Central Highlands - West

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

As of February 2026, Central Highlands - West's population is approximately 7,699, reflecting a 1.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 7,616 people. This growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 7,666 in June 2024 and an additional 206 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is around 0.20 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 60.3% to overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Projecting forward, the population is expected to decline by 505 persons by 2041, led by a projected increase of 254 people in the 25 to 34 age group.

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 approximately ten new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around fifty homes. As of FY26, four approvals have been recorded so far. The area has experienced population decline, with development activity being adequate relative to its population change. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $351,000.

This financial year, there have also been $6.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Central Highlands - West maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods and is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. 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 population per dwelling approval is 1245 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Central Highlands - West may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects that may affect the area. Notable ones 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 most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Central Highlands - West maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Central Highlands - West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than the Rest of Qld's 4.1%. As of September 2025, there are 4,358 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% below the regional average.

Workforce participation stands at 73.6%, higher than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census data, 22.0% of residents work from home. Leading industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and construction, with a strong specialization in the former (6.8 times the regional level). However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 5.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

The ratio of workers per resident is 0.8, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while labour force grew by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project a 4.2% growth over five years and 10.1% over ten years for Central Highlands - West, based on its current employment mix.

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

The Central Highlands-West SA2 had an above average income level in Australia according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $61,033 and the average income stood at $71,802. This compares with figures for Rest of Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,081 (median) and $78,918 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranked at the 64th percentile ($882 weekly), while household income was at the 42nd percentile. Income analysis showed that 27.5% of the population, which is 2,117 individuals, fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 31.7% occupied this range. After housing costs, residents retained 93.3% of their income, indicating 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

In Central Highlands-West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 6.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure which was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Central Highlands-West stood at 45.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.2% and rented ones at 30.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Central Highlands-West was recorded at $120, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Central Highlands-West'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 - West has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (34.3%). Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 15.5% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

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

The Central Highlands - West region exhibits superior health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups show low incidence of common health issues.

Approximately 55% (~4,226 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (7.6%) and asthma (7.1%), while 72.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes for working-age individuals are generally average. The region has 18.4% (1,415 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank notably high nationally.

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 cultural diversity index below the average, with 81.7% of its population being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Central Highlands-West, accounting for 63.7%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.9%), English (31.1%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.4%, Maltese at 0.5%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.0%.

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

The median age in Central Highlands - West is 39 years, lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are prominent at 15.2%, while those aged 45-54 are less prevalent at 9.8%. Between 2021 and the present, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years to 39 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 12.1% to 15.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.1% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.9% to 9.8%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.4% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Central Highlands - West, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 9% (103 people) to reach 1,273 from 1,169. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 51% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 45-54 age cohorts.