Ingham Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Ingham Surrounds' population was around 6,874 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 412 people since the 2021 Census. The population in June 2024 was estimated at 6,657 by the ABS, with an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to growth. This resulted in a density ratio of 2.5 persons per square kilometer. Ingham Surrounds' 6.4% population growth from 2021 exceeded the SA3 area's 3.6%, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 81.3% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings using the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate a decline in overall population by 584 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to increase by 104 people over this period.

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 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals 90 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built has resulted in 2.6 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value of these dwellings is $262,000. In FY-26, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Ingham Surrounds shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 31.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character.

With around 328 people per dwelling approval, the population is expected to remain stable or decline in the future.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include the North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility in Ingham, Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom, Atlantic North Ingham, and Orient Road Water Security Project. 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Ingham Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Ingham Surrounds has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%.

As of June 2025, 3126 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, 0.5% below Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation is lower at 54.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high representation with an employment share 4.6 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance is lower at 12.3% versus the regional average of 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as Census working population vs resident population suggests. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Ingham Surrounds' labour force decreased by 2.4%, with employment down by 3.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May 2025 national employment forecasts 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Ingham Surrounds was $47,038 and average income was $55,656. This is below the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median income in Ingham Surrounds would be approximately $53,619 and average income $63,442, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that incomes in Ingham Surrounds fall between the 17th and 23rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 30.1% of the community (2,069 individuals), similar to regional levels at 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' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 94.9% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro Qld had 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ingham Surrounds was 56.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented ones at 18.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, above Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,213. The median weekly rent figure was $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $202. Nationally, Ingham Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 vs Australia's $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 account for 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 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 is 2.2 people, which is 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's university qualification rate is 11.7%, 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 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 (7.1%) and certificates (34.7%).

A substantial 23.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 1.7% in 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. 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 prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% (around 3,272 people), compared to 49.9% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most common conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (7%).

Approximately 63.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.6% (around 2,104 people), compared to 24.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, even better 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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 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 of 23.4%, 21.6%, and 11.3% respectively.

Notable differences included Spanish representation at 0.5% (vs 0.6% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.1% (vs 8.1%), and Irish at 8.1% (vs 7.6%).

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 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that 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 cohort 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 group will grow by 9%, reaching 743 from 681. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 100% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.