Far South West

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

Far South West's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 2,792 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 79 individuals from the 2021 Census count of 2,713 people, reflecting a growth rate of 2.9%. The population estimate for June 2025 was 2,791, with an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Far South West's growth rate exceeds that of the SA3 area at 2.7%, indicating it as a region of significant growth. Natural growth contributed roughly 81.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Demographic trends indicate a projected decline of 66 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 41 people over this period.

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

Far South West has seen approximately six new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 30 homes. As of FY26, five approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per year per new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $550,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $12.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to the Rest of Qld. Far South West maintains comparable building activity per person, consistent with the broader area and under the national average, reflecting its established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 50% standalone homes and 50% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current 91% houses pattern, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 522 people, reflecting its quiet development environment with stable or declining population projections, reducing potential housing demand pressures for buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Far South West should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Charleville Central Extension Retail Development, Charleville New Social Homes (Dual-Occupancy), Diamantina Developmental Road safety improvements between Quilpie and Windorah, and Windorah Primary Health Centre Replacement Project. The following details those 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.

While Far South West retains a healthy unemployment rate of 4.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Far South West has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 4.0%. In this month, 1,354 residents were employed, aligning with Regional Qld's unemployment rate of 4.0%, and the workforce participation rate matched Regional Qld's 64.5%.

According to Census responses, 18.2% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (6 times regional level), public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance (9.8%). Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. Over December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2% while employment fell by 2.7%, increasing unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points.

In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Far South West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Far South West SA2 has lower income compared to the national average. The median income is $50,223 and the average income is $53,815. Regional Qld, on the other hand, has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Far South West SA2 would be approximately $55,928 (median) and $59,928 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 24th percentile ($680 weekly), while household income is at the 7th percentile. The largest segment comprises 25.6% earning $400 - 799 weekly (714 residents). Housing costs are modest with 92.8% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 16th percentile nationally.

Far South West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Far South West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types of dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures, which showed 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwelling types. Home ownership in Far South West stood at 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 17.0% and rented ones for 38.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $758, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Far South West was recorded at $130, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Far South West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 60.3% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.7%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (28.4%).

A substantial 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 12.7% in primary education, 5.4% in secondary education, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Far South West, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are notable across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,301 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 10.5 and 9.1% of residents respectively, while 65.9% reported no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (548 people), with national rankings higher than the general population.

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

Far South West's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.7% of its population being citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Far South West, comprising 64.0% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%, substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%), English (25.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.6%, significantly higher than the regional average of 3.9%).

Notably, Samoan representation was overrepresented at 0.3% in Far South West compared to 0.2% regionally, while German was slightly underrepresented at 4.2% versus 4.7%. New Zealand representation was also lower at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.9%.

Far South West's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Far South West is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average of 41 but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Far South West has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (8.0%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (8.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 65-74 increased from 10.8% to 12.1%, while the 5-14 age group rose from 12.7% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 12.9% to 10.8%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 16.4% to 14.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Far South West's age structure, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 12% (42 people), reaching 407 from 364. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.