Gracemere

Population growth drivers in Gracemere are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Gracemere's population was around 13,276 as of February 2026. From the 2021 Census figure of 12,379 people, this reflects an increase of 897 individuals, a rise of 7.2%. This growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 13,193 in June 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting density ratio is 86 persons per square kilometer. Gracemere's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (6.8%) and SA3 area during this period. Natural growth contributed approximately 70.2% of overall population gains, with other factors like overseas migration also being 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the latest annual ERP population numbers project a significant increase of 3,149 persons for Gracemere, reflecting an overall rise of 23.1% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Gracemere when compared nationally

Gracemere has received approximately 29 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 148 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.6 new residents per year have been associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply. The average construction cost for new dwellings is $281,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $7.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Relative to Rest of Qld, Gracemere records around 60% of building activity per person and ranks among the 38th percentile nationally, offering fewer choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 532 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gracemere is expected to grow by 3,066 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Gracemere has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes to local projects and initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 19 such projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Gracemere State High School, Gracemere Residential Housing Estates, Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Upgrade, and Gracemere Shoppingworld Expansion. The following list details those 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 employment landscape in Gracemere shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Gracemere has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of September 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

As of September 2025, there were 6,877 residents employed, and the unemployment rate stood at 5.4%, which is 1.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. The workforce participation rate in Gracemere was 71.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 4.6% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Gracemere has a significant employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 2.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.7% of Gracemere's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Gracemere increased by 0.8%, while the labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gracemere's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Gracemere SA2 was $55,876 and average income was $66,864. This is similar to the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,413 and average income around $73,490. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Gracemere rank modestly, between the 44th and 47th percentiles. Income brackets show that 38.7% of locals (5,137 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gracemere, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile.

Gracemere is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Gracemere, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Queensland's structure of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. In Gracemere, the level of home ownership was at 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 36.8% and rented ones making up 39.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Gracemere was $1,517 as of 2016, lower than Non-Metro Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Gracemere stood at $340, slightly below Non-Metro Queensland's $345. Nationally, Gracemere's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 recorded in 2016, while rents were less than the national figure of $375 for that year.

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

Family households constitute 77.6% of all households, including 34.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 8.5% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing them - advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 34.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.4% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Gracemere is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Gracemere faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups show high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Gracemere's total population (~6,916 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.0%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 66.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Gracemere has 13.0% of its population aged 65 and over (1,731 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with those of the broader population.

Gracemere is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Gracemere, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 90.0% being Australian citizens, 91.8% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.1% of Gracemere's population, compared to 52.2% across the Rest of Queensland. Ancestry-wise, Australian (33.7%) was the largest group in Gracemere, higher than the regional average of 26.5%.

English ancestry stood at 29.1%, and Australian Aboriginal at 7.4%. Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.1% compared to the regional 4.7%, while Maori (0.6%) and New Zealand (0.7%) ancestries were underrepresented relative to their regional averages of 0.8% and 0.9% respectively.

Gracemere's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Gracemere's median age is 33, which is younger than Queensland's rest figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 15.2%, higher than Queensland's rest figure, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 8.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.8% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 17.8% to 15.2%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 10.3% to 8.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Gracemere's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 791 people, reaching a total of 2,786 from its previous figure of 1,994. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 3%, adding 38 people.