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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Far South West has an estimated 2,792 residents, up from 2,713 at the 2021 Census — a change of 79 people, or 2.9%. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Far South West is approximately 2,792 in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 79 residents (2.9%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 2,713 individuals. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 2,791 in June 2025 alongside 32 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such population numbers result in a density of 0.00 residents per square kilometer, indicating substantial personal space. The 2.9% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region (2.7%), positioning the locality as a regional leader in growth.
Natural increase was the primary driver of this population growth, accounting for roughly 81.3% of the total population gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 locality, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this data, and for any years after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and based on 2021 statistics are used. Notably, these state-level projections omit breakdowns by age group; where they are applied, AreaSearch distributes growth across age cohorts using weightings derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data. Looking at future demographic shifts, the methodology projects a downward trend in total numbers, with the overall population of the locality shrinking by 66 residents by 2041. Conversely, expansion is projected within particular age brackets, notably the 25 to 34 cohort, which is expected to grow by 41 individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
30 new dwellings have been approved in Far South West over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 2.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 6, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Far South West has documented approximately 6 residential building approvals per year, summing up to 30 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 6 approvals have been registered. With an average of 1.6 new occupants per year entering for each new residence over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand and supply appear balanced, leading to stable market conditions, though this has adjusted to 1 person per home over the last 2 financial years, indicating a tighter alignment of supply and demand. New builds carry an average construction value of $550,000, showing that developers are focusing on the higher-end, premium tier of the market.
Furthermore, commercial approvals valued at $12.9 million have been logged in the current financial year, demonstrating consistent commercial investment. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Far South West records comparable construction volumes (per capita), which helps maintain market balance matching regional trends. However, this pace remains below the national average, pointing to a mature market or potential development constraints. Recent home building consists of 50.0% standalone houses and 50.0% medium and high-density formats. This shift toward denser housing styles offers affordable options and attracts buyers looking to downsize, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a major departure from the current housing stock, which is 91.0% houses, reflecting a scarcity of development land and responding to changing lifestyle preferences and budget constraints. The ratio of 523 individuals in the locality per single housing approval highlights a quiet, low-scale development environment. With population projections remaining flat or declining, Far South West is likely to experience minimal pressure on housing supply, creating advantageous conditions for home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Far South West
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 41 current infrastructure and development projects close to Far South West, worth an estimated $170 billion. 13 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, transport & logistics and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, major developmental projects, and regional planning initiatives are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that are expected to influence the locality. Notable developments include the Charleville Central Extension Retail Development, Charleville New Social Homes (Dual-Occupancy), safety upgrades on the Diamantina Developmental Road (Quilpie - Windorah), and the Windorah Primary Health Centre Replacement Project, with the most relevant ones detailed in the list below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Charleville Central Extension Retail Development
An approved extension of the existing Supa IGA Charleville supermarket (Cornetts IGA) that will expand the supermarket footprint and add two new retail tenancies. The project involves reorganising access, parking, and servicing across multiple lots. Murweh Shire Council approved a minor change to the development permit in October 2025, which included updated conditions for staging, road works design, and amenities. The development remains in the pre-construction phase as detailed design and delivery arrangements are finalised.
Charleville New Social Homes (Dual-Occupancy)
Two new dual-occupancy social housing homes have been completed in Charleville as part of the Queensland Governments Homes for Queenslanders plan. Built by local contractor Gecko Builders and Concreters in partnership with the Queensland Government, the two homes are now tenanted and were funded through the Works for Queensland program to provide safe, stable accommodation for local residents.
Scrubby Creek Sports Club Facility Upgrade
Development of a new 240m2 multi-purpose community recreation facility for the Scrubby Creek Sports Club. The approved plans include a bar, commercial kitchen, administration office, and fully lockable concrete floor area to support existing outdoor sports and community gatherings.
Ampol Residual Land Portfolio - 104 Victoria Street, St George
Vacant 3,041 sqm former Ampol service station site in St George town centre, offered as part of a 13-site national Ampol Residual Land Portfolio. The site has undergone comprehensive remediation including removal of underground fuel infrastructure and is considered development-ready. Zoned for commercial use, the site is marketed by Cushman and Wakefield via Expressions of Interest (closing 25 June 2025) for redevelopment across retail, mixed-use, commercial or other uses. Agents are Daniel Cullinane and Patrick Birchley of Cushman and Wakefield Investment Sales.
National Electricity Market: Renewable Energy Zone Expansions
Expanding Renewable Energy Zones to boost grid-scale renewable generation, addressing the Australian National Electricity Market's need for new energy sources as thermal facilities retire.
Maranoa Pump Track Community Infrastructure
Modern pump track facility for BMX and mountain bike riders featuring beginner and advanced circuits, landscaping, seating areas, and community gathering spaces
Carnarvon Highway Culvert Replacement North of Roma
Replacement of aging culvert infrastructure on Carnarvon Highway north of Roma to improve drainage, flood resilience, and road safety for heavy vehicle traffic
Roma Airport General Aviation Apron Upgrade
Upgrade of general aviation apron facilities at Roma Airport including runway improvements, taxiway enhancements, and aircraft parking bay upgrades to support regional aviation services
1,366 residents of Far South West are employed, from a labour force of 1,423. Unemployment sits at 4.0%, with participation at 65.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in Far South West is evenly distributed between white and blue collar occupations, with strong representation in critical service sectors and an unemployment rate of 4.0%. In March 2026, there are 1,366 employed residents, with an unemployment rate matching the Regional Qld level of 3.9% and workforce participation closely aligning with the Regional Qld average of 64.3%. Census data indicates that a moderate 18.2% of workers operate from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions during that period should be kept in mind. Local employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance.
The region exhibits a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing a share of workers 6.0 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 9.8% of the workforce, which is lower than the 16.1% seen in Regional Qld. Although there are local jobs available, the ratio of the Census working population to the total local population suggests a significant portion of residents travel outside the area for employment. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 1.0% and total employment fell by 1.6%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. This differs from Regional Qld, which saw employment grow by 0.1%, the labor force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 provide context on potential future demands in Far South West. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local industry mix to estimate future employment trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but these rates vary widely by industry. Weighting these projections against the employment structure of Far South West suggests local employment could grow by 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, though this is a basic extrapolation and does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Far South West is $1,110 a week (about $58,000 a year), with median personal income at $680 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,223 a year against an average of $53,815. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show that incomes in the Far South West SA2 are below the national average, recording a median of $50,223 and an average of $53,815. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $55,928 for the median and $59,928 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual income is at the 24th percentile ($680 weekly), whereas household income falls in the 7th percentile.
The largest income group consists of 25.6% of residents (714 people) earning between $400 - 799 weekly, contrasting with the broader region where the leading bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 at 31.7%. Even though housing expenses are low with residents keeping 92.8% of their income, total disposable income sits at the 16th percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Far South West had 1,092 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 91% detached houses and 2% apartments. 17% are owned with a mortgage, 39% rented and 44% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $130 a week and the median mortgage repayment $758 a month. Rent absorbs 11.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 15.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing types in Far South West at the most recent Census consisted of 90.8% standalone houses and 9.2% other types of dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Far South West were significantly higher than in Regional Qld at 44.1%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (17.0%) or occupied by tenants (38.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $758, which is much lower than the Regional Qld average, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $130, compared to Regional Qld figures of $1,655 and $345.
On a national level, mortgage repayments in Far South West are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Far South West counted 1,092 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 77% of areas nationally, against 27% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households make up the majority of homes at 60.3%, consisting of 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 representing 36.3% and group living situations making up 3.0%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.5% of adults in Far South West hold a university qualification, including 9.7% with a bachelor degree and 1.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 28.4% hold a vocational qualification. 9 schools serve the area, with 323 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 843 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present challenges in the area, with the university qualification rate of 12.5% falling well short of the national average of 30.4%. This situation presents both a hurdle and an opening for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.5% and postgraduate degrees at 1.3%. Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 28.4%. A significant 23.7% of the population is enrolled in formal education.
This group is composed of 12.7% in primary school, 5.4% in high school, and 1.9% in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Far South West means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.9% of residents in Far South West report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 77% of areas nationally. 5.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health statistics show considerable difficulties for Far South West, based on an analysis of death rates and the occurrence of chronic illnesses by AreaSearch, with notable rates of common health issues across younger and older demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is very low at around 47% of the population, which is about 1,301 people. This is lower than the 52.5% rate in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions locally, affecting 10.5% and 9.1% of the population respectively, while 65.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
The working-age cohort faces notable health difficulties with high rates of chronic illnesses. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.6% of the population (548 people), showing national health rankings that are even higher than those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Far South West is largely Australian-born, at 94.3% of residents, with 2.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (31.5%) and English (25.9%). 17.6% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Far South West exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 91.7% of the population, 94.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 64.0% of the population, compared to 52.2% in Regional Qld. Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Far South West are Australian at 31.5% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English at 25.9%, and Australian Aboriginal at 17.6%, which is much higher than the regional average of 3.9%.
There are also specific differences in other ancestries, with Samoans representing 0.3% of the local population compared to 0.2% regionally, Germans at 4.2% compared to 4.7%, and New Zealanders at 0.7% compared to 0.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Far South West is 41. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 21.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Far South West is 41 years, matching the average for Regional Qld and older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Far South West has a larger proportion of young children aged 0 - 4 (8.0%) but fewer youth aged 15 - 24 (8.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 10.8% to 12.1% of the population, and the 5 to 14 cohort grew from 12.7% to 13.9%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.9% to 10.8% and the 55 to 64 bracket declined from 16.4% to 14.6%.
Looking forward to 2041, age structures are projected to shift. The 25 to 34 cohort is expected to grow by 12% (42 people), increasing from 364 to 407, while the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 demographics are projected to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Far South West
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 32 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,713 at the 2021 Census → 2,792 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (315031411). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.