Chinchilla

Population growth drivers in Chinchilla are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Chinchilla's population is approximately 9,265 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 490 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,775. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,117 in June 2024 and an additional 148 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Chinchilla's growth rate of 5.6% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (5.2%) and SA4 region, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 73.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. According to demographic trends, above median population growth is projected for national regional areas. Chinchilla is expected to expand by 1,432 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 13.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Chinchilla recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Chinchilla has recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 87 homes. In FY-26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. An average of 4.1 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost value of $319,000 during this period, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $3.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Chinchilla shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 22.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. However, this activity is still under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 493 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Chinchilla will gain 1,284 residents by 2041, potentially leading to housing supply lagging population growth if current construction levels persist, which could intensify buyer competition and underpin price growth.

Chinchilla has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can greatly be influenced by changes made to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 projects that are expected to have an impact on the area. Notable projects include the Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct, Chinchilla Christian College Extensions, Southern Cross Care Chinchilla - Illoura Village Redevelopment, and Chinchilla Cultural Precinct Revitalisation. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Chinchilla demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Chinchilla has a diverse workforce comprising white-collar and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 3.1% and employment growth of 4.9% in the past year, as of September 2025.

There are 4,988 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Key employment sectors include construction, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 2.5 times more residents than the regional average.

Health care & social assistance employs 7.4% locally, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, labour force by 6.8%, raising unemployment by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3%. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chinchilla's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.5% in five years and 11.7% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Chinchilla SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,582 and an average level of $61,690. Both figures are below the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $56,519 (median) and $70,320 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Chinchilla rank modestly between the 38th and 48th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 32.1% of the community falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band (2,974 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 87.9% retained, but disposable income sits below average at the 43rd percentile.

Chinchilla is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Chinchilla, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chinchilla was at 30.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (40.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Chinchilla was $1,314, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Chinchilla was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. Nationally, Chinchilla's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Chinchilla has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.2% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Chinchilla faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (33.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 15.2% in primary, 10.5% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Chinchilla's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Chinchilla's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts being fairly standard.

Approximately 51% (~4,688 people) of Chinchilla's total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma (affecting 8.8% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 8.2%). A majority, 70.5%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Chinchilla has 15.7% (1,455 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 18.2% in Rest of Qld, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Chinchilla's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.9% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Chinchilla is Christianity, accounting for 61.0% of the population, compared to 64.6% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Chinchilla are Australian (34.6%), English (29.0%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 6.6%, compared to 5.3% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry stands at 5.2% versus the regional average of 6.7%. Spanish ancestry is also slightly higher than the regional average, at 0.5% compared to 0.2%.

Chinchilla's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Chinchilla is 35 years, which is lower than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. In comparison to the Rest of Queensland average, the 25-34 age cohort is notably higher at 16.7% locally, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 9.7%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.5% to 16.7%, whereas the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 15.7% to 13.7% and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 11.5% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Chinchilla, with the 35-44 age group expected to grow by 34%, reaching 1,643 people from 1,226. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.