Gympie Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Gympie Surrounds are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gympie Surrounds's population is around 23,537 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,178 people (15.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,359 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,330 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 436 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 9.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Gympie Surrounds's 15.6% 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 79.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to expand by 2,515 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 5.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Gympie Surrounds has seen around 160 new homes approved each year, with 804 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 70 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.9 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $270,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $9.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gympie Surrounds has 14.0% less new development (per person) while it places among the 70th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 99.0% detached dwellings and 1.0% 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 193 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Gympie Surrounds will gain 1,308 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Gympie Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 42 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, Spotlight Gympie Store, 10 Copp Road Residential Care Facility, and Gympie Civic Centre Revitalisation (Civic Centre Remediation), 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 Surrounds exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Gympie Surrounds has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 8.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,630 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.6 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 8.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 8.8% alongside labour force increasing by 8.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gympie Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% 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 Surrounds SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Gympie Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,779 and the average income stands at $54,028, 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 $49,217 (median) and $59,382 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Gympie Surrounds all fall between the 9th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 29.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,966 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing, 86.1% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Gympie Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.6% houses and 2.5% 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 Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 45.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.0%) or rented (12.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,472, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Gympie Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gympie Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.7% of all households, comprising 28.9% couples with children, 36.3% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Gympie Surrounds 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 (13.7%) 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 (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (35.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.4% 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 4 active transport stops operating within Gympie Surrounds, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 65 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 10225 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 15.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 9 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Gympie Surrounds 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 extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~10,968 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 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 64.0% 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 23.4% of residents aged 65 and over (5,510 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Gympie Surrounds was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.1% of its population being citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gympie Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 49.0% 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 Gympie Surrounds are English, comprising 33.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.0% of Gympie Surrounds (vs 4.7% regionally), Scottish at 8.1% (vs 7.8%) and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.9%).

Gympie Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 48, Gympie Surrounds is materially older than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 16.5% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 7.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.0% to 16.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.3% to 12.9%. By 2041, Gympie Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 129% (451 people), reaching 802 from 350. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 53% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.