Garbutt - West End
Statistical Area - sa2

Garbutt - West End has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Garbutt - West End's population is around 6,635 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 362 people (5.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,273 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,603 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 389 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Garbutt - West End's 5.8% growth since census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 53.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 506 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 125 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Garbutt - West End according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Garbutt-West End has received approximately 25 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that between Financial Year (FY) 21 and FY 25, around 127 dwellings were approved. In FY 26, three dwellings have been approved so far. On average, over the past five financial years, 1.6 new residents moved in annually per dwelling constructed. However, this figure has increased to 5.5 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, indicating rising demand and decreasing supply.

The average construction value of development projects is $327,000, lower than the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This year alone, there have been $38.5 million in commercial approvals, highlighting substantial local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Garbutt-West End has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market balance with the broader area.

New building activity consists predominantly of standalone homes (89.0%), with medium and high-density housing accounting for 11.0%, preserving the area's traditional low-density character favoured by families seeking space. This contrasts with current patterns showing a higher proportion of detached housing in new construction, indicating robust demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 348 people, reflecting its quiet and low-activity development environment. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should alleviate housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting buyers.

Garbutt - West End has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 25 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Army Aviation Program of Works at RAAF Base Townsville, Weststate Private Hospital, Francis Street Roadworks in West End, and Queensland Rail Support Facilities on Bolam Street. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Garbutt - West End face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Garbutt - West End has an unemployment rate of 10.6% as of June 2025, with 3,179 residents employed. The unemployment rate is 6.6% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's at 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Public administration & safety has a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

There are 2.0 workers per resident as at the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting external workers. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0%, with a corresponding 5.7% employment decline, raising unemployment by 3.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's 1.8% employment growth and 0.2% unemployment rise. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Garbutt - West End's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Garbutt - West End's median income among taxpayers was $59,414 and average income was $77,092 in the financial year 2022. These figures are higher than those for Rest of Qld's which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By March 2025, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $66,371 and average income $86,119 based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71%. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes ranked at the 19th percentile while personal income was at the 53rd percentile. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 29.2% of residents (1,937 people), similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile.

Garbutt - West End displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Garbutt - West End, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.3% houses and 45.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Garbutt - West End was 18.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.8%) or rented (54.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,354, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure stood at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Garbutt - West End's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Garbutt - West End features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 49.8% of all households, including 14.7% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 50.2%, with lone person households making up 44.8% and group households comprising 5.5%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Garbutt - West End faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Educational qualifications in Garbutt - West End trail regional benchmarks with 24.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (28.3%). Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.6% pursuing secondary education. The three schools in Garbutt - West End have a combined enrollment of 404 students. Education provision is balanced with two primary schools serving residents aged 5-12 and one secondary school catering to those aged 13-18. However, local school capacity is limited at 6.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 53 active stops operating in Garbutt - West End, serving a mix of bus routes. These are serviced by six individual routes, providing a total of 702 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 211 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 100 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Garbutt - West End is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Garbutt-West End faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

The area has a high rate of private health cover, at approximately 58% of its total population (3,835 people), compared to 53.3% across the rest of Queensland. Mental health issues are the most common condition, affecting 11.1% of residents, followed by arthritis at 8.2%. Despite this, 64.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 18.6% (1,237 people), compared to 14.9% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but largely align with the general population's health profile.

Garbutt - West End ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Garbutt-West End showed cultural diversity below average, with 83.9% citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 49.8%. The 'Other' religion category was overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

Top three ancestral groups were English (27.5%), Australian (24.1%), and Irish (9.2%). Notable divergences included Australian Aboriginal at 6.1% (vs regional 5.0%), Maori at 0.8% (vs 0.5%), and German at 4.3% (vs 4.0%).

Garbutt - West End's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Garbutt - West End is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 17.2%, while those aged 5-14 are smaller at 7.9% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.4% to 17.2%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.7% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.5% to 10.9%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 9.3% to 7.9%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Garbutt - West End's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 110 people (78%) from 141 to 252. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.