Ingham

Ingham has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Ingham's population is approximately 4,500 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 45 individuals (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,455 people. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,471 in June 2025 and an additional 43 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 108 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Ingham's growth rate since the Census (1.0%) is within 2.4 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.4%), suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 58.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Population projections indicate a decline of 346 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group, projected to increase by 36 individuals.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Ingham, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Ingham has recorded approximately 6 residential properties granted approval each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling 33 homes. In Financial Year 2026 (FY-26), so far 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1 person moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this has eased to -0.3 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting better supply availability. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $293,000, which is under regional levels, offering more accessible housing choices for buyers.

In FY-26, $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Ingham shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. Recent construction comprises 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% medium and high-density housing, a shift from the current housing mix of 86.0% houses. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2389 people, reflecting Ingham's quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Ingham should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Ingham should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Ingham has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include the North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham), Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom, Atlantic North Ingham, and Residential Activation Fund - Hinchinbrook Housing. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Ingham face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Ingham's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 9.7%. As of that date, 1,762 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 5.7% higher than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Ingham lagged behind Regional Queensland at 51.7%, compared to 64.5%. Census data showed only 4.6% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing was particularly prominent, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Construction had a limited presence at 5.2%, compared to 10.1% regionally. The ratio of workers to residents stood at 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Ingham's labour force decreased by 0.2%, with employment declining by 2.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.0 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional Queensland, where employment grew by 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ingham's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

Ingham SA2's median income among taxpayers was $49,008 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $57,430 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Regional Qld, which had median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest that Ingham's median income will be approximately $54,575 and the average income around $63,954, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. Census data indicates that incomes in Ingham fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. The $400 - $799 income bracket dominates with 29.2% of residents (1,314 people), unlike Regional Qld where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.1% income retention, total disposable income ranks at only the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Ingham's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ingham stood at 45.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.8% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Ingham was $210, significantly lower than the national figure of $375. Nationally, Ingham's mortgage repayments were substantially below the Australian average of $1,863.

Ingham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.9% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (33.2%). Educational participation is high at 26.3%, comprising primary education (9.8%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (2.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Ingham faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data. Notably, both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is low in Ingham at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,142 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (8.3%). Conversely, 60.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, which is lower than the 67.6% reported in Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Ingham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Ingham's population showed low cultural diversity, with 89.6% being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the prevalent religion, at 74.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 52.2%. The top ancestral groups were Australian (24.2%), English (23.8%), and Italian (21.1%).

Notably, Spanish (0.9%) and Australian Aboriginal (6.2%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 3.9%, respectively. Filipino representation was also slightly higher at 1.2%.

Ingham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ingham's median age is 48, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The proportion of people aged 85 and above in Ingham stands at 5.0%, compared to Regional Queensland, while the 35-44 age group is less prevalent at 9.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.2% to 12.1% of Ingham's population, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 8.9% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.7% to 10.2%. By 2041, Ingham is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 12%, reaching 26 additional people and a total of 251 individuals. This growth is primarily driven by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 95% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 25-34 and 35-44 age cohorts.