Carpentaria

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Carpentaria's population is around 5,307 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 386 people (7.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,921 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,238 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Carpentaria's 7.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 89.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth for locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to increase by 23 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 0.9% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 12 new dwelling approvals per year, with 60 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.3 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $535,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $1.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Rest of Qld, Carpentaria has 110.0% more construction activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1371 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Carpentaria should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Carpentaria has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include CopperString 2032, Mount Isa-Townsville Rail Corridor Upgrade, and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan - Northern Queensland SuperGrid (CopperString 2032 & Northern REZ), 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.

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

Carpentaria possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 16.7%. As of December 2025, 1,626 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 12.6% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (49.1% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 4.0 times the regional average. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 10.7% employment compared to 16.1% 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.1% while employment declined by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 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 Carpentaria. 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 Carpentaria's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Carpentaria SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $46,254 and an average of $55,889 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,838 (median) and $61,428 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 18th percentile ($1,279 weekly), while personal income sits at the 2nd percentile. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 28.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,496 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 91.7% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 28th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Carpentaria, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 72.8% houses and 27.3% 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 Carpentaria lagged that of Regional Qld, at 19.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (5.7%) or rented (74.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,042, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $125, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Carpentaria's mortgage repayments are significantly lower 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 dominate at 70.7% of all households, comprising 28.1% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 17.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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 (11.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (5.4%) and certificates (24.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Carpentaria 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 very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,520 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and asthma, impacting 6.0 and 4.7% of residents, respectively, while 79.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 10.2% of residents aged 65 and over (541 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.

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

Carpentaria was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.1% of its population being citizens, 94.9% born in Australia, and 88.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Carpentaria is Christianity, which makes up 43.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 7.0% of the population, substantially higher than the Regional Qld average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Carpentaria are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 54.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%, Australian, comprising 16.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%, and English, comprising 12.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 0.1% of Carpentaria (vs 0.2% regionally).

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

At 30 years, Carpentaria's median age is considerably lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, Carpentaria has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (18.6%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (2.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.3% to 18.6% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.8%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 16.3% to 14.0% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 16.4% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Carpentaria. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 9%, adding 86 residents to reach 1,071. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.