Charleville

Charleville has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Charleville's population is around 4,450 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 479 people (12.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,971 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,992 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 314 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Charleville's 12.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 52.5% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 527 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 46 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Charleville is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Charleville experiences very limited development activity, averaging 3 approvals per year (17 approvals over five years). Such low development levels are characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note: the small sample size means that individual development projects can substantially influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Charleville naturally has much lower development activity compared to the Rest of Qld. Development levels are likewise under national averages. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, with a focus on family homes suited to those seeking a rural lifestyle and space. The estimated count of 2194 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Charleville may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Charleville has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Charleville Central Extension Retail Development, Charleville New Social Homes (Dual-Occupancy), National Electricity Market: Renewable Energy Zone Expansions, and Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers) Upgrades, 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 employment environment in Charleville shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Charleville possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. As of December 2025, 2,115 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 4.0 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.8% versus the regional average of 10.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2% alongside a 1.8% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Charleville. 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 Charleville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Charleville SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Charleville SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,044 and the average income stands at $58,912, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,301 (median) and $64,750 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household incomes sit at the 19th percentile, while personal income performs better at the 49th percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents (1,326 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 91.6% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at the 29th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Charleville, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.6% houses and 6.4% 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 Charleville was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 41.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.2%) or rented (31.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $867, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $170, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Charleville's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Charleville features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 62.1% of all households, comprising 22.1% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Charleville 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 (16.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (27.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Charleville is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Charleville, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,153 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.0% and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 65.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (967 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Charleville was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.0% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Charleville is Christianity, which makes up 68.2% of people in Charleville, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Charleville are Australian, comprising 34.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 26.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 8.6% of Charleville (vs 3.9% regionally), Vietnamese at 2.2% (vs 0.2%) and German at 4.4% (vs 4.7%).

Charleville's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 43 years, Charleville's median age is somewhat higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and substantially exceeds the 38-year national average. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 16.1% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 11.4% to 13.5% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 13.5% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.2% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 17.1% to 16.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Charleville's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 1%, adding 1 resident to reach 254. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 cohorts.