Far Central West
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Far Central West's population was approximately 2,156 people as of the 2021 Census. By August 2025, this had increased to around 2,219 people, reflecting a rise of 63 individuals (2.9%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates; Far Central West's population was 2,208 in June 2024 and there were an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 0.00 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. 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 about 72.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, 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 these projections, Far Central West's population is expected to decline by 370 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow; notably, the 85 and over age group is projected to expand by 36 people during this period.

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 seen approximately 9 dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 45 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 2 recorded approvals. On average, 0.6 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more housing options and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost of new homes in the area was $290,000 during this period, lower than the regional average. As of this financial year, $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Far Central West has 92% more building activity per person, offering buyers ample choice. Recent construction consists of 88% detached houses and 12% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

The area 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

A total of 28 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include key initiatives such as the Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation, Teal Street Affordable Housing Project, Longreach Recreational Precinct, and Longreach Solar Farm. The following list details those considered most relevant to the area's performance.

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

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

Far Central West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 1.4% as of June 2025, and stable employment conditions over the past year. It has 1,384 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is higher at 64.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 7.4 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance has lower representation at 5.0% versus the regional average of 16.1%.

There is one worker for every resident, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Over the past year, labour force increased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Far Central West's employment could grow by approximately 4.5% over five years and 10.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Far Central West's median income among taxpayers is $56,452. The average income in the same period was $64,563. Nationally, this is approximately average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had 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 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 between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (696 residents). This is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort 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

In Far Central West, as assessed in the most recent Census, 89.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Far Central West stood at 41.9%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's rate. Mortgaged dwellings made up 17.8%, while rented properties accounted for 40.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $884, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $910 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Far Central West was $140, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $160 and 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 comprise 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 make up 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, 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%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is high at 29.6%, comprising primary education (16.4%), secondary education (5.2%), and tertiary education (1.7%). Nine schools operate in Far Central West, educating approximately 211 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with a mix of eight primary schools and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 9.5, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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 at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% (1,151 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area and Rest of Qld's 49.5%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.6% and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.5% in Rest of Qld. The area has 18.9% (418 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 was found to have a lower level of cultural diversity compared to the average, with 83.4% of its population being citizens, 93.3% born in Australia, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Far Central West, making up 61.5% of people, which is slightly lower than the 66.5% recorded across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented are Australian (32.1%), English (31.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.6%).

There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 4.2%, Samoan is slightly higher at 0.2%, and Irish is relatively similar at 9.0%.

Far Central West's median age exceeds the national pattern

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