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 was around 6,839 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 665 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,174. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. Population density was 668 persons per square kilometer. Gladstone's growth rate of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeded regional averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.4% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to grow by 897 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.1% over the 16 years.

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

Gladstone 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. On average, 21.6 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $372,000.

In FY-26, there have been $16.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Gladstone has significantly less development activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although development activity has picked up recently. The area's development activity is also below national average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 40.0% detached houses and 60.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 58.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 3482 people, reflecting Gladstone's quiet development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area will gain 897 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially 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. Key projects include Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Port of Gladstone Gatcombe and Golding Cutting Channel Duplication Project, Gladstone Project, and Toowoomba to Gladstone Inland Rail Extension. 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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The labour market performance in Gladstone lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Gladstone's workforce is skilled with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 10.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of December 2025, 3,261 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.2%, above Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was on par with Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data showed that 4.6% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries included manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Manufacturing had a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance had limited presence with 11.6% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. There were 1.2 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating Gladstone functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force decreased by 3.3%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 4.0 percentage points. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gladstone's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Gladstone SA2's income level aligns with national averages based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Gladstone SA2 is $54,133, and the average income stands at $67,049. These figures compare to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. As of March 2026, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $60,283 and an average income of $74,666, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Gladstone fall between the 14th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 26.0% of locals (1,778 people) predominantly earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring broader area patterns where 31.7% occupy this income bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gladstone, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Gladstone, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 58.0% houses and 42.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gladstone was at 22.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.0%) or rented (55.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,394, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Gladstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 52.8 percent of all households, including 18.2 percent couples with children, 21.0 percent couples without children, and 12.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 47.2 percent, with lone person households at 42.7 percent and group households comprising 4.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents 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

Public transport analysis shows 30 active transport stops operating within Gladstone, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively offering 105 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 246 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains dominant mode at 87%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below regional average.

According to 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 4.6% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per 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 both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues impact 11.3% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.7%. Only 64.1% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,067 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Queensland but higher than national rankings for this age group.

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 region, as 81.6% are citizens, 80.7% were born in Australia, and 89.5% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 46.2%. Hinduism stands out at 1.7%, compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.7%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (7.3%). Notably, Filipino representation is higher at 2.9% in Gladstone than regionally at 0.9%. Also, Australian Aboriginal representation is 5.1% compared to the regional average of 3.9%, and Maori representation is 0.9% versus 0.8%.

Gladstone's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Gladstone is 39 years, slightly lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 25-34 are notably prominent at 15.4%, while those aged 75-84 comprise a smaller proportion at 5.1% compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of Gladstone's population aged 25-34 has increased from 13.5% to 15.4%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 45-54 has decreased from 14.8% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant shifts in Gladstone's age structure. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase by 316 people (a rise of 30%) from 1,051 to 1,368. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to decrease by 56 residents.