Annandale (Qld)
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Annandale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Annandale's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 10,351. This represents an increase of 235 people from the 2021 Census figure of 10,116. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 10,353, indicating a growth rate of around 2.3%. The population density is approximately 549 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration has been the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are adopted, using proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. By 2041, Annandale is projected to increase by around 627 persons, reflecting a total increase of approximately 6.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Annandale, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Annandale approved 6 new dwellings annually over the five-year period from 2016 to 2020. This minimal construction activity reflects its rural nature, with development driven by local housing needs rather than broad market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Annandale's construction activity is notably lower than the Rest of Qld and national averages. All new constructions were detached dwellings, targeting family homes suited for rural living. By 2041, Annandale's population is forecasted to increase by 629 residents.

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

Annandale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Annandale Christian College Master Plan, Townsville University Hospital Expansion, and Townsville Youth Foyer at 87B Fulham Road, Gulliver. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Annandale in Queensland has an educated workforce with a low unemployment rate of 1.7%. As of June 2025, there are 5,931 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to the rest of Queensland at 59.1%. Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Annandale specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share four times higher than the regional level, but construction is underrepresented with only 5.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

In the 12 months prior, Annandale's labour force decreased by 2.9%, employment declined by 3.5%, leading to an unemployment increase of 0.6 percentage points, while Rest of Qld saw employment growth and a smaller unemployment rise. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland lost jobs with a contraction of 0.23% (8,070 jobs), but the state's unemployment rate is lower at 4.2%. National forecasts predict employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though local growth rates may vary based on industry-specific projections. Applying these to Annandale's mix suggests potential local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Annandale is among the highest in Australia. The median income is $67,888 while the average income stands at $80,247. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $75,838 (median) and $89,644 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Annandale, between the 79th and 80th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength is evident through 32.9% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 89.3% of income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Annandale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Annandale's dwellings were entirely houses at the latest Census, unlike Non-Metro Qld which had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Annandale was 36.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented ones at 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $1,517. Median weekly rent in Annandale was $375, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Annandale's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus Australia's average of $1,863; rents were comparable at $375.

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

Family households constitute 81.8% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for 18.2%, with lone person households at 15.0% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Annandale's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications, at 30.7%, compared to the SA4 region (20.1%) and Rest of Qld (20.6%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent (20.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.9% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (23.7%). Educational participation is notable, with 38.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: secondary (13.0%), primary (11.9%), and tertiary (7.7%).

Annandale's five schools have a combined enrollment of 3,807 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1022). The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. As an education hub, Annandale has significantly more school places per capita than the regional average, with 36.8 compared to 16.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Analysis of public transport in Annandale shows 31 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 305 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 367 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Annandale is notably higher than the national average with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Annandale shows better-than-average health outcomes. Common health conditions seen across both younger and older age groups are at a fairly standard level.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% (6,189 people), compared to 53.3% in the rest of Queensland. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.9% and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across the rest of Queensland. As of 2016, 14.2% (1,470 people) were aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and align with the general population's health profile.

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

Annandale's overseas-born population was found to be above average, comprising 20.1%. Additionally, 14.1% spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Annandale, accounting for 57.5%, compared to 52.7% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestral groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (9.1%). Notably, Italian ancestry was overrepresented at 4.4%, compared to the regional average of 3.6%. Korean ancestry also showed a notable divergence with 0.5% in Annandale versus 0.2% regionally. South African ancestry had a higher representation too, at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.3%.

Annandale hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Annandale's median age of 31 years is significantly younger than Rest of Qld's 41 years and considerably younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 15-24 makes up a strong 24.5% of Annandale's population, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 4.3%. This concentration of the 15-24 age group is well above Australia's national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present day, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.1% to 15.3% of Annandale's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 10.2%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Annandale. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase significantly, with an addition of 544 people (a 34% increase) from 1,583 to 2,128. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.