Gympie - South

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gympie - South's population is around 8,893 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,332 people (17.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,561 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,623 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 601 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 332 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Gympie - South's 17.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 82.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,080 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Gympie - South was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Gympie - South has experienced around 169 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 847 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 58 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.7 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $296,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $1.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against Rest of Qld, Gympie - South shows 140.0% higher new home approvals (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 40 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Gympie - South will gain 810 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Gympie - South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project (GWRAP) - Phase 1, 10 Copp Road Residential Care Facility, Kingsview Estate, and GemLife Gympie Land Lease Community, 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.

Employment performance in Gympie - South has been broadly consistent with national averages

Gympie - South possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and 8.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,122 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.1% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.0% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Meanwhile, accommodation & food has a limited presence with 6.5% employment compared to 8.3% regionally. The predominantly residential 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.5% and the labour force increased by 9.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gympie - South. 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 Gympie - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Gympie - South SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Gympie - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,531 and the average income stands at $55,928, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,142 (median) and $61,470 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Gympie - South all fall between the 12th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.6% of the community (2,543 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

Gympie - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Gympie - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.0% houses and 10.0% 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 Gympie - South was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 39.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.2%) or rented (27.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,408, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Gympie - South's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gympie - South has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.5% of all households, comprising 25.0% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Gympie - South fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 38 active transport stops operating within Gympie - South, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1311 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gympie - South is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Gympie - South faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,224 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.0% and 10.2% of residents, respectively, while 60.7% 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 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,155 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Gympie - South was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gympie - South is Christianity, which makes up 54.8% of people in Gympie - South, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gympie - South are English, comprising 33.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.2% of Gympie - South (vs 4.7% regionally), South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.5%) and Scottish at 8.1% (vs 7.8%).

Gympie - South hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

At 43 years, Gympie - South's median age is somewhat higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and substantially exceeds the 38-year national average. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 8.8% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 10.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.0% to 13.2% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 10.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Gympie - South's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 17%, adding 196 residents to reach 1,366. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.