Carpentaria
Statistical Area - sa2

Carpentaria has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of August 2025, Carpentaria's population is approximately 5,250. This figure represents an increase of 329 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,921. The estimated resident population from ABS as of June 2024 was 5,238, with an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Carpentaria's population growth rate of 6.7% from 2021 exceeded both its SA3 area (2.5%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth accounted for approximately 89.2% of overall population gains 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for locations outside of capital cities. Based on the latest population numbers, Carpentaria is expected to increase by 23 persons to reach a total of approximately 5,273 by the year 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 0.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Carpentaria has averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 60 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and none so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built over these five years has attracted approximately 2.3 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $539,000.

Additionally, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Carpentaria records 110.0% more development activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice. This figure is below average nationally, suggesting a mature area with possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises approximately 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 1371 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Carpentaria will gain approximately 11 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Carpentaria has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Three projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan - Northern Infrastructure, Mount Isa-Townsville Rail Corridor Upgrade, and CopperString 2032.

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

Employment conditions in Carpentaria face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Carpentaria's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 16.3% as of June 2025.

Compared to the Rest of Queensland (Rest of Qld), Carpentaria's unemployment rate was 12.4% higher at that time, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Carpentaria lagged behind Rest of Qld, with 44.5% compared to 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has particularly high employment levels, at 4.0 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 10.7% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 2.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.5 percentage points in Carpentaria. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and a smaller increase in unemployment. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with national employment growing by 0.26%. Job forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Carpentaria's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Carpentaria's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $43,451 and the average was $53,320 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below both Queensland's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By March 2025, estimates suggest the median taxpayer income in Carpentaria will be approximately $48,539 and the average will be around $59,564 based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows household income ranks at the 19th percentile with a weekly income of $1,279, while personal income is at the 3rd percentile. The largest income bracket in Carpentaria comprises 28.2% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is consistent with surrounding regions where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 91.7% of income, total disposable income ranks at the 28th percentile nationally.

Carpentaria is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Carpentaria's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 72.8% houses and 27.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld has 77.3% houses and 22.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carpentaria is at 19.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 5.7% and rented dwellings at 74.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,042, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,500. The median weekly rent figure in Carpentaria is $125, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $220. Nationally, Carpentaria's mortgage repayments are significantly lower at $1,042 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Carpentaria has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.7% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 17.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Carpentaria faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 11.1%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (5.4%) and certificates (24.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.1% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. There are seven schools operating within Carpentaria, educating approximately 837 students. The educational mix includes two primary schools and five K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Carpentaria's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Carpentaria's health outcomes data shows notable results, with younger cohorts having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 47% (~2,467 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of Qld's 57.6%. Nationally, it stands at 55.3%.

Diabetes and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 6.0% and 4.7% respectively. 79.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 76.2%. The area has 9.9% (521 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Carpentaria's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of a report dated 28th February 2022, 89.1% of its population were citizens, with 94.9% born in Australia and 88.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 43.2% of people in Carpentaria.

However, the most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 7.0% of the population, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 1.6%. In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal was the largest group at 54.7%, substantially higher than the regional average of 20.0%. Australian ancestry was notably lower at 16.7%, compared to the regional average of 25.4%. English ancestry was also lower at 12.0%, against the regional average of 21.6%. There were notable divergences in other ethnic groups, with Samoan being overrepresented at 0.1% in Carpentaria, compared to the regional average of 0.4%.

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

Carpentaria's median age is 30 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Carpentaria has a higher concentration of 25-34 residents at 17.9%, but fewer 75-84 year-olds at 2.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.3% to 17.9%, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.1%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort declined from 16.3% to 14.5%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Carpentaria, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 14% adding 132 residents to reach 1,071. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.