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 2,800 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 87 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,713 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,785 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Far South West's 3.2% growth since the census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 76.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding 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 around 6 new homes approved per year, totalling 30 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $550,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $12.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Far South West shows comparable building activity (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. This activity is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 91.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 522 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Charleville Central Extension Retail Development, Charleville New Social Homes (Dual-Occupancy), Diamantina Developmental Road (Quilpie - Windorah) safety improvements, and the Windorah Primary Health Centre Replacement Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 4.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Far South West possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 4.0%. As of December 2025, 1,354 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 6.0 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 9.8% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2% combined with employment decreasing by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Far South West. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Far South West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Far South West SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $50,223 while the average income stands at $53,815. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,200 (median) and $59,148 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 24th percentile ($680 weekly), while household income sits at the 7th percentile. The data shows the largest segment comprises 25.6% earning $400 - 799 weekly (716 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 92.8% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Far South West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.8% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Far South West was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 44.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (17.0%) or rented (38.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $758, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $130, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Far South West's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 60.3% of all households, comprising 23.0% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.7%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (28.4%).

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 reveals substantial challenges facing Far South West, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,304 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.5 and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 65.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (525 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.7% of its population being citizens, 94.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Far South West is Christianity, which makes up 64.0% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Far South West are Australian, comprising 31.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 25.9% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 17.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 0.3% of Far South West (vs 0.2% regionally), German at 4.2% (vs 4.7%) and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.9%).

Far South West's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Far South West matches Regional Qld's average of 41, while being somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, Far South West has a higher concentration of 0 - 4 residents (8.8%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (9.4%). Following the 2021 Census, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 7.7% to 8.8% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 10.8% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 10.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.4% to 14.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Far South West's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 12% (43 people), reaching 410 from 366. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.