Central Highlands - East

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

As of May 2026, Central Highlands - East's population is approximately 7,654, a figure that reflects an increase of 498 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7% rise from the previous census figure of 7,156. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,647 in June 2025 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Central Highlands - East's growth rate exceeded that of the SA3 area at 6.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 79.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate lower quartile growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. Central Highlands - East is expected to increase by 330 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 4.2% over the 16-year period.

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 seen approximately eight dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling forty homes. In FY26 so far, twenty-eight approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents per year have been associated with each home built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that demand significantly outstrips supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $425,000. In terms of commercial approvals, $6.9 million has been registered in the current financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Central Highlands - East records 12.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (86.0%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (14.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 690 people. Population forecasts indicate Central Highlands - East will gain 323 residents by 2041, aligning with current development levels and maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Central Highlands - East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to influence this region. Notable projects include "Bringing Blackwater Back into the Planning Scheme", "Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service Renewal", "Blackwater Solar Farm", and "Dingo Solar Farm". 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.

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

Central Highlands - East has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.7% as of December 2025. There were 4,177 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 2.6% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was high at 76.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.3% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in mining, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food sectors. Mining has a particularly high concentration with employment levels at 9.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 5.0% compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period prior to the Census, labour force decreased by 3.3%, while employment declined by 2.0%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7% and unemployment increased slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Central Highlands - East. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Central Highlands - East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023 shows Central Highlands - East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $76,774 and an average of $85,311. This is one of the highest in Australia, compared to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $85,496 (median) and $95,002 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Central Highlands - East cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 32.4% of residents (2,479 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is also dominant in the region. After housing costs, residents retain 93.0% of their 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 in Central Highlands - East, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Central Highlands - East was at 16.5%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (20.4%) or rented (63.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $150, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Central Highlands - East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 comprise 71.1% of all households, including 30.4% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households making up 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 11.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.7%) and certificates (36.3%). Educational participation is high, with 35.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 16.8% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

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, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (4,745 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.2 and 6.6% of residents respectively, while 74.6% declare themselves 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 7.9% of residents aged 65 and over (606 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 had cultural diversity scores below average, with 82.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (91.1%), speaking English only at home (95.6%). Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.8%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 30.4%, English 24.3%, and Australian Aboriginal 17.0%.

Notably, Maori representation was higher at 1.6% (regional average: 0.8%), Samoan was equal at 0.2%, and German lower at 3.7% (regional average: 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 Queensland average of 41, which is also substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Queensland, Central Highlands - East has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds (18.6%) but fewer 65-74 year-olds (5.1%). Between June 2021 and June 2026, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 grew from 16.8% to 18.6%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 declined from 13.7% to 12.2%, and those aged 5 to 14 dropped from 16.0% to 15.0%. Demographic projections suggest Central Highlands - East's age profile will evolve significantly by June 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 17%, adding 237 residents to reach a total of 1,658. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.