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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Ingham has an estimated 4,500 residents, up from 4,455 at the 2021 Census — a change of 45 people, or 1.0%. That puts 108 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Ingham stands at approximately 4,500 in May 2026. This represents a gain of 45 residents (1.0%) from the 4,455 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,471 and 43 newly confirmed addresses since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 108 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential capacity for future expansion. The post-census growth of 1.0% is within 2.4 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (3.4%), showing competitive local development.
The primary driver of this growth was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 58.9% of the total population increase in recent times. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized for each SA2 locality. Where these are unavailable, or for periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (derived from 2021 statistics) are used. Because the Queensland state datasets lack breakdowns by age, age-specific growth is modeled using proportional weightings from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (with a 2022 baseline). These projections point to an upcoming population contraction, with a forecast loss of 346 residents by 2041. In contrast, specific age brackets are set to expand, particularly the 65 to 74 demographic, which is expected to grow by 36 individuals. Further details are available in the section covering age distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
33 new dwellings have been approved in Ingham over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 1.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Ingham has averaged approximately 6 residential building approvals per year, summing to 33 over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 4 approvals have been logged. With only 0.7 additional residents per built dwelling arriving between FY-21 and FY-25, residential supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. This provides purchasers with more options and supports the possibility of population growth outpacing projections. Newly built residential properties average a value of $293,000, which is below the wider regional benchmark and highlights more accessible options for buyers. Furthermore, commercial building approvals total $9.2 million this financial year, pointing to a quiet commercial construction sector.
Compared to the Rest of Qld, Ingham experiences roughly three-quarters of the per capita construction volume, placing it in the 33rd percentile nationally. This translates to fewer options for buyers and bolsters demand for established homes, even though building activity has risen lately. This rate also sits below the national average, reflecting a mature local market and potential planning limitations. Recent residential construction is split between 40.0% standalone houses and 60.0% medium to high-density dwellings. The emphasis on higher-density builds offers more affordable entry points, appealing to downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. This is a clear shift from the current housing stock, which is 86.0% detached houses, pointing to a scarcity of vacant residential land and adapting to shifting lifestyle choices and budget constraints. The presence of 2385 residents per approved dwelling underlines the low-intensity building environment. With demographic forecasts pointing to a stable or shrinking population, Ingham is likely to face minimal housing pressure, which supports buyer-friendly conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ingham
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 7 current infrastructure and development projects inside Ingham, worth an estimated $655 million. A further 54 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $10.7 billion. 23 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure adjustments, major developments, and planning schemes are major drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 8 active projects that are anticipated to affect the locality. Key initiatives include the North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham), Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom, Atlantic North Ingham, and the Residential Activation Fund - Hinchinbrook Housing, with the most significant projects detailed below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham)
The North Queensland Bio-Energy (NQBE) facility is a proposed $640 million integrated sugar, ethanol, and renewable power plant located on an 80-hectare site south of Ingham. As of early 2026, the project remains in the planning phase while awaiting favorable market conditions and finalized financing. The facility is designed to process sugarcane into 350,000 tonnes of raw sugar annually, produce up to 200,000 litres of ethanol per day, and export approximately 110-115 MW of renewable energy to the national grid.The project was recently a focal point in the 2026 Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities, which seeks to address regulatory and investment barriers for such industrial hubs.
Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom
Proposed ~4,400 sqm manufacturing facility with ~550 sqm office and retail showroom for Moduline in Ingham CBD. Development Application lodged 24 Feb 2025 for Medium Impact Industry (furniture manufacturing, display and sales) across multiple lots fronting Herbert St and Lynn St. State assessment (SARA) advice issued 17 Mar 2025. Project aims to modernize production, expand local jobs and renew the town centre retail presence.
Atlantic North Ingham
Atlantic North Ingham is a proposed mixed-use development at 70 Townsville Road, Ingham, designed to expand the commercial hub of Hinchinbrook Shire. The precinct comprises six retail showrooms of approximately 800 square metres each, an 18-room motel, and a 30-bed dormitory building for school groups and tourists. Located within walking distance of the Tyto Wetlands, the development incorporates North Queensland architectural elements and flood-proof design with floor levels 2.40 metres above natural ground, supported by 310 car parking bays.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Priority Projects
A list of priority projects for the Hinchinbrook Shire, including upgrades to marine and tourism infrastructure, recycling facilities, and digital connectivity. Specific projects include the Dungeness Marine Access Upgrade, Wallaman Falls Eco and Adventure Tourism, and Forrest Beach Boat Ramp Facilities.
Residential Activation Fund - Hinchinbrook Housing
Two critical infrastructure projects to unlock more than 180 new homes in Ingham. The projects are funded through the Queensland Government's Residential Activation Fund and align with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council's Local Housing Action Plan to address housing shortages.
Dutton Street Culvert Crossing Project
Construction of a culvert crossing on Dutton Street to provide a linkage between the north and south of Ingham during flood events. The project was fully funded under the National Flood Infrastructure Mitigation Program.
Orient Road Water Security Project
A project to improve water security in the Ingham area, funded under the Building our Regions program. The project involved the extension of the water main along Orient Road.
Bruce Highway (Ingham - Innisfail) Ingham to Cardwell Range Deviation
A planning project to investigate a new alignment for the Bruce Highway to improve flood immunity and safety. The project will update findings from a previous study and consider a preferred alignment known as the Western 2A Deviation. There is no funding allocated for design or construction at this stage.
1,756 residents of Ingham are employed, from a labour force of 1,934. Unemployment sits at 9.2%, with participation at 51.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,046, about 112% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is evenly divided between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with a strong presence in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 9.2%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,756, while the unemployment rate was 5.3% higher than the Regional Qld level of 3.9%, highlighting room for labor market improvements. Workforce participation is also low at 51.2%, compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a minimal 4.6% of the workforce worked from home, though the influence of pandemic lockdowns should be noted. The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.
Manufacturing is highly concentrated, with its share of employment reaching 2.2 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, the construction sector is small, employing 5.2% of workers compared to 10.1% across the region. At the time of the Census, there were 0.7 jobs per resident, showing a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. According to analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, the labor force in the area contracted by 1.9% in the year ending March 2026, while total employment fell by 1.8%, keeping overall unemployment stable. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, the labor force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. Long-term employment trends can be gauged using Jobs and Skills Australia's national projections from May-25. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual industries vary. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment in Ingham could grow by 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not factor in local demographic shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Ingham is $1,028 a week (about $53,000 a year), with median personal income at $606 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,008 a year against an average of $57,430. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the most recent Australian Taxation Office figures compiled by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023, the income level in Ingham SA2 falls below the national average. The median income for taxpayers in Ingham SA2 is $49,008, while the average income reaches $57,430. These figures contrast with those for Regional Qld, which report a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. When adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, projected values as of March 2026 would be approximately $54,575 for the median and $63,954 for the average.
Census information indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Ingham all sit between the 4th and 12th percentiles on a national scale. The income distribution in Ingham is heavily concentrated in the $400 - 799 bracket, accounting for 29.2% of residents or 1,314 people. This differs from regional trends where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is most common, representing 31.7% of the population. Housing expenses remain relatively low, allowing residents to retain 88.1% of their income, yet overall disposable income still ranks at only the 7th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Ingham had 1,832 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 5% apartments. 20% are owned with a mortgage, 35% rented and 46% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $210 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 20.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the local housing mix is composed of 86.5% detached houses and 13.6% other options like townhouses and apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options across Regional Qld. Home ownership is high, with 45.5% of households owning their homes outright, while the remaining properties are mortgaged (19.8%) or rented (34.6%). The median mortgage repayment is $1,083 per month, and the median rent is $210 per week, both of which are lower than the Regional Qld averages of $1,655 and $345. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Ingham are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are far below the national standard of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Ingham counted 1,832 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 90% of areas nationally, against 30% couples without children. 37% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 60.9%, consisting of couples with children (18.5%), couples without children (30.0%), and single-parent households (11.5%). The remaining 39.1% are non-family households, which are mostly single-person households (36.7%) and a small portion of group homes (2.4%). The median household size stands at 2.1 people, which is below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
9.7% of adults in Ingham hold a university qualification, including 7.7% with a bachelor degree and 1.2% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 90% of areas nationally. A further 33.2% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 1,380 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 957 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational outcomes in the area show distinct trends, with university graduation rates of 9.7% falling well below the national mark of 30.4%. This highlights a clear focus area for future educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, with postgraduate degrees at 1.2% and graduate diplomas at 0.8%. Vocational education is prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (33.2%). Enrolment rates are high, with 26.3% of the local population currently engaged in study. This group is split between 9.8% in primary school, 9.3% in secondary school, and 2.1% in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Ingham means driving: households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.9% of residents in Ingham report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 86% of areas nationally. 9.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch indicate notable challenges, highlighted by mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across multiple age groups. The rate of private health insurance is low, with only about 48% of the population (~2,142 people) covered, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 11.3% and 8.3% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 60.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age cohort experiences elevated rates of chronic illness, showing clear health challenges.
Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over make up 27.8% of the population (1,248 people), which exceeds the Regional Qld level of 20.4%. Seniors' health profiles show challenges that rank higher than the general population benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Ingham is largely Australian-born, at 89.6% of residents, with 7.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (24.2%) and English (23.8%). 6.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Ingham displays lower cultural diversity metrics, with citizens representing 89.6% of the population, 89.6% of residents born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 74.6% of the population, which is higher than the Regional Qld average of 52.2%. Regarding parent birthplaces, the most common ancestries are Australian (24.2%) and English (23.8%, which sits below the regional average of 29.6%), followed by Italian (21.1%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 2.4%). Other ethnic cohorts show distinct representation: Spanish background makes up 0.9% of the population (compared to 0.3% regionally), Australian Aboriginal accounts for 6.2% (compared to 3.9%), and Filipino stands at 1.2% (compared to 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ingham is 48, older than 89% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 22.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Ingham is 48, which is older than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national benchmark of 38. The 85+ cohort is well represented at 5.0%, while the 35 - 44 age group is less common at 9.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 10.2% to 12.1% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age group increased from 8.9% to 9.9%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 11.7% to 10.2%. Significant shifts in age structure are forecast by 2041, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 12% (26 people) to reach 251, up from 224.
This aging trend is prominent, with those aged 65+ representing 95% of projected growth, while contractions are anticipated in the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ingham
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 7 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 43 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,455 at the 2021 Census → 4,500 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (318011464). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.