Annandale (Qld)

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Annandale's population is around 10,353 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 237 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,116 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,353 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 549 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 627 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 shows minimal construction activity with 1 new dwellings approved annually (6 approvals over five years). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: the small sample size means that individual development projects can substantially influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Annandale naturally has much lower development activity compared to Rest of Qld. This activity level is similarly below national patterns. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typical.

Looking ahead, Annandale is expected to grow by 627 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Annandale Christian College Master Plan, Townsville University Hospital Expansion, and Mundingburra Housing, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Annandale significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Annandale has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. As of December 2025, 5,775 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 4.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 4.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.6% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.6% combined with employment decreasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Annandale. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Annandale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Annandale SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $70,685 with the average level standing at $83,318. This is extremely high nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $77,690 (median) and $91,575 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Annandale, between the 79th and 80th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.9% of the community (3,613 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength emerges 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, reflecting 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

Dwelling structure within Annandale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 100.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Annandale was higher than that of Regional Qld, at 36.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (24.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Annandale's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 81.8% of all households, comprising 38.3% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.2%, with lone person households at 15.0% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Annandale significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the Rest of Qld. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (23.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 38.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in secondary education, 11.9% in primary education, and 7.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 31 active transport stops operating within Annandale, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 305 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 367 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 6% walking and 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 4.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Annandale faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (6,294 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.9% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 71.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,492 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Annandale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Annandale is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 20.1% of its population born overseas and 14.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Annandale is Christianity, which makes up 57.5% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Annandale are English, comprising 27.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 4.4% of Annandale (vs 2.4% regionally), Korean at 0.5% (vs 0.2%) and South Australian at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

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

Annandale's median age of 31 years stands materially younger than Regional Qld's 41 as well as considerably younger than the 38-year national average. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 23.8% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 4.4%. This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.1% to 16.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 9.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.7% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Annandale. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 432 people (25%) from 1,695 to 2,128. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.