Charters Towers

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Charters Towers's population is around 8,195 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 155 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,040 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,159 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 195 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Charters Towers's 1.9% growth since the census positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 35 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 304 people. See the age section for more details.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Charters Towers, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Charters Towers has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 74 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $271,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $9.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Charters Towers has 14.0% less new development (per person) and ranks in the 27th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 69.0% detached houses and 31.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 86.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 668 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Charters Towers should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Charters Towers has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% 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 Renew Charters Towers, Grand Secret Estate, Queensland Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers), and Goldtower Central, 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.

Employment conditions in Charters Towers face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Charters Towers features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 8.6%. As of December 2025, 3,290 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.5% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.3% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise education & training, health care & social assistance, and mining. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 6.2% of the Charters Towers workforce compared to 10.1% in Regional Qld. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.1% alongside a 1.8% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Charters Towers. 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 the Charters Towers employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.9% 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 Charters Towers SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $54,308 and an average of $64,471 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,690 (median) and $70,860 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Charters Towers all fall between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.4% of residents (2,409 people), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 88.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Charters Towers, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.1% houses and 13.9% 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 Charters Towers was higher than that of Regional Qld, at 35.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.5%) or rented (36.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,127, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Charters Towers's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 63.9% of all households, comprising 19.8% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Charters Towers 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 (15.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.9% in secondary education, 12.0% in primary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Charters Towers, 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 relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,195 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.9 and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 64.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,797 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.

The latest Census data sees Charters Towers placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Charters Towers was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.9% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Charters Towers is Christianity, which makes up 57.1% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Charters Towers are Australian, comprising 33.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 29.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 8.0% of Charters Towers (vs 3.9% regionally), German at 3.6% (vs 4.7%) and French at 0.4% (vs 0.5%).

Charters Towers's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Charters Towers is close to the Regional Qld figure of 41 but modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 15.6% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 10.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.4% to 15.6% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Charters Towers's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 24% (222 people), reaching 1,159 from 936. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 45 to 54 cohorts.