Far South West
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Far South West's population is around 2,791 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 78 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,713 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,785 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of approximately zero persons per square kilometer. Far South West's growth rate of 2.9% since the census positions it close to the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing around 76.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 50 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, projected to increase by 50 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 had minimal residential development activity from 2015 to 2019 with nine dwelling approvals annually. Over this five-year period, there were a total of 45 dwelling approvals. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand.

This results in varying yearly growth figures and relativities based on individual projects. Compared to Rest of Qld and national patterns, Far South West has much lower development activity. New developments consist of 50% detached houses and 50% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of 91% houses. This shift may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated population density is 522 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Far South West may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Far South West may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Far South West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to influence the region. Notable ones include safety enhancements on the Diamantina Developmental Road (Quilpie - Windorah), the Windorah Primary Health Centre Replacement Project, the Windorah Gas Project (ATP 927), and the New Windorah Solar Farm. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

While Far South West retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Far South West has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 3.8%, similar to Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

There are 1,384 residents employed, with workforce participation at 59.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance. The area specialises in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing 6.0 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employs 9.8% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis.

Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, Far South West saw labour force increase by 0.3%, but employment declined by 0.7%, raising the unemployment rate to 4.8%. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate to 4.1%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. 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 growth of approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2022 shows Far South West's median income among taxpayers was $46,426, with an average of $52,704. This is below the national average, compared to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,862 (median) and $58,876 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 25th percentile ($680 weekly), while household income sits at the 8th percentile. In Far South West, 25.6% of the population fall within the $400 - $799 income range, unlike metropolitan regions where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. 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

The dwelling structure in Far South West, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Far South West was 44.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (17.0%) or rented (38.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $758, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $130. Nationally, Far South West's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Far South West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.5%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, 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 actively pursues formal education, including 12.7% in primary education, 5.4% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. There are nine schools operating within Far South West, educating approximately 323 students. The educational mix includes seven primary schools and two K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.6, below the regional average of 14.7, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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 shows significant challenges in Far South West Queensland, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover rate is low at approximately 47% (~1,303 people), compared to 49.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.5%) and arthritis (9.1%).

65.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 67.5% in the rest of Queensland. Far South West has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (517 people), lower than the 20.1% in the rest of Queensland.

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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 91.7% citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 64.0%, compared to 66.5% regionally. Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (25.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.6%), higher than regional averages of 8.2%.

Notably, Samoan representation was 0.3% versus 0.1%, German at 4.2% versus 4.6%, and New Zealand at 0.7% versus 0.5%.

Far South West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Far South West's median age is 41 years, aligning with Rest of Qld's average but slightly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Far South West has a larger proportion of residents aged 0-4 (8.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 10.3% to 11.4%, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 7.7% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 12.9% to 11.0%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 16.4% to 14.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Far South West's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 12 people, reaching 410 from 366. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.