Ingham Surrounds

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

Ingham Surrounds' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 6,787 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 325 individuals (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 in June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.5 persons per square kilometer. Ingham Surrounds' growth rate of 5.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 81.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, 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 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 over this period. According to this methodology, Ingham Surrounds' population is expected to decrease by 584 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow 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 received approximately 18 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 90 homes. In Financial Year 26, 16 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, each dwelling built between Financial Years 21 and 25 has resulted in an increase of 2.6 new residents annually, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these homes is $262,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers.

This financial year has seen approximately $2.2 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Ingham Surrounds shows moderately higher new home approvals, with a 31.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, this activity is also below the national average, suggesting that the area has an established nature and potential planning limitations.

All recent development in Ingham Surrounds has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This is reflected by the figure of around 328 people per dwelling approval. With 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. 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 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 3.5%, Ingham Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Ingham Surrounds has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.5%. In this month, 3,085 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Ingham Surrounds lags behind Rest of Qld at 55.5%, compared to the regional average of 65.7%. According to Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Ingham Surrounds specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 4.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.3% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.5%, employment decreased by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and the labour force grew by 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ingham Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that income in Ingham Surrounds SA2 is below the national average. The median income is $49,037 and the average income stands at $57,472. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $53,146 and the average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ingham Surrounds would be approximately $53,897 (median) and $63,167 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Ingham Surrounds all fall between the 16th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 30.1% of the community (2,042 individuals), which aligns with regional levels where this cohort 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 data, consisted of 94.9% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's composition of 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in the area was $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Ingham Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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, which is smaller than the Rest of 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's university qualification rate is 11.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, 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 education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% in 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

Ingham Surrounds shows below-average health indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,230 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (7%). Only 63.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.0% (2,105 people), compared to 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 have below average cultural diversity, with 91.0% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Ingham Surrounds, comprising 76.2% of people, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are English (26.5%), Australian (25.6%), and Italian (19.8%), significantly higher than the regional average of 2.4%.

Notably, Spanish is overrepresented at 0.5%, Australian Aboriginal is present at 3.1% (vs 3.9% regionally), and Irish are represented at 8.1% (vs 8.2%).

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 17.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.0%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 8.9% to 10.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.6% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.5% to 10.8%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.9% to 9.7%. By 2041, Ingham Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ age group projected to grow by 26%, reaching 288 people from 228. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth, while both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.