Gympie Surrounds

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

Gympie Surrounds' population is approximately 22,493 as of November 2025. This figure represents a 10.5% increase from the 2021 Census count of 20,359 people. The population estimate for June 2024 was 22,337, with an additional 403 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 8.8 persons per square kilometer. Gympie Surrounds' population growth rate surpassed both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average following the 2021 Census. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 79.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also contributing positively to population increase.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by approximately 2,515 persons, reflecting a total gain of 10.5% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 averaged approximately 160 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25804 homes were approved, with a further 58 approved in FY26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 2.9 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling approved, indicating strong demand that may support property values.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes was $270,000, which is lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $9.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gympie Surrounds shows 14.0% lower construction activity per person, while it ranks among the 70th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas.

New development primarily consists of standalone homes (99.0%) with a small proportion of medium and high-density housing (1.0%), maintaining the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 193 people per dwelling approval, Gympie Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gympie Surrounds is projected to gain 2,352 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 42 projects that could affect the region. Notable projects include Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project (GWRAP) - Phase 1, Spotlight Gympie Store, 10 Copp Road Residential Care Facility, and Kingsview Estate. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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 environment in Gympie Surrounds shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Gympie Surrounds has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.6% and estimated employment growth of 9.9% in the past year as of September 2025.

There are 11,592 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is 0.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level, but has lower representation in accommodation & food at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 8.3%.

Employment opportunities may be limited locally based on Census data analysis. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.9%, labour force grew by 10.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gympie Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The Gympie Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers was $42,420 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,561 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,355 (median) and $58,774 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Gympie Surrounds all fall between the 9th and 19th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 29.6% of the population (6,657 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains, ranking at only the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

In Gympie Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gympie Surrounds stood at 45.8%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged properties at 42.0% and rented ones at 12.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,472, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,326. The median weekly rent figure for Gympie Surrounds was $300, slightly above Non-Metro Qld's $290. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Gympie Surrounds were significantly lower at $1,472 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.7% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate of 13.7%, as of the referenced data, is significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with a rate of 10.0%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.9% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 45.5% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (35.2%). Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.5% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

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 indicates five active transport stops operating within Gympie Surrounds. These include a mix of train and bus services. Nine individual routes service these stops, collectively providing sixty weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 10225 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages eight trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately twelve weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gympie Surrounds is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Gympie Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~10,436 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (9.4%), while 64.0% report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of Qld's 60.3%. The area has 23.0% (5,182 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Qld's 25.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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' cultural diversity was below average, with 89.1% of its population being citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 49.0% of people, compared to 50.4% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, German representation was higher at 6.0%, Scottish was slightly lower at 8.1%, and New Zealand remained the same at 0.7%.

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

Gympie Surrounds has a median age of 48, which is higher than both Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 16.6% of its population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes 8.5%. This concentration in the 55-64 age bracket is significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.5%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 6.1% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 18.0% to 16.6%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.3% to 13.2%. By 2041, Gympie Surrounds is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 35%, reaching 2,226 people from 1,653. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 51% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 age cohorts.