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, as of Feb 2026, is approximately 23,537. This figure represents an increase of 3,178 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,359. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 22,330 as of June 2024 and an additional 436 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 9.2 persons per square kilometer. Gympie Surrounds' growth rate of 15.6% since the 2021 census exceeds both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Future population trends indicate a projected increase of approximately 2,515 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.6% 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 has seen approximately 160 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25804 homes were approved, with a further 62 approved in FY-26 as of now. On average, about 2.9 people moved to the area each year for every new home constructed during these years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $270,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. This financial year has seen $9.0 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Gympie Surrounds has 14.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 70th percentile nationally.

The vast majority of new developments consist of detached dwellings (99.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 1.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 193 people per dwelling approval in the location, suggesting an expanding market. According to population forecasts from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gympie Surrounds is expected to gain 1,308 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 42 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project Phase 1, Spotlight Gympie Store, 10 Copp Road Residential Care Facility, and Gympie Civic Centre Revitalisation. 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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Employment performance in Gympie Surrounds exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Gympie Surrounds has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar employment. The construction sector is notably represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.6% as of September 2025. This rate is 0.5% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

In the past year, estimated employment growth was 9.9%. As of September 2025, 11,592 residents are employed, with workforce participation similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 15.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

The area has a high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services show lower representation at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 9.9% while labour force grew by 10.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Rest of Qld experienced lower growth rates during this period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 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.

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

The Gympie Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $44,779 and an average income of $54,028 in the financial year 2023, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below the national averages for Rest of Qld's ($53,146 median, $66,593 average). By September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% would be approximately $49,217 (median) and $59,382 (average) for Gympie Surrounds. The 2021 Census figures show that household, family, and personal incomes in Gympie Surrounds fall between the 9th and 19th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 6,966 residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, representing 29.6% of the area's population. This aligns with the broader area where this cohort also represents 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains in Gympie Surrounds, ranking at the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census evaluation shows that within Gympie Surrounds, 97.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure, which was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gympie Surrounds stood at 45.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.0% and rented ones at 12.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,472, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent median figure for Gympie Surrounds was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Gympie Surrounds were significantly lower at $1,472 than 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (35.2%).

Educational participation is 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.

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

Public transport analysis shows four active transport stops operating within Gympie Surrounds. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. Eleven individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 65 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 10225 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 15.3% of residents work from home, which 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low in Gympie Surrounds, at approximately 47% of the total population (~10,968 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld, and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (9.4%), with 64.0% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (23.4%, or 5,510 people) than Rest of Qld (20.4%). 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, as per the census conducted on the 27th of August, 2016, showed a cultural diversity below average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens at 89.1%, with 86.7% born in Australia and 97.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 49.0% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English at 33.5%, Australian at 30.5%, and Irish at 8.4%. Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.0%, compared to 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

Gympie Surrounds has a median age of 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 16.5% of Gympie Surrounds' population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.1% to 7.7%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 9.1% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 18.0% to 16.5%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.3% to 12.9%. By 2041, Gympie Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group growing by 129% (451 people), reaching 802 from 350. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 53% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 55-64 age cohorts.