Far Central West

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

Far Central West's population was around 2,220 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects an increase of 64 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,156. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2,209 in June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 0 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Far Central West has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of -0.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed around 72.7% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Note that these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied when used. According to projected demographic shifts, the area's population is expected to decline by 370 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are anticipated to grow, with projections indicating an increase of 36 people in this group.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Far Central West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Far Central West has received approximately 9 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 45 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.6 people. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more housing options and potentially stimulating population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost of new homes in the area is $366,000. In comparison to the Rest of Qld, Far Central West has seen 92.0% more building activity per person this financial year. Recent construction comprises 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 154 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Far Central West may experience reduced housing pressure, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Far Central West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

AreaSearch has identified a total of 28 projects that could impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Among these key projects are Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation, Windorah Aerodrome Terminal Upgrades, Windorah Gas Project (ATP 927), and New Windorah Solar Farm. 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.

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 exceptional employment performance in Far Central West places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Far Central West, as of September 2025, has an unemployment rate of 1.4%, with 1,364 residents employed. The area's unemployment rate is 2.7% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Far Central West is 64.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 7.4 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 5.0% versus the regional average of 16.1%.

The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. In the 12 months prior to September 2025, Far Central West's labour force decreased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 0.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, as of May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Far Central West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.1% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Far Central West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $56,452, with an average of $64,563. Nationally, this is approximately average. Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Far Central West SA2 would be approximately $64,350 (median) and $73,595 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($947 weekly), while household income sits at the 32nd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 31.4% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (697 residents), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 31.7%. Housing costs are manageable with 93.6% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 42nd percentile.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Far Central West as 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Far Central West was 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.8% and rented ones at 40.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $884, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $910. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $140, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $160. Nationally, Far Central West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $884 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 60.0% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.0%, with lone person households at 37.0% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 30.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 16.4% in primary education, 5.2% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Far Central West'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

Far Central West's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% (1,152 people), leading the average SA2 area, while Rest of Qld has 49.5%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 8.6 and 6.9% respectively. 71.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.5% across Rest of Qld. The area has 18.9% (419 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Far Central West showed lower cultural diversity, with 83.4% citizens, 93.3% born in Australia, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, accounting for 61.5%, compared to 66.5% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.1%), English (31.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.6%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 4.2% versus regional 4.6%, Samoan at 0.2% versus regional 0.1%, and Irish at 9.0% compared to regional 8.9%.

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

The median age in Far Central West is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average of 41 but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Far Central West has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.7%). As per the 2021 Census, the age group of 25 to 34 has increased from 12.9% to 14.4%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 5.5% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 11.9%, and the 15 to 24 age group has dropped from 11.1% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Far Central West's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 98%, reaching 63 people from the current 31. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 99% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.