Chinchilla

Chinchilla lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Chinchilla's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 9,265 people. This figure represents a growth of 490 individuals, an increase of 5.6%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 8,775. The change 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 exceeds that of its SA3 area (5.2%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 73.3% to overall population 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings aligning with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, the area is projected to expand by 1,432 persons to reach a total of approximately 10,706 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 13.9% over the 17-year period.

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. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. The average construction cost value of new properties was $319,000 during this period.

In FY-26, $3.3 million in commercial approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Chinchilla shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 22.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This activity is below the national average, indicating an established area with 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 development environment. Population forecasts indicate Chinchilla will gain 1,284 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Chinchilla has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Chinchilla Christian College Extensions, Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct, Southern Cross Care Chinchilla - Illoura Village Redevelopment, and Chinchilla Cultural Precinct Revitalisation. 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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Chinchilla ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Chinchilla's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector has significant representation, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%. There are 4,906 employed residents currently, with an unemployment rate of 1.2%, lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include construction, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

Chinchilla has a specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs only 7.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while the labour force grew by 5.8%, resulting in a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate Chinchilla's potential future demand growth. Applying these projections to Chinchilla's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.5%% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Chinchilla had a median taxpayer income of $49,582 and an average income of $61,690. This is below the national average of $50,780 and Rest of Qld's average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Chinchilla as of September 2025 is approximately $56,519, and the average is around $70,320. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Chinchilla rank modestly, between the 38th and 48th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 32.1% of individuals (2,974 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which aligns with broader regional trends at 31.7%. Housing costs are manageable, with 87.9% retained, but disposable income is below average, ranking at the 43rd percentile.

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

Chinchilla's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chinchilla stood at 30.9%, with the rest mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (40.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,314, above 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 constitute 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, 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 the Australian 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 at 33.4%, including 15.2% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education. Six schools operate within Chinchilla, educating approximately 1,760 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 950) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

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 standard levels of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~4,688 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are asthma (8.8%) and mental health issues (8.2%). About 70.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the Rest of Qld. Around 15.7% (1,455 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.2% in the Rest of Qld. This is broadly in line 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, which accounts for 61.0% of the population, compared to 64.6% across the Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented in Chinchilla are Australian (34.6%), English (29.0%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: German is overrepresented at 6.6% in Chinchilla compared to 5.3% regionally, Australian Aboriginal is at 5.2% versus 6.7%, and Spanish is 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 Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and also under the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 25-34 cohort makes up 16.7% of Chinchilla's population, while the 45-54 age group is 9.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.5% to 16.7%, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 13.7%, and the 45-54 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% (416 people), reaching 1,643 from 1,226. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.