Annandale (Qld)

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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 10,353 by May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 237 people, a rise of 2.3%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 10,116. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,353 as of June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 549 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this growth during 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected by 2041, with the area projected to grow by 574 persons, reflecting an increase of 5.5% over the 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 had six new dwellings approved annually over the period from 2016 to 2020. This low level of development reflects its rural nature, with housing needs driving construction 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 Rest of Qld and national averages. All new constructions were detached dwellings, catering to families seeking a rural lifestyle. By 2041, Annandale's population is forecasted to increase by 574 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

If current construction levels continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Townsville University Hospital Expansion, Annandale Christian College Master Plan, and TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct. 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.

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

Annandale has an educated workforce with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%. As of December 2025, 5775 residents are employed, with a 2.3% lower unemployment rate than Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Annandale is similar to Regional Qld at 64.5%. Census responses show that only 4.7% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Public administration & safety has a particularly high share of employment in Annandale, at 4.4 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented with only 5.6% of workforce compared to Regional Qld's 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months leading up to this report, Annandale's labour force decreased by 0.6%, employment declined by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Annandale's employment should increase by 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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Annandale SA2 was $70,685 and average income was $83,318. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $78,715 (median) and $92,783 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Annandale rank between the 79th and 80th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 34.9% of residents earned between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (3,613 individuals), reflecting broader area patterns where 31.7% fall within this range. Economic strength is evident with 32.9% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting higher consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 89.3% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Annandale's dwellings were entirely houses as per the latest Census, unlike Regional Qld with 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Annandale was at 36.6%, compared to Regional Qld's unknown figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 39.2% and rented ones for 24.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Annandale was $375, higher than Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Annandale's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were similar at $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Annandale's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 30.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the Rest of Qld. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 23.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 38.0% 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

Annandale has 31 operational public transport stops, all providing bus services. These stops are served by three distinct routes, offering a combined total of 305 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 367 meters from the nearest transport stop. As predominantly residential, most Annandale residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 87%, followed by walking at 6% and cycling at 2%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately nine 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population, which consists of 6,294 people.

This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.9 and 6.9% of residents respectively, while 71.8% declared themselves 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 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over, which consists of 1,462 people, 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, founded in 1879, was found to have above average cultural diversity with 20.1% of its population born overseas and 14.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Annandale, comprising 57.5% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland as of 2021. The top three represented ancestry groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Italian ethnicity was overrepresented at 4.4%, compared to the regional average of 2.4%. Korean ethnicity stood at 0.5% in Annandale, higher than the regional average of 0.2%. South Australian ethnicity was also slightly higher at 0.6%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%.

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

Annandale's median age is 31 years, which is younger than Regional Queensland's median age of 41 and considerably younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 24.2% of Annandale's population, higher than Regional Queensland but lower than the national average of 12.7%. The 75-84 age group makes up 4.4% of Annandale's population. Between 2021 and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.1% to 15.8% of Annandale's population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 10.3%, and the 45-54 age group has fallen from 12.7% to 10.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Annandale. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 417 people (26%), rising from 1,634 to 2,052. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups.