Gladstone

An assessment of population growth drivers in Gladstone reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Gladstone's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 6,747. This figure reflects a growth of 573 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,174. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,709 in June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 659 persons per square kilometer. Gladstone's growth rate of 9.3% since the 2021 census exceeds both its SA4 region (6.8%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a leader in regional growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.3% to this growth, although all factors including natural growth and interstate migration were positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to grow by 932 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.2% over the 17 years.

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

Gladstone has averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 25 homes. As of FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 21.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built yearly. This supply lag suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average cost of $372,000.

In FY-26, there have been $16.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gladstone has significantly less development activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although recent periods have seen increased activity. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 40.0% detached houses and 60.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current 58.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The area has an estimated 3482 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Gladstone will gain 894 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Gladstone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones including HPA First Project Stage 2, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Port of Gladstone Gatcombe and Golding Cutting Channel Duplication Project, and Gladstone Project. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Gladstone face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Gladstone's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 13.6% as of September 2025. This rate is 9.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 4.6% of residents work from home. Leading industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services. Manufacturing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence with 11.6% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. There are 1.2 workers per resident, indicating Gladstone functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force increased by 1.3%, while employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gladstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 10.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Gladstone SA2's income level aligns with national averages according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The Gladstone SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,133 and average income stands at $67,049, comparing to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Gladstone SA2 would be approximately $59,498 (median) and $73,694 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Gladstone all fall between the 14th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 26.0% of locals (1,754 people) predominantly occupy the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting broader area patterns where 31.7% similarly fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gladstone, with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile.

Gladstone displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Gladstone's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.0% houses and 42.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gladstone was at 22.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.0% and rented ones at 55.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,394, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Gladstone was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Gladstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 52.8% of all households, including 18.2% couples with children, 21.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 47.2%, with lone person households at 42.7% and group households making up 4.7%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Gladstone fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.4% and certificates at 34.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gladstone has 30 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These routes collectively offer 105 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 246 meters to the nearest one. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 87% of residents, while walking accounts for 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.0, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 4.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gladstone is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Gladstone faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among younger and older age cohorts alike, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent. Private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,515 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 11.3% and 8.7% of residents respectively, while 64.1% reported being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,039 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. National rankings for this age group are even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Gladstone records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Gladstone's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 81.6% citizens, 80.7% born in Australia, and 89.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 46.2%. Hinduism shows overrepresentation at 1.7%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (29.7%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (7.3%). Notable divergences include Filipino (2.9% vs regional 0.9%), Australian Aboriginal (5.1% vs 3.9%), and Maori (0.9% vs 0.8%).

Gladstone's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Gladstone is 39 years, lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 15.4%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 4.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.5% to 15.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.8% to 12.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 14.5% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Gladstone's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 316 people (30%), from 1,042 to 1,359. Conversely, the 15-24 group is projected to decrease by 58 residents.