Ingham

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

Ingham's population is approximately 4,544 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 89 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,455. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,507 in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 109 persons per square kilometer. Ingham's growth rate of 2.0% since the census is within 1.6 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.3% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Population projections indicate a decline of 321 persons by 2041, with the 65 to 74 age group expected to increase by 51 people.

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 has moved to the area per dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this figure has eased to -0.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting improved supply availability. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $293,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers.

In terms of commercial development, $9.2 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a limited focus on commercial projects. 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, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 86.0% houses. This change is likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Ingham is 2389 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With a stable or declining population expected, Ingham may see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the local area. Key projects include the North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility in Ingham, Moduline's Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom, Atlantic North Ingham, and Residential Activation Fund - Hinchinbrook Housing. 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.

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

Ingham's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate stands at 9.8%.

Currently, 1,785 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is 5.7% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Ingham lags behind Rest of Qld, at 49.5% compared to 59.1%. Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has a limited presence, accounting for only 5.2% of jobs compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio, at 0.7, suggests local employment opportunities are above the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Ingham's labour force decreased by 0.3%, alongside a 2.2% drop in employment, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 1.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7% and unemployment rose by only 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ingham's employment mix suggests local jobs could grow by 5.4% within five years and 12.2% within 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 $47,011 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $55,615 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,588 (median) and $63,396 (average). 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. Housing costs are modest 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), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ingham stood at 45.5%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with the rest being mortgaged (19.8%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,213 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Ingham was recorded at $210, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $202 and 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 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 comprise the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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 disparity 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%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - 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, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 48% (~2,162 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of Qld's 49.9%. Nationally, this figure is 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common conditions, affecting 11.3% and 8.3% respectively. About 60.9% consider themselves free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 66.2%. Ingham has 27.4% (1,246 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of Qld's 24.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Ingham's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.6% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The predominant religion in Ingham is Christianity, practiced by 74.6% of the population, compared to 70.7% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (24.2%), English (23.8%), and Italian (21.1%), with Italians being more represented than the regional average of 11.3%.

Notably, Spanish (0.9%) and Filipino (1.2%) groups were overrepresented in Ingham compared to their regional averages of 0.6% each, while Australian Aboriginal representation was lower at 6.2% compared to 8.1% regionally.

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 constitutes 10.1% of Ingham's population, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.0%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 10.1% to 11.7% of Ingham's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.4%. By 2041, Ingham is expected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 6%, reaching 609 people from a starting point of 575. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 75% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 75-84 and 5 to 14 age groups.