Ingham Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ingham Surrounds's population is around 6,787 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 325 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,462 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,655 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Ingham Surrounds's 5.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 81.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 584 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 104 people. See the age section for more details.

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 around 18 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 90 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.6 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $262,000 —below regional norms —reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Also, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Ingham Surrounds shows moderately higher new home approvals (31.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 328 people per dwelling approval, Ingham Surrounds shows characteristics of a low density area.

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

Ingham Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 13 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 Orient Road Water Security Project, 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.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Ingham Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Ingham Surrounds features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.5%. As of December 2025, 3,044 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.7% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.6 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.3% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% combined with employment decreasing by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew 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 Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Ingham Surrounds SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $49,037 while the average income stands at $57,472. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,897 (median) and $63,167 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Ingham Surrounds all fall between the 16th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.1% of the community (2,042 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 91.0% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Ingham Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.9% houses and 5.1% 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 Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 56.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (18.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Ingham Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.4% of all households, comprising 22.4% couples with children, 40.0% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Ingham Surrounds 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 (11.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (34.7%).

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Ingham Surrounds are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Ingham Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,230 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 11.1 and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 63.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 31.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,105 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Ingham Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 76.2% of people in Ingham Surrounds, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ingham Surrounds are English, comprising 26.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.6% of the population, and Italian, comprising 19.8% 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 0.5% of Ingham Surrounds (vs 0.3% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.1% (vs 3.9%) and Irish at 8.1% (vs 8.2%).

Ingham Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 53 years, Ingham Surrounds's median age is significantly above the Regional Qld average of 41 as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (17.6% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.0%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.6% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.9% to 9.7%. By 2041, Ingham Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 26% (59 people), reaching 288 from 228. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. Conversely, both 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.