Queanbeyan Surrounds

Queanbeyan Surrounds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Queanbeyan Surrounds' population is approximately 18,217 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,678 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,539. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,181 in June 2025 and an additional 922 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.0 persons per square kilometer. Queanbeyan Surrounds' 10.1% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region's 4.5% and Rest of NSW, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.4% of overall population gains recently, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a significant population increase in top quartile regional areas nationwide, with Queanbeyan Surrounds expected to expand by 7,315 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 40.0% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Queanbeyan Surrounds among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Queanbeyan Surrounds has seen approximately 189 dwellings granted development approval annually. Between FY21 and FY25946 homes received approval, with a further 98 approved in FY26 to date. On average, 1.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five financial years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $454,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment dwellings. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $580,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Relative to the Rest of NSW, Queanbeyan Surrounds has experienced elevated construction levels, with 43.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period.

This is above the national average and demonstrates strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist predominantly of detached houses (91.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (9.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character. The population density stands at approximately 81 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Queanbeyan Surrounds is projected to add 7,279 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Queanbeyan Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 338 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include South Jerrabomberra (Tralee) Estate, Googong Hotel, Googong Public High School, and Googong Sports and Aquatics Centre, with the following list highlighting 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Queanbeyan Surrounds places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Queanbeyan Surrounds has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 0.7%. As of December 2025, there are 10,218 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 70.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses in December 2025, 15.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, construction, and professional & technical services. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 8.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4% and employment fell by 4.4%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise 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 Surrounds' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Queanbeyan Surrounds SA2 had median income among taxpayers at $71,777 and average level at $84,254. These figures rank high compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated current incomes are approximately $79,184 (median) and $92,949 (average). Census 2021 data shows incomes in Queanbeyan Surrounds rank between 93rd and 96th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate dominance of the $4000+ bracket with 32.4% of residents. Economic strength is evident with 48.8% of households earning over $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Queanbeyan Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Queanbeyan Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.1% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queanbeyan Surrounds stood at 35.8%, with mortgaged properties at 54.2% and rented ones at 9.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,417, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Queanbeyan Surrounds was recorded at $465, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Queanbeyan Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Queanbeyan Surrounds features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 84.8% of all households, including 42.0% couples with children, 34.7% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 15.2%, with lone person households at 14.2% and group households making up 1.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

In Queanbeyan Surrounds, the proportion of residents aged 15+ with university qualifications is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 33.3% of residents have such qualifications compared to 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 24.1% in SA4 region. This educational attainment is predominantly composed of bachelor degrees (19.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (23.6%).

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Queanbeyan Surrounds has 334 active public transport stops, served by 73 routes offering 953 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 368 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters use cars, at a rate of 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 15.3% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 136 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per stop.

The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Queanbeyan Surrounds's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Queanbeyan Surrounds. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and old age cohorts, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (11,221 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.9 and 8.2% of residents respectively. Notably, 68.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,038 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Queanbeyan Surrounds is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Queanbeyan Surrounds was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Queanbeyan Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 51.7% of people in the area, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (30.4%), English (29.3%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Macedonian is overrepresented at 0.3%, Scottish at 8.6%, and Dutch at 1.5%.

Queanbeyan Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

Queanbeyan Surrounds has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The population aged 45-54 makes up 14.1%, compared to Regional NSW, while those aged 75-84 constitute 5.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of individuals aged 75-84 has increased from 4.0% to 5.3%. Conversely, the percentages for ages 45-54 and 55-64 have decreased from 16.3% to 14.1% and 15.5% to 13.9%, respectively. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Queanbeyan Surrounds' age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 35-44 cohort, which is projected to grow by 54%, adding 1,333 residents to reach a total of 3,802.