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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gracemere's population is around 13,276 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 897 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,379 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,193 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 67 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 86 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Gracemere's 7.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 70.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 3,149 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 23.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Gracemere has experienced around 29 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 148 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 5.6 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $281,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $7.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Gracemere records about 60% of the building activity per person and places in the 38th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 532 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Gracemere is expected to grow by 3,066 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Gracemere State High School, Gracemere Residential Housing Estates, Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Upgrade, and Gracemere Shoppingworld Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. As of December 2025, 6,823 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.7% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.3% combined with employment decreasing by 2.3%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gracemere. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gracemere's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Gracemere SA2's income level is in line with national averages according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Gracemere SA2's median income among taxpayers is $55,876 and the average income stands at $66,864, compared to figures for Regional Qld of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,413 (median) and $73,490 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Gracemere, between the 44th and 47th percentiles. The data shows the largest segment comprises 38.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,137 residents), mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining, 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

Dwelling structure within Gracemere, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Gracemere lagged that of Regional Qld at 23.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (39.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Gracemere's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (34.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Gracemere, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,916 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.0 and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 66.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 13.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,731 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Gracemere was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.0% of its population being citizens, 91.8% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gracemere is Christianity, which makes up 51.1% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gracemere are Australian, comprising 33.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 29.1% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 7.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.1% of Gracemere (vs 4.7% regionally), Maori at 0.6% (vs 0.8%) and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.9%).

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

With a median age of 33, Gracemere is materially younger than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and well below Australia's 38 years. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 15.2% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is less prevalent at 8.5%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.8% to 14.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 17.8% to 15.2% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 10.3% to 8.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Gracemere's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 40% (791 people), reaching 2,786 from 1,994. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort will grow by a modest 3% (38 people).