Far South West

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Far South West's population is around 2798 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 85 people, a 3.1% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2713 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2785 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Far South West's 3.1% growth since census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 76.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 50 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 50 people.

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, zero approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents per year have arrived for each new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value of 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 shows comparable building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area and falling below the national average, suggesting established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 50% standalone homes and 50% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 91% houses, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The area has an estimated 522 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population projections indicating stability or decline, Far South West should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential 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 40% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 12 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include 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 list provides details on those projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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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 comprising white and blue collar jobs, with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%.

As of September 2025, there are 1,378 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (6.0 times the regional level), but health care & social assistance employs only 9.8% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7%, with employment down by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Far South West's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Far South West SA2 has lower income than average nationally. The median income is $46,426 and the average is $52,704. Rest of Qld's figures are higher, with a median of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Far South West SA2 would be approximately $52,921 (median) and $60,077 (average) by September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks personal income at the 24th percentile ($680 weekly), with household income at the 7th percentile. The largest segment comprises 25.6% earning $400 - $799 weekly (716 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

Far South West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Far South West was at 44.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (17.0%) or rented (38.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $758, significantly lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $910 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Far South West was recorded at $130, substantially below Non-Metro Qld's $160 and 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 comprise 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 for 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's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (28.4%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 12.7% in primary, 5.4% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 5.4% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing 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 challenges in Far South West, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (~1,306 people), compared to 49.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.5%) and arthritis (9.1%), while 65.9% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Qld's 67.5%.

Far South West has 18.5% residents aged 65 and over (519 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 20.1%, but performs better in health metrics compared to 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 91.7% citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 64.0%, compared to 66.5% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (31.5%), English (25.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.6%), which was notably higher than the regional average of 8.2%.

Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Samoan at 0.3% vs 0.1%, German at 4.2% vs 4.6%, New Zealand at 0.7% vs 0.5%.

Far South West's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Far South West is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Far South West has a higher 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 declined 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. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 12 people (from 367 to 410), while the 5-14 and 0-4 cohorts are projected to decrease in population.