Ingham Surrounds

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

Ingham Surrounds' population is approximately 6,729 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 267 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,462. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 6,723 in June 2025 and an additional 193 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Ingham Surrounds' 4.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.4%, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.6% 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 in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. According to projected demographic shifts, the population is expected to decline by 586 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 86 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 around 18 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 90 homes. In FY26 so far, 23 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 has resulted in an average of 2.6 new residents per year. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $262,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

This financial year, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Ingham Surrounds has shown moderately higher new home approvals, with 31.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. However, this activity is below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. All recent development in Ingham Surrounds has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space for families.

With around 328 people per dwelling approval, it shows characteristics of a low-density area. Given the expected stable or declining population, pressure on housing is likely to remain reduced, potentially creating buying opportunities.

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

AreaSearch has identified 13 infrastructure projects in total that could impact the area. Key projects include: North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham), Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom, Atlantic North Ingham, Orient Road Water Security Project. The following list details those likely to be 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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. As of December 2025, 3044 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Ingham Surrounds is 54.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%.

According to Census data, only 10.0% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are 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. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 12.3% compared to Regional Qld's average of 16.1%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3%, while employment fell by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7% and unemployment increased by only 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published 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 shows that Ingham Surrounds SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $49,037 and 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 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,608 (median) and $64,001 (average) as of March 2026. 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 (2,025 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

Ingham Surrounds' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 94.9% houses and 5.1% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% others. Home ownership in Ingham Surrounds was 56.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented at 18.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Ingham Surrounds was $200, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Ingham Surrounds' repayments were lower at $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 account for the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with a rate of 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 41.8% holding such qualifications, 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 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 lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ingham Surrounds faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,203 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (7.0%). Conversely, 63.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional 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 31.9% (2,144 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 of below average, with 91.0% citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 76.2%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (26.5%), Australian (25.6%), and Italian (19.8%), significantly higher than regional averages of 34.0%, 32.3%, and 2.4%, respectively.

Spanish representation was notably higher at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.3%. Australian Aboriginal representation was slightly lower at 3.1% versus 3.9%. Irish ancestry was nearly equal, with 8.1% in Ingham Surrounds and 8.2% regionally.

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 Regional Queensland average of 41 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Ingham Surrounds at 17.8%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.7%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.4%, and the 15 to 24 age group increased from 8.6% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.4%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.9% to 9.6%. By 2041, Ingham Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 10%, reaching 72 people, from 703. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 100% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.