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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Gracemere has an estimated 13,313 residents, up from 12,379 at the 2021 Census — a change of 934 people, or 7.5%. Growth has averaged 1.2% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 67.4% of that increase. Density is about 87 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Gracemere stands at approximately 13,313 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 934 individuals (7.5%) compared to the 12,379 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 13,305 alongside 71 validated new addresses identified after the Census. With this population level, the density is 86 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for future expansion. The 7.5% increase in Gracemere outpaced the growth rates of both the wider SA3 area (7.0%) and the SA4 region, establishing the locality as a regional leader in population expansion.
The primary catalyst for this demographic expansion was natural increase, which accounted for roughly 67.4% of the total population growth in recent times, though net interstate and overseas migration also made positive contributions. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, issued in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, or for periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (utilizing 2021 data) are substituted. Because the state-level figures do not break down population by age brackets, AreaSearch distributes growth across age cohorts using weightings derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which are based on 2022 statistics. Anticipated demographic adjustments indicate substantial gains within the highest quartile of non-metropolitan locations in Australia, with the local population projected to rise by 2,945 individuals by 2041 compared to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a cumulative increase of 22.1% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
148 new dwellings have been approved in Gracemere over the past five years, an average of 29 a year. That places the area in the 61st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 2 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 25 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 88% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 16, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Gracemere run at approximately 29 properties annually, with a total of 148 dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 15 approvals documented during FY-26 so far. With an average of 5.4 additional residents per year for each home constructed over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outrunning building activity. This imbalance commonly triggers heightened competition among buyers and upward pressure on prices, even as new dwellings are built for an average sum of $281,000—a figure below regional averages—offering more affordable options for purchasers.
Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $7.2 million during the current financial year, demonstrating a subdued focus on business-related development. Gracemere registers approximately two-thirds of the new dwelling approvals per capita compared to the Rest of Qld, while ranking in the 38th percentile of all analyzed locations nationwide, which restricts choices for buyers and sustains interest in established homes. This rate of development is also below the national benchmark, highlighting the established character of the area and indicating potential constraints in local planning. Standalone houses comprised 88.0% of recent construction, with the remaining 12.0% consisting of medium and high-density dwellings, preserving the traditional low-density residential profile characterized by spacious family properties. The local ratio of 539 people per single dwelling approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low construction activity. Demographic forecasts indicate that Gracemere will gain 2,937 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, the construction of housing may fall behind population growth, which is likely to escalate buyer competition and support price appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gracemere
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 8 current infrastructure and development projects inside Gracemere, worth an estimated $928 million. A further 66 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $10.2 billion. 24 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, residential development and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects expected to influence the local area. Prominent undertakings include the Gracemere State High School, Gracemere Residential Housing Estates, the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Upgrade, and the Gracemere Shoppingworld Expansion, with the primary projects of local significance outlined below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Sienna Estate
Sienna Estate is a 69-lot masterplanned residential community in Gracemere offering house-and-land packages and duplexes. Developed by Altus Property Group, it features generously sized blocks (720-1200sqm), high-quality inclusions, and provisions for green spaces, aiming to alleviate housing undersupply in the Rockhampton region.
Gracemere State High School
New Queensland Government secondary school for Gracemere. The project has progressed to the detailed design phase following approval of the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation. Stage 1 will deliver facilities for Years 7 and 8, with construction expected to commence in Term 4 2026 by F.K Gardner and Sons. The campus is scheduled to open in 2028 and will expand over time to a full Years 7-12 secondary school.
Gracemere Industrial Area Expansion
Staged expansion of the Gracemere Industrial Area (GIA), Central Queensland's premier industrial and logistics precinct located 10km west of Rockhampton. The GIA accommodates low, medium and high impact industries across four development stages progressing east to west, with the eastern precinct already operational and hosting over 150 transport, logistics, warehousing, mining services, fuel distribution and manufacturing businesses. The precinct is bounded by the Capricorn Highway and Blackwater rail line, providing direct access to Gladstone Port and Queensland's major mining basins.
Gracemere Shoppingworld Expansion
Expansion of Gracemere Shoppingworld to include additional retail spaces, dining options, and improved parking facilities. The expansion will serve the growing population of Gracemere and surrounding areas.
Mount Morgan Pipeline
An $88 million, 28-kilometer pipeline project providing Mount Morgan with a safe and secure water source, supporting around 50 jobs during construction and encouraging future growth and investment in the area. The pipeline runs from a new reservoir at Gracemere and provides Mount Morgan with a safe and secure water source for the future.
Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX) Redevelopment
Redevelopment and modernization of the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX), including upgraded selling facilities, automated livestock handling systems, improved animal welfare infrastructure, expanded selling capacity and modern operational technology. The redevelopment is complete and the facility is operating as one of Australia's premier livestock selling centres.
Capricorn Highway Rockhampton to Gracemere Duplication
Duplication of 8.4 kilometres of the Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere, including new bridges, improved intersections, and enhanced safety features. The project improves freight efficiency and reduces travel times for the 25,000 vehicles using this corridor daily.
Somerset Road Upgrade Gracemere
Upgrade of a 570m section of Somerset Road in Gracemere, a key B-Double route serving the Gracemere Industrial Area. Works included pavement replacement and widening, asphalt overlay, line marking, new kerb and channel on the eastern side, and stormwater drainage improvements. The road reopened in October 2024, improving safety, load-bearing capacity, and traffic flow for heavy vehicles and residential traffic. The project was jointly funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme and Rockhampton Regional Council.
6,775 residents of Gracemere are employed, from a labour force of 7,048. Unemployment sits at 3.9%, with participation at 69.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 11,156, about 84% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labor market features a balanced distribution between blue-collar and white-collar roles, with a significant presence of workers in essential services and an unemployment rate of just 3.9%. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 6,775, matching the 3.9% unemployment rate recorded across Regional Qld, while the participation rate of 69.2% is standard compared to the Regional Qld benchmark of 64.3%. Census data indicates that a modest 4.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by past pandemic restrictions. The major employment sectors for local residents are healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing.
There is a notable concentration of employment in the mining sector, which registers at 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agricultural, forestry, and fishing enterprises employ only 1.7% of the local workforce, a share below the 4.5% average for Regional Qld. A comparison between the resident workforce and the locally employed Census population suggests that local job opportunities within the area are limited. According to the analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch, the local workforce contracted by 5.0% during the year ending March 2026, while the number of employed residents declined by 3.4%, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% rise in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labor force, and a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-term employment outlooks can be informed by the national projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential employment trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Projecting these industry-specific changes onto the employment base of Gracemere points to a potential local employment increase of 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation for comparison rather than a forecast integrated with local population trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gracemere is $1,713 a week (about $89,000 a year), with median personal income at $779 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,876 a year against an average of $66,864. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's compilation of the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Gracemere SA2 recorded a median income of $55,876 and an average income of $66,864. These figures align closely with national averages and compare to $53,146 and $66,593 in Regional Qld, respectively. Applying the 11.36% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $62,224 (median) and $74,460 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes are moderate, placing between the 44th and 47th percentiles.
The primary income group is the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which contains 38.7% of residents (5,152 people), mirroring regional trends where 31.7% of households fall into this bracket. Affordability pressures are notable, leaving residents with only 84.6% of their income after housing costs, which ranks in the 49th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gracemere had 4,137 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 1% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 40% rented and 24% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $340 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,517 a month. Rent absorbs 19.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the local housing stock consisted of 96.2% detached houses and 3.8% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to the Regional Qld breakdown of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other structures. Home ownership rates in Gracemere lagged behind Regional Qld at 23.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (39.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,517 was below the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $340, compared to $345 across Regional Qld. On a national level, housing costs in Gracemere are lower than the Australian average mortgage payment of $1,863 and average rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gracemere counted 4,137 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,449 today, averaging 2.8 people each. 34% are couples with children, against 26% couples without children. 19% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 77.6%, consisting of couples with children (34.1%), couples without children (25.6%), and single-parent households (16.9%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 22.4%, which includes lone-person households (19.2%) and group shared houses (3.0%). The median household size is 2.8 persons, exceeding the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.9% of adults in Gracemere hold a university qualification, including 8.5% with a bachelor degree and 1.2% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 89% of areas nationally. A further 34.3% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 984 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 915 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational outcomes present specific challenges locally, with university completion rates standing at 10.9%, which is significantly below the national benchmark of 30.4%. This differential highlights opportunities for targeted learning initiatives. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications are most common at 8.5%, with postgraduate degrees and graduate diplomas each representing 1.2% of residents. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (34.3%). The proportion of the population engaged in learning is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in an educational institution.
This group includes 14.4% in primary schools, 9.9% in secondary schools, and 3.2% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Gracemere means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.3% of residents in Gracemere report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 85% of areas nationally. 6.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators highlight key difficulties for Gracemere, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across both younger and older demographics, while the level of private health insurance coverage is slightly below the SA2 average at approximately 52% of the population (~6,936 people). Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 10.0% and 9.6% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 66.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic disease rates are elevated among the working-age cohort.
Residents aged 65 and older make up 13.4% of the local population (1,789 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Senior health metrics are generally consistent with national averages for the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Gracemere is largely Australian-born, at 91.8% of residents, with 4.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (33.7%) and English (29.1%). 7.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Gracemere exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than the national average, with 90.0% of residents holding citizenship, 91.8% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 51.1% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding parental ancestry, the three largest groups in Gracemere are Australian at 33.7% (notably higher than the regional average of 26.5%), English at 29.1%, and Australian Aboriginal at 7.4%. Other ethnic backgrounds show distinct concentrations compared to the region, with German ancestry overrepresented at 5.1% (compared to 4.7% regionally), while Maori at 0.6% (compared to 0.8%) and New Zealand ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.9%) are slightly lower.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gracemere is 33, younger than 88% of areas nationally. 28.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Gracemere has a median age of 33, making it younger than both the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38. The 5 - 14 age bracket is highly represented at 15.5% compared to Regional Qld, while the 55 - 64 cohort is less common at 8.6%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 12.8% to 14.2% of the population, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 7.5% to 8.5%. During the same timeframe, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 17.8% to 15.5% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 10.3% to 8.6%.
Looking ahead to 2041, projections suggest notable changes in the age distribution of the area. The 25 to 34 age bracket is expected to lead the growth, rising 39% (746 people) to reach 2,682 from 1,935, whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is projected to grow by just 3% (29 people).
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gracemere
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 8 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 71 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (12,379 at the 2021 Census → 13,313 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (308031210). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.