Ingham Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Ingham Surrounds' population is approximately 6,864 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 402 people (6.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,462. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,655 in June 2024 and an additional 100 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.5 persons per square kilometer. Ingham Surrounds' growth of 6.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 81.3% 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 aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over the period, with Ingham Surrounds' population expected to shrink by 584 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, led by the 75 to 84 age group, projected to increase by 104 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ingham Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Ingham Surrounds has experienced approximately 18 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) records this data on a financial year basis, totalling 90 approvals between FY-21 and FY-25, with 6 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling has accommodated about 2.6 new residents annually over the past five financial years. This suggests steady demand for housing, which supports property values.

The average construction cost of these new homes is $410,000, lower than the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial development approvals have reached $2.2 million, showing minimal commercial development activity compared to previous years. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Ingham Surrounds has seen elevated construction levels, with 31.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, this figure is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. All recent development has consisted of detached dwellings, maintaining Ingham Surrounds' traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 328 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for population growth. Given that the population is expected to remain stable or decline, Ingham Surrounds should experience reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Ingham Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable projects include the North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham), Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom, Atlantic North Ingham, and Orient Road Water Security Project. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

The employment landscape in Ingham Surrounds presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.4%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Ingham Surrounds has a balanced workforce including both white and blue collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%.

As of June 2025, 3,126 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Ingham Surrounds is somewhat below standard at 54.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance sectors. The area has a significant employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 4.6 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.3%, compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Between Jun-25 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.4% while employment decreased by 3.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force expand by 2.0%, with a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, unemployment was at 4.5%, and employment growth was 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ingham Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.9% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Ingham Surrounds is below the national average. The median income is $47,038 and the average income stands at $55,656. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $52,546 (median) and $62,173 (average). Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Ingham Surrounds all fall between the 17th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.1% of the community (2,066 individuals), similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort also represents 31.7%. Housing costs are modest with 91.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Ingham Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' types). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's structure of 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ingham Surrounds stood at 56.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented ones at 18.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,213. The median weekly rent in Ingham Surrounds was $200, slightly lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $202. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Ingham Surrounds were significantly lower at $1,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ingham Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.4% of all households, including 22.4% couples with children, 40.0% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 11.7%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common (9.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 34.7%.

A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing formal education, totaling 23.8%. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education. There are 10 schools operating within Ingham Surrounds, educating approximately 226 students. Education provision is balanced with 9 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. However, local school capacity is limited at 3.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 21.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Ingham Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with common conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, compared to 49.9% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (7%).

63.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in Rest of Qld. Ingham Surrounds has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.6%, compared to 24.3% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Ingham Surrounds had a cultural diversity score below average, with 91.0% of its residents being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 76.2% of people, compared to 70.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (26.5%), Australian (25.6%), and Italian (19.8%), significantly higher than regional averages.

Spanish representation was notably high at 0.5%, Australian Aboriginal lower at 3.1%, and Irish slightly higher at 8.1%.

Ingham Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Ingham Surrounds has a median age of 53 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Ingham Surrounds at 17.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.6% to 9.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.9% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 12.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, Ingham Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 age group will grow by 9%, reaching 743 from 680. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.