Gracemere
Statistical Area - sa2

Gracemere lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Gracemere's population as of August 2025 is approximately 13,243 people. This figure represents an increase of 864 individuals from the 2021 Census count of 12,379, indicating a growth rate of 7.0%. The population estimate for June 2024 was 13,193, with an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 86 persons per square kilometer. Gracemere's growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (6.4%) and SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 70.2% of overall population gains, with overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032, released in 2023 with a base year of 2021. By 2041, the population is projected to increase by 3,149 persons, marking a total growth of 23.4% over 17 years.

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

Gracemere has received approximately 29 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports a total of 148 approvals over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 3 recorded so far in FY-26. Each year, an average of 5.6 people have moved to Gracemere for each dwelling built during these years. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average expected construction cost of new homes is $341,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $7.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating Gracemere's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Gracemere has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 38th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. Recent construction consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Gracemere's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

As of now, there are an estimated 532 people per dwelling approval in the area, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts predict Gracemere will gain 3,099 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Gracemere has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Area performance is significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Upgrade, Gracemere Residential Housing Estates, Gracemere State High School, 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.

The employment landscape in Gracemere shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Gracemere's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services. The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of June 2025, and employment grew by an estimated 4.4% over the previous year.

In June 2025, 6,906 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% higher than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation in Gracemere was 64.4%, above Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. Mining had a significant presence, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 1.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Gracemere's employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force grew by 5.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gracemere's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 2022 shows that Gracemere's median income is $53,808 and the average income stands at $64,334. This is in line with national averages. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Gracemere would be approximately $60,109 (median) and $71,868 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Gracemere rank modestly, between the 45th and 48th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 38.7% of locals (5,125 people) falling into this category. This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.7%. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income in Gracemere, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile.

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

Gracemere's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gracemere was at 23.7%, with the rest mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (39.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while median weekly rent was $340 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Gracemere's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were less at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

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 making up 19.2% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, exceeding 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 10.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (34.3%).

Educational participation is high at 33.7%, comprising 14.4% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education. Gracemere's three schools have a combined enrollment of 984 students, all focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 7.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Gracemere is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Gracemere faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across various age groups, particularly higher among older cohorts.

The area has private health cover at approximately 52% (~6,873 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. Asthma and mental health issues are most common, affecting 10.0% and 9.6% of residents respectively. About 66.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 12.7% (1,685 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges.

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

Gracemere, as per the census data on 28th June 2016, showed cultural diversity levels below average. The population comprised 90.0% citizens, with 91.8% born in Australia and 95.8% speaking English at home only. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.1%, compared to 56.3% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 33.7%, followed by English (29.1%) and Australian Aboriginal (7.4%). Notably, Germans were overrepresented at 5.1% in Gracemere compared to the regional average of 4.9%. Similarly, Maori stood at 0.6% versus 0.5% regionally, and New Zealanders were at 0.7% against a regional average of 0.6%.

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

Gracemere's median age is 33, significantly younger than Queensland's rest at 41 and Australia's average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 16.0%, higher than Queensland's rest, while the 55-64 cohort stands at 8.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.8% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 17.8% to 16.0%, and the 55 to 64 group has fallen from 10.3% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Gracemere's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 42% (826 people), reaching 2,786 from 1,959. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group is projected to decrease by 9 residents.