Central Highlands - West
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of August 2025, Central Highlands - West's population is approximately 7,743 people. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,616 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,671 as of June 2024 and an additional 182 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 60.3% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Population projections indicate a decline of 505 persons by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 254 people.

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 had around 10 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows a total of 50 approvals over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with two recorded so far in FY26. The population has fallen during this period, but development activity has been adequate relative to the decline, which is positive for buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $391,000, under regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers.

This financial year, $6.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Central Highlands - West has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, building activity has slowed in recent years, suggesting potential planning limitations as it is below the national average. All new construction consists of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes and space.

With an estimated 1245 people per dwelling approval, it reflects a quiet, low-activity development environment. Given the expected stable or declining population, Central Highlands - West should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Central Highlands - West has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Codenwarra Road Mixed-Use Development Site, Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens Upgrade, Gregory-Capricorn Highway Intersection Upgrade, and 91 Gray Street Apartment Development. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Central Highlands - West has been broadly consistent with national averages

Central Highlands - West has a diverse workforce with equal representation of white and blue-collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.8%. There are 4,496 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and construction.

The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 6.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, labour force grew by 4.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Central Highlands - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.2% over five years and 10.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Central Highlands - West had a median taxpayer income of $57,967 and an average of $70,572 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 are approximately $64,755 (median) and $78,836 (average). In 2021 Census figures, personal income ranked at the 64th percentile ($882 weekly), while household income was at the 42nd percentile. Distribution data showed that 27.5% of locals (2,129 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. After housing costs, residents retained 93.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 in Central Highlands - West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 86.6% houses and 13.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Central Highlands - West was 45.5%, with the remainder being mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (30.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,500 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Central Highlands - West was $120, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $250 and substantially below the national figure of $375.

Central Highlands - West has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 68.5% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Queensland average of 2.6.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 13.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational skills are prominent, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding credentials such as advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (34.3%).

Educational participation is high at 32.5%, including 15.5% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education. The area has 13 schools serving 767 students, with Central Highlands - West showing typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 971) and balanced educational opportunities, including 11 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 9.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 33.0, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Central Highlands - West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Central Highlands - West residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~4258 people) have private health cover, compared to 58.4% in the rest of Queensland. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.6 and 7.1% of residents respectively. A total of 72.1% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.5% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 18.0% (1392 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 10.7% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 had a lower cultural diversity, with 81.7% citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, at 63.7%, compared to 56.8% regionally. Ancestry showed Australians as the largest group at 34.9%, followed by English at 31.1% and Irish at 8.8%.

Notable differences included German at 5.4% (vs regional 4.7%), Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.3%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.0% (vs regional 6.6%).

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

The median age in Central Highlands - West is 39 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.2%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 10.2% compared to the Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.2%, the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.7% to 13.8%, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.9% to 10.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.4% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts: the 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 177 people (16%) from 1,095 to 1,273, while both the 65-74 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease.