Central Highlands - West

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Central Highlands - West's population is around 7,699 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 83 people (1.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,616 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,666 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 206 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 60.3% 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 505 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 254 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Central Highlands - West is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Central Highlands - West has seen around 10 new homes approved annually, totalling 50 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $351,000. There have also been $6.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Central Highlands - West maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1245 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Central Highlands - West may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Central Highlands - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 28 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Codenwarra Road Mixed-Use Development Site, Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens Upgrade, Gregory-Capricorn Highway Intersection Upgrade, and 91 Gray Street Apartment Development, 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Central Highlands - West ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Central Highlands - West features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 4,311 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (72.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 6.8 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 5.5% of Central Highlands - West's workforce compared to 16.1% in Regional Qld. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4% combined with employment decreasing by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Central Highlands - West. 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 - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Central Highlands - West SA2 is above the national average, with the median assessed at $61,033 while the average income stands at $71,802. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,081 (median) and $78,918 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 64th percentile ($882 weekly), while household income sits at the 42nd percentile. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 27.5% of locals (2,117 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 93.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Central Highlands - West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.4% houses and 6.6% 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 - West was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 45.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (30.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $120, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Central Highlands - West'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 - West has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 68.5% of all households, comprising 30.0% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

Educational outcomes in Central Highlands - West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (34.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.5% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Central Highlands - West is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Central Highlands - West demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~4,226 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.6% and 7.1% of residents, respectively, while 72.1% 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 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,415 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Central Highlands - West was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.7% of its population being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Central Highlands - West is Christianity, which makes up 63.7% of people in the region. 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 - West are Australian, comprising 34.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 31.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.4% of Central Highlands - West (vs 4.7% regionally), Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.4%) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.0% (vs 3.9%).

Central Highlands - West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 39-year median age in Central Highlands - West is somewhat lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 though very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.2%), while the 45 - 54 group is comparatively smaller (9.8%) than in Regional Qld. Since 2021, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years from 40 to 39, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.1% to 15.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.1% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 9.8% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.4% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Central Highlands - West. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 9% (103 people), reaching 1,273 from 1,169. Senior residents (65+) will drive 51% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 cohorts.