Ingham

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

Ingham's population was approximately 4,546 as of February 2026, reflecting a 91-person increase (2.0%) since the 2021 Census which reported 4,455 people. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 4,507 in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was around 109 persons per square kilometer. Ingham's growth rate of 2.0% since the census was within 1.8 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.8%). Primary driver for population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 77.3% of overall gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Note that these state projections lack age category splits; thus proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Population projections indicate a decline of 321 persons by 2041, with specific age cohorts expected to grow. Notably, the 65 to 74 age group is projected to increase by 51 people over this period.

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 five financial years, totalling 33 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, 1 person per year has moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. However, this has eased to -0.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting better supply availability. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $293,000, which is under regional levels, offering more accessible housing choices for buyers.

In terms of commercial development, $9.2 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally, Ingham shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 32nd percentile of areas assessed, 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, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 86.0% houses. This change is due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 2389 people in the area per dwelling approval indicates a 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include the North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility in Ingham, Moduline's expansion in Ingham, Atlantic North's project in Ingham, and the Residential Activation Fund for Hinchinbrook Housing. The following list details those most 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.

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 key services well represented, and an unemployment rate of 9.8% as of September 2025. There are 1,785 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 5.7% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

Census data shows only 4.6% work from home. Major industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly prominent with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level, while construction has a limited presence at 5.2%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities.

Between September 2024 and 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% alongside a 2.2% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Ingham's employment mix suggests 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 income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Ingham SA2 was $49,008 and the average income stood at $57,430. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,865 (median) and $63,121 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes in Ingham fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. The $400 - $799 income bracket dominates with 29.2% of residents, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 31.7%. Housing costs are modest in Ingham, with 88.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just 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 Non-Metro 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, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Ingham was $210, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Ingham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Rest of Qld 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 6.9% and certificates at 33.2%.

Educational participation is 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 48% of Ingham's total population (~2,163 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 11.3%) and mental health issues (8.3%). Sixty point nine percent of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Ingham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (27.7%, or 1,260 people) than the rest of Queensland (20.4%). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those for the general population.

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 was found to be less culturally diverse, with 89.6% being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 74.6%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (24.2%), English (23.8%), and Italian (21.1%).

Notably, Spanish (0.9%) and Australian Aboriginal (6.2%) were overrepresented in Ingham compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 3.9%, respectively. Filipino representation was also 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 Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 9.7% of Ingham's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.1% to 12.0%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 10.0% and the 85+ group has dropped from 5.7% to 4.7%. By 2041, Ingham's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 12 people, reaching 239 from 212, indicating a clear aging population trend with those aged 65 and above comprising 94% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.