Central Highlands - East

Central Highlands - East has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Central Highlands - East's population is around 7,640 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 484 people (6.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,156 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,586 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Central Highlands - East's 6.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 83.9% 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 387 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Central Highlands - East according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Central Highlands - East has experienced around 8 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 40 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 3.1 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $425,000. Additionally, $6.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Central Highlands - East records 11.0% less building activity (per person) and places within the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice and supports interest in existing dwellings, although development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 690 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Central Highlands - East will gain 333 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Central Highlands - East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bringing Blackwater Back into the Planning Scheme, Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service Renewal, Blackwater Solar Farm, and Dingo Solar Farm, 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.

The labour market performance in Central Highlands - East lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Central Highlands - East possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 6.7%. As of December 2025, 4,177 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.6% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.7% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in mining, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 9.4 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 5.0% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.3% while employment declined by 2.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Central Highlands - East. 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 Central Highlands - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Central Highlands - East SA2's median income among taxpayers is $76,774, with an average of $85,311. This is among the highest in Australia, comparing to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $84,382 (median) and $93,765 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Central Highlands - East cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.4% of residents (2,475 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 93.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Central Highlands - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Central Highlands - East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.9% houses and 8.1% 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 Central Highlands - East lagged that of Regional Qld, at 16.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.4%) or rented (63.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $150, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Central Highlands - East's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Central Highlands - East has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.1% of all households, comprising 30.4% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Central Highlands - East 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 (11.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.7%) and certificates (36.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.8% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Central Highlands - East 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 62% of the total population (4,736 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.2% and 6.6% of residents, respectively, while 74.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 7.5% of residents aged 65 and over (576 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.

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

Central Highlands - East was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.5% of its population being citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Central Highlands - East is Christianity, which makes up 53.8% 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 Central Highlands - East are Australian, comprising 30.4% of the population, English, comprising 24.3% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 17.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Central Highlands - East (vs 0.8% regionally), Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.2%) and German at 3.7% (vs 4.7%).

Central Highlands - East hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 32 years, Central Highlands - East's median age is considerably lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, Central Highlands - East has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (19.2%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (4.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 16.8% to 19.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 11.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 16.0% to 14.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Central Highlands - East's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 17%, adding 251 residents to reach 1,720. In contrast, both 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age groups will see reduced numbers.