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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 research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count across Far South West stands at approximately 2,792 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 79 residents (2.9%) compared to the 2021 Census tally of 2,713 individuals. Such variation is derived by combining the ABS estimated resident population figure of 2,791 as of June 2025 with 33 validated new addresses confirmed following the Census. This total translates to a population density of virtually no people per square kilometer, ensuring substantial space for residents. Furthermore, the local 2.9% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA3 area (2.7%), establishing the district as a regional frontrunner in population growth.
Overall expansion was overwhelmingly underpinned by natural increase, accounting for roughly 81.3% of net population additions over recent timeframes. SA2-level population outlooks used by AreaSearch rely on 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia models utilizing 2022 as their foundation year. Where SA2 coverage is missing, or for horizons extending beyond post-2032, figures incorporate Queensland State Government SA2 forecasts published in 2023 utilizing 2021 benchmarks. Because these state forecasts omit age breakdowns, AreaSearch allocates cohort distributions using proportional growth shares aligned with the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 figures. Looking ahead under this approach, overall numbers are expected to contract, decreasing by 70 persons by 2041. In contrast, select demographics are slated for expansion, particularly the 25 to 34 cohort, which is forecast to add 40 individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
36 new dwellings have been approved in Far South West over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 2.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. 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 recorded an annual mean of approximately 7 residential building consents, accumulating 36 approved dwellings across the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Net population gains averaged 1.3 individuals per annum for each new residence constructed throughout the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), demonstrating balanced local demand and supply dynamics while new dwellings registered an average construction value of $504,000, aligning with broader regional patterns. Concurrently, non-residential building approvals reached $12.9 million during this financial year, underscoring ongoing commercial capital expenditure. Relative to Rest of Qld, building generation per capita in Far South West has trended slightly higher (17.0% above regional levels per person across the 5 year timeframe), providing diverse dwelling options and safeguarding existing property values, even as building activity slowed in recent times.
Output remains beneath national benchmarks, reflecting local market maturity alongside possible planning restrictions. Recent building approvals consist of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% medium-density configurations like townhouses or apartments, widening dwelling options across various budgets ranging from traditional houses to cost-effective compact formats. This represents a noticeable shift from the existing housing stock (presently 91.0% standalone houses), pointing to tighter land supplies while accommodating evolving buyer choices and affordability requirements. Furthermore, a ratio of 581 residents per residential approval highlights an unhurried, low-volume development landscape. Given that population levels are projected to stay steady or decline, Far South West is likely to experience less pressure on its housing market, which may open up opportunities for purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Far South West
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| 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. 12 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 capital expenditure and planning programs play a critical role in shaping regional outcomes. AreaSearch has identified 12 key infrastructure initiatives within the region, highlighted by 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.
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 local labour market in Far South West is evenly distributed across blue-collar and white-collar roles, supported by solid representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of 4.0%. In March 2026, employed residents totaled 1,366, matching the 3.9% unemployment figure across Regional Qld, while local labour force participation closely mirrored the Regional Qld benchmark of 64.2%. Census records further showed that 18.2% of workers operated from home, though pandemic restrictions during that period should be noted. Core employment fields for the local workforce consist of agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, as well as health care & social assistance.
Concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing is especially pronounced, showing an incidence 6.0 times the broader regional benchmark. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for a comparatively small share, engaging only 9.8% of workers in Far South West versus 16.1% across Regional Qld. Although employment options exist locally, comparisons between the Census working population and resident totals suggest substantial numbers travel beyond the area for work. AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM metrics show that over the 12-month period, the local workforce contracted by 1.0% while employment declined by 1.6%, pushing unemployment up by 0.6 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional Qld saw employment increase by 0.1%, labour supply grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.1 percentage points. Looking further ahead, national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide context on workforce outlooks for Far South West over five- and ten-year horizons. Nationally, job numbers are projected to rise by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Weighting these sectoral paths against Far South West's resident employment distribution indicates potential local job gains of 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years.
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
Aggregated postcode data from the ATO for financial year 2023 shows Far South West SA2 taxpayers recording a median income of $50,223 and an average income of $53,815, placing it below national levels as well as the respective Regional Qld figures of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, modeled figures reach approximately $55,928 (median) and $59,928 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census positioned local personal earnings at the 24th percentile ($680 weekly) and household earnings at the 7th percentile.
Individual income distributions reveal that the $400 - 799 bracket is largest, capturing 25.6% of residents (714 people), contrasting with regional trends where 31.7% fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 band. Even though modest housing expenses allow residents to retain 92.8% of their earnings, overall disposable income tracks at only the 16th percentile nationally.
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
According to the most recent Census, the housing inventory in Far South West was composed of 90.8% separate houses alongside 9.2% other dwellings (including semi-detached units, flats, and alternative dwellings), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Outright home ownership stood at a high 44.1%, exceeding regional benchmarks, while remaining homes were mortgaged (17.0%) or rented (38.9%). Typical monthly mortgage payments were $758, significantly lower than the Regional Qld median of $1,655 and the Australian figure of $1,863. Similarly, median weekly rents were $130, well beneath Regional Qld's $345 and the national benchmark 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 units represent 60.3% of all households, consisting of 26.9% couples without children, 23.0% couples with children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 39.7%, dominated by single-person households at 36.3% and group arrangements at 3.0%. The average household size stands at 2.3 people, which is slightly beneath 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
Tertiary educational attainment in the region is relatively subdued, with university qualifications held by 12.5% of residents compared to the national average of 30.4%. Within this group, bachelor degrees account for 9.7%, graduate diplomas comprise 1.5%, and postgraduate degrees represent 1.3%. Conversely, vocational and technical credentials are widespread, with 37.5% of people aged 15+ possessing vocational training, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (28.4%). Formal learning engages 23.7% of the local population. Within this enrolled cohort, primary schooling accounts for 12.7%, secondary education represents 5.4%, and tertiary studies comprise 1.9%.
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 assessments by AreaSearch indicate notable challenges across Far South West, driven by elevated rates of chronic illness and mortality across both younger and older residents. Concurrently, private health insurance coverage is limited, with roughly 47% of the population (~1,301 people) holding private cover, tracking below the Regional Qld level of 52.5% and the national figure of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis represent the most prevalent long-term 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 demographic experiences elevated rates of long-term health issues, while individuals aged 65 and over comprise 20.3% of the community (567 people), reflecting higher disease burdens relative to national benchmarks.
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
Cultural diversity in Far South West remains below broader benchmarks, with Australian citizens comprising 91.7% of residents, 94.3% born domestically, and 97.3% speaking solely English at home. Christianity forms the predominant faith, accounting for 64.0% of the community compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Based on parental ancestry, the primary reported backgrounds in Far South West are Australian at 31.5% (above the 26.5% regional share), English at 25.9%, and Australian Aboriginal at 17.6% (substantially above the 3.9% regional rate). Other recorded lineages show specific regional variations, including German ancestry at 4.2% (vs 4.7% regionally), New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.9%), and Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Far South West is 42. 21.0% 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
Age distributions in Far South West align closely with Regional Qld, with the largest variance across broad age groups measuring 1.7 percentage points. As of August 2026, the estimated median age is 42, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 1 year older than the Regional Qld median of 41 from that Census. The middle-aged and semi-retired group (45 - 64) has shifted from 29.3% at the Census to an estimated 25.4%. By 2041, the strongest demographic expansion is expected among young to middle-aged adults (25 - 44), which is forecast to increase by 36 residents (5%) to 700, whereas younger cohorts and mature groups are expected to experience contractions.
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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 33 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 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 Aug 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.