), lower than the 23.4% 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 - East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Queanbeyan-East, surveyed in 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 21.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.3%. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 2.9%, compared to 0.8% in Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (25.6%), Australian (23.8%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Macedonian (1.6%) Croatian (1.1%), and Serbian (0.5%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.3%, and 0.2% respectively.

Queanbeyan - East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Queanbeyan - East's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of NSW average of 43 and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 25.2% locally compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.4%. Following the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.4 years to 35. The 25 to 34 age group has grown from 21.5% to 25.2%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.6% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.9%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Queanbeyan - East's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 22%, adding 291 residents to reach 1,590. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.