Gladstone Hinterland
Statistical Area - sa2

Gladstone Hinterland has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gladstone Hinterland's population was around 12,228 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 699 people (6.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,529 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,158 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Gladstone Hinterland's 6.1% growth since census positioned it within 0.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 58.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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, were adopted. These state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities was projected. The area was expected to grow by 2,756 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 22.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Gladstone Hinterland when compared nationally

Gladstone Hinterland received approximately 28 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25144 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved in FY-26. On average, 3.9 new residents arrived annually for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This indicates a significant lag between supply and demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new homes was $275,000, below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $11.4 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Gladstone Hinterland has about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks at the 38th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options but strong demand for established homes.

This suggests the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All recent developments have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. As of now, there are an estimated 446 people per dwelling approval in the area. Population forecasts indicate Gladstone Hinterland will gain 2,686 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Gladstone Hinterland has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 54 projects that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Calliope Residential Growth Area, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System, Clinton Industrial Estate, and Brookview Estate. The following list details those projects likely to be most 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.

The labour market in Gladstone Hinterland demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Gladstone Hinterland's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a 4.1% growth in employment over the past year.

As of June 2025, 6,499 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, closely aligned with Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is 62.5%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include manufacturing, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with employment levels at 2.6 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence, at 8.7% compared to 16.1% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Gladstone Hinterland's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Gladstone Hinterland's median income among taxpayers was $59,781 in the financial year 2022. The average income stood at $73,391 during this period. Nationally, median and average incomes were lower at $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Gladstone Hinterland would be approximately $68,144 and $83,658 based on a 13.99% growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Gladstone Hinterland were at the 57th percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 4,157 people (34.0%) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retained 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Gladstone Hinterland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluation revealed that dwelling structures in Gladstone Hinterland consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compared to Non-Metro Qld's structure of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gladstone Hinterland stood at 32.6%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 47.5% and rented dwellings making up 19.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,885, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Gladstone Hinterland was recorded at $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Gladstone Hinterland were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $375.

Gladstone Hinterland features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 81.5% of all households, including 38.4% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households at 1.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Gladstone Hinterland faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 47.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (38.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.2% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education. A network of 10 schools operates within Gladstone Hinterland, educating approximately 1,387 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 958) with balanced educational opportunities. This includes 7 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are 11.3, below the regional average of 18.2, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Gladstone Hinterland is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Gladstone Hinterland shows better-than-average health outcomes.

Common health conditions have a low prevalence across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 6,847 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.6% and 7.5% of residents respectively. About 71.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.4% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,889 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average and align with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees Gladstone Hinterland placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gladstone Hinterland had a cultural diversity score below average, with 89.4% of its population being citizens, 91.0% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 50.6% of people, compared to 47.5% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (35.3%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 5.3%, while South African remained the same at 0.6%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was lower at 3.8% compared to 4.3% regionally.

Gladstone Hinterland's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gladstone Hinterland is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 15.9%, higher than Rest of Queensland's percentage, while the 75-84 cohort represents 4.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 17.2% to 15.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 14.4% to 13.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Gladstone Hinterland, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 37% (478 people), reaching 1,784 from 1,305. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age group shows minimal growth of just 5% (71 people).