Far South West

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

Far South West's population was approximately 2,800 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 2,713 people, indicating a growth of 87 individuals (3.2%). The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2,785 in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Far South West's growth rate of 3.2% since the census is within 1.1 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.3%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 76.8% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to these projections, Far South West's population is expected to decline by 50 persons by 2041, despite anticipated growth within specific age cohorts such as 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 has seen approximately six new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around thirty homes. As of FY26, zero approvals have been recorded to date. On average, 1.1 new residents per year arrived for each new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value for new homes was $550,000, suggesting a focus on premium developments.

This financial year has seen $12.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Far South West shows similar building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area and falling below the national average, implying an established nature with potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 50% standalone homes and 50% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant shift from the current 91% houses pattern. The area has an estimated 522 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment with projected population stability or decline, potentially reducing housing demand pressures and 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 30% nationally

Twelve projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key among these 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 list details those projects likely to be most 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 essential services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%. As of September 2025, 1,378 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation is at par with Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 18.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (6.0 times the regional level), public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance (9.8%). Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7%, employment fell by 1.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's employment growth of 1.7% and labour force expansion of 2.1%. 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 could 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 indicates that Far South West SA2 has lower incomes compared to the national average. The median income is $50,223 and the average is $53,815. In contrast, Rest of Qld shows a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,200 (median) and $59,148 (average). 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 (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 had 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation, compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Far South West was 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.0% and rented ones at 38.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $758, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent figure was $130, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Far South West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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 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 is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 28.4%.

A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 12.7% in primary, 5.4% in secondary, 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 shows significant health challenges in Far South West, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,304 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.5%) and arthritis (9.1%). 65.9% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (525 people), which is lower than Rest of Qld's 20.4%, but national rankings are higher.

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 below average, with 91.7% citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 64.0%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (25.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.6%).

Samoan was overrepresented at 0.3%, German at 4.2%, and New Zealand at 0.7%.

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 concentration of residents aged 0-4 (8.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the 0-4 age group grew from 7.7% to 8.8%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.8% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.9% to 10.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 16.4% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Far South West's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 12 people, reaching 410 from 366. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.