Ingham Surrounds

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

Ingham Surrounds' population is approximately 6,874 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 412 people (6.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,462. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 6,657 in June 2024 and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.5 persons per square kilometer. Ingham Surrounds' growth exceeded the SA3 area's 3.6% between the 2021 Census and June 2024, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 81.3% of overall population gains during this period.

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 lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Projections 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 received around 18 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 90 homes. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. Each new dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in an average of 2.6 new residents per year. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $262,000, which is below regional norms but reflects more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. 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. This suggests reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although it is below the national average, indicating an established area and potential planning limitations. All recent development has been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

With around 328 people per dwelling approval, Ingham Surrounds indicates a developing market. Given the expected stable or declining population, housing pressure is likely to remain reduced, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

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 impacting the area. Notable projects include 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 with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. As of September 2025, there are 3,085 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 0.6% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

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. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with a share 4.6 times the regional level, but has lower representation in health care & social assistance at 12.3% versus the regional average of 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Ingham Surrounds' labour force decreased by 0.5%, with employment down by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1%. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's employment growth of 1.7% and labour force increase of 2.1%. Statewide in Queensland, employment contracted by 0.01% between November 2024 and November 2025, losing 1,210 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ingham Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment growth of 4.9% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2022 shows median income in Ingham Surrounds SA2 was $47,038. Average income stood at $55,656. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year ending June 30, 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,619 and $63,442 respectively. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Ingham Surrounds fall between the 16th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 30.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. 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 types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro Qld had 89.5% houses and 10.5% others. Home ownership in Ingham Surrounds was 56.2%, with mortgages at 25.2% and rentals at 18.6%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $1,300, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,213. Median weekly rents in Ingham Surrounds were $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $202. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

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

Family households account for 70.4 percent of all households, including 22.4 percent couples with children, 40.0 percent couples without children, and 7.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.6 percent, with lone person households at 27.5 percent and group households comprising 2.1 percent 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (34.7%). A total of 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.9% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

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 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%).

About 63.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 30.6% residents aged 65 and over (2,104 people), higher than the 24.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, 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' population showed low cultural diversity, with 91.0% being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 76.2%, compared to 70.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (26.5%), Australian (25.6%), and Italian (19.8%), with Italians being higher than the regional average of 11.3%.

Spanish, Australian Aboriginal, and Irish groups showed notable differences: Spanish 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 at 17.2% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.8%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group grew 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 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 61 people and a total of 743 from 681. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.