Garbutt - West End

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

Garbutt - West End's population is around 6,606 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 333 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,273. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 6,605 in June 2025 and an additional 88 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 387 persons per square kilometer. Garbutt - West End's growth rate of 5.3% since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA4 region's 7.1%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population dynamics indicate a decline by 475 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over group projected to expand by 113 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 seen approximately 25 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 127 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this figure has increased to 5.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential supply constraints. The average construction cost of new homes is $208,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

This financial year has seen $38.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. When compared with the Rest of Qld, Garbutt - West End has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

This trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (54.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 348 people, reflecting a quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Garbutt - West End should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Garbutt - West End has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones 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. Below is a list detailing those most likely to be 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.

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

Garbutt - West End has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 10.1% as of December 2025. There were 3,117 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 6.1% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 61.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 6.0% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 4.5%. There were 2.0 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to December 2025, the labour force increased by 0.0% while employment decreased by 2.5%, resulting in a rise of 2.3 percentage points in unemployment rate compared to Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Garbutt - West End's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

The Garbutt - West End SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $61,224 and an average of $76,532 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was higher than national averages, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 in the same period. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $68,179 (median) and $85,226 (average). In the 2021 Census, household incomes ranked at the 19th percentile while personal income was at the 52nd percentile. The largest income segment comprised 29.2% of residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% fell into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Garbutt - West End's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 54.3% houses and 45.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garbutt - West End stood at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.8% and rented dwellings at 54.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,354, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Garbutt - West End's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 50.2%, with lone person households at 44.8% and group households making up 5.5%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

In Garbutt-West End trail's regional benchmarks for educational qualifications, 24.5% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15 years and over 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.

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 area, offering mixed bus services. These are covered by six routes, collectively facilitating 702 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically located 211 meters from nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car use dominates at 89%, cycling 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below regional average. In 2021 Census, 6% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages 100 trips daily across all routes, about 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

Health data indicates significant health issues in Garbutt - West End. AreaSearch's assessment shows high mortality rates and prevalent chronic conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is notably high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 3,765 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Queensland. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.1% and 8.2% of residents respectively. However, 64.5% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. Working-age population faces substantial health challenges with increased chronic condition rates. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,202 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some difficulties, generally aligning with national rankings.

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, surveyed in August 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 83.9% being citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.8%. The 'Other' religious category had an overrepresentation of 0.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (27.5%), Australian (24.1%), and Irish (9.2%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (6.1%) was overrepresented in Garbutt-West End versus the regional average of 3.9%. Maori representation stood at 0.8%, matching Regional Qld's figure. German ancestry showed a slight underrepresentation at 4.3% compared to Regional Qld's 4.7%.

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 Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 17.3%, while those aged 5-14 are smaller at 8.1% compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.4% to 17.3%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 10.8%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 9.3% to 8.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Garbutt - West End's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 105 people (71%) from 148 to 254. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 86% 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.