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 approximately 13,268 as of November 2025. This figure reflected an increase of 889 people, representing a 7.2% growth since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,379. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,193 in June 2024 and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 86 persons per square kilometer. Gracemere's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (6.6%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 70.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data were used. These state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecasted. The area is expected to expand by 3,149 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 23.2% in total 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. In the current financial year FY-26, three approvals have been recorded to date. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 has led to an increase of 5.6 new residents per year. This significant demand outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and intensify competition among buyers.

The average expected construction cost for dwellings in Gracemere is $281,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In this financial year, commercial development approvals amounting to $7.2 million have been recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gracemere records around 60% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 38th percentile nationally in terms of housing choices available for buyers. This lower-than-average national activity level may reflect the area's maturity or possible planning constraints.

Recent construction comprises 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Gracemere's traditional low-density character that appeals to those seeking space and family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Gracemere is 532 people, indicating a quiet development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Gracemere is projected to grow by 3,074 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Gracemere has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives 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.

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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. Essential services sectors are well-represented, with an unemployment rate of 5.3% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%. There are 6,877 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 1.3% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 64.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Gracemere specializes in mining, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, Gracemere's employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gracemere's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Gracemere SA2 has incomes in line with national averages. The median income is $53,808 and the average income is $64,334. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures, which have a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Gracemere would be approximately $61,336 (median) and $73,334 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Gracemere rank modestly, between the 44th and 47th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 38.7% of locals (5,134 people), falling within the $1,500 - $2,999 category. This aligns with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gracemere, 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

Gracemere's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gracemere was 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented ones at 39.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Gracemere's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus 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 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 prevalent 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, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.4% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

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 somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area (~6,886 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.0% and 9.6% of residents respectively. 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.7% across Rest of Qld. There are 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,689 people), lower than the 18.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.0% of its population being citizens, 91.8% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Gracemere, comprising 51.1% of people, compared to 56.3% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.7%), English (29.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.4%).

Notably, German (5.1%) was overrepresented in Gracemere compared to the regional average of 4.9%. Similarly, Maori (0.6%) and New Zealand (0.7%) groups were also overrepresented compared to their respective regional averages of 0.5% and 0.6%.

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

Gracemere has a median age of 33, which is younger than Queensland's rest figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. The 5-14 age group constitutes 16.0% of Gracemere's population compared to Queensland's rest, while the 55-64 age group makes up 8.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.8% to 13.9%, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 17.8% to 16.0%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 10.3% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Gracemere's age structure: the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 42% (822 people), reaching 2,786 from 1,963, while the 55-64 group will decrease by 11 residents.