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 approximately 2,791 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 78 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,713. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,785 in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0 persons per square kilometer. Far South West's growth rate of 2.9% since the census is within 0.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing about 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 50 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are projected to increase by 50 people during 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 thirty homes. As of FY-26, zero approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $326,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $12.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Far South West shows similar building activity per person, maintaining market balance with the broader area and falling below national averages, suggesting an established region potentially limited by planning constraints. Recent construction is evenly split between standalone homes (50%) and attached dwellings (50%), marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 91% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With an estimated 522 people per dwelling approval, Far South West has a quiet development environment with stable or declining population projections, 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives 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 details those most relevant.

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

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.

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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.8%.

This rate aligns with Rest of Qld's 3.9%, while workforce participation is similar at 59.1%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (6.0 times the regional level) but has a lower share of health care & social assistance workers (9.8% vs Rest of Qld's 16.1%). While local jobs exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3%, while employment decreased by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force expand by 2.0%, with a smaller unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Far South West's employment could grow by approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that Far South West had a median income of $46,426 and an average income of $52,704. This is lower than the national averages of $58,319 (median) and $72,030 (average). In contrast, Rest of Qld had median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $52,921 (median) and $60,077 (average). According to Census data from August 2021, Far South West's personal income ranks at the 25th percentile ($680 weekly), with household income at the 8th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 25.6% of residents earning $400 - $799 weekly, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 92.8% income retention, Far South West's 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

In Far South West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.2% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Far South West stood at 44.1%, mirroring Non-Metro Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 17.0%, while rented properties made up 38.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $758, significantly lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $910 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Far South West was $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 matches 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, 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 is actively pursuing formal education, including 12.7% in primary, 5.4% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education. There are 9 schools operating within Far South West, educating approximately 323 students. The educational mix includes 7 primary and 2 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents (11.6) fall below the regional average (14.7), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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 rate is low at approximately 47% (~1,303 people), compared to 49.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%. Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.5% and 9.1% of residents respectively.

65.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.5% in Rest of Qld. The area has 18.5% (517 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld.

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%. This compares to 66.5% across Rest of Qld.

For ancestry, Australian was highest at 31.5%, followed by English at 25.9% and Australian Aboriginal at 17.6%, substantially higher than the regional average of 8.2%. Samoan was notably overrepresented at 0.3%, German at 4.2%, and New Zealand at 0.7%.

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

The median age in Far South West is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Far South West has a higher concentration of 0-4 residents (8.8%) but fewer 15-24 year-olds (9.2%). Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 10.3% to 11.4%, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 7.7% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort 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 group is projected to grow by 12 people (from 366 to 410), while the 5-14 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.