Ingham

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ingham's population is around 4,546 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 91 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,455 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,507 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 109 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Ingham's 2.0% growth since the census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 77.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 321 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to increase by 51 people. See the age section for more details.

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 around 6 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 33 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1 person per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures indicating this has eased to -0.3 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting better supply availability. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $293,000‚—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Ingham shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 32nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 86.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 2389 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

With the 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects 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 list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 9.7%. As of December 2025, 1,762 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 5.7% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2% alongside a 2.3% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 2.0 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ingham. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ingham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Ingham SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Ingham SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,008 and the average income stands at $57,430, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,865 (median) and $63,121 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Ingham all fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 29.2% of residents (1,327 people), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 88.1% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Ingham, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.5% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Ingham was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 45.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (19.8%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $210, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Ingham's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 60.9% of all households, comprising 18.5% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (9.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (33.2%).

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Ingham, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,163 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.3 and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 60.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,260 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.6% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Ingham is Christianity, which makes up 74.6% of people in Ingham, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ingham are Australian, comprising 24.2% of the population, English, comprising 23.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, and Italian, comprising 21.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Ingham (vs 0.3% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 6.2% (vs 3.9%) and Filipino at 1.2% (vs 0.9%).

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

With a median age of 48, Ingham is materially older than the Regional Qld figure of 41 as well as significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 9.7% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.1% to 12.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 10.0% and the 85+ group dropped from 5.7% to 4.7%. By 2041, Ingham is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 12% (26 people), reaching 239 from 212. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 94% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 cohorts.