Inglewood - Waggamba

Inglewood - Waggamba has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

According to data analyzed by AreaSearch, the resident population of Inglewood - Waggamba is estimated to be approximately 4,189 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 124 residents (3.1%) compared to the 4,065 citizens documented in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 4,179 in June 2025 alongside 259 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The density of the region stands at 0.20 persons per square kilometer, indicating a highly spacious living environment. The local growth rate of 3.1% since the Census is just 0.4 percentage points lower than the broader SA3 region (3.5%), showing a relatively comparable expansion rate. The rise in population was heavily supported by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 54.5% of the total demographic gains in the recent timeframe.

Projections developed by ABS and Geoscience Australia, issued in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, or for any projections extending past 2032, the Queensland State Government's SA2 projections from 2023 (using 2021 baseline data) are applied instead. Because the state-level data does not outline specific age distributions, AreaSearch distributes growth weightings proportionally based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (with a 2022 baseline) for each age bracket. Under this combined approach, the total population is predicted to contract over the coming years, shrinking by 451 persons by 2041. Conversely, expansion is still expected in select cohorts, particularly the group aged 85 and over, which is forecast to rise by 36 people. Detail on these cohorts can be found in the age portion of this report.

The level of residential development activity in Inglewood - Waggamba is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

An average of 6 new home approvals have been granted each year in Inglewood - Waggamba, yielding 31 residential dwellings over the prior 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, there have been 6 approvals registered. Between FY-21 and FY-25, the local market maintained a balanced relationship between supply and demand with 1.1 people moving to the district for every new home constructed. However, this ratio shifted to 6 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, indicating rising popularity and a tightening of available supply. Developers are targeting more affluent buyers, with the average construction cost of new dwellings sitting at $558,000. Additionally, commercial development remains quiet, with only $1.6 million in commercial approvals logged during this financial year.

Construction rates per capita in Inglewood - Waggamba align closely with the Rest of Qld, indicating a steady local property market that matches regional trends. However, this volume remains below the national standard, suggesting a mature local market or potential regulatory limits. Recent construction has consisted entirely of stand-alone houses, which preserves the region's classic low-density feel and emphasizes spacious residences suited for families. The ratio of 1741 people in the area per dwelling approval underscores the calm, slow-paced construction environment.

Because the local population is projected to remain steady or contract, pressure on the housing market is likely to ease, which could open up favorable options for prospective buyers.

Inglewood - Waggamba has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning schemes have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects likely to affect this region. Prominent developments include the Yelarbon and Talwood water quality project, Goondiwindi Hydrogen, Texas Solar Farm and BESS, and Inland Rail - North Star to NSW-Queensland Border, with the following list detailing those of most significance.

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.

Employment conditions in Inglewood - Waggamba remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

The local workforce in Inglewood - Waggamba is divided between white and blue collar jobs across multiple sectors, accompanied by an unemployment rate of 4.3% and steady employment conditions over the last year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,047, while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%. Participation in the labor force matched the Regional Qld level of 64.3%. Data from the Census indicated that a moderate 18.4% of employed locals performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

Most working residents are employed in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, or education & training. The region has an exceptionally high concentration of workers in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment percentage that is 10.8 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented, employing 8.4% of local workers compared to 16.1% across Regional Qld. Although there are employment opportunities within the local area, comparison of the Census working population against local resident numbers suggests a significant proportion of workers travel to other areas for their jobs.

Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month period, local employment grew by 0.3% while the labor force expanded by 2.2%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 1.8 percentage points. For comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labor force increase by 0.3%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future labor needs in Inglewood - Waggamba. These projections, spanning five and ten years, are applied to the local workforce structure to model potential employment shifts. Nationally, jobs are expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by industry. Modeling these national industry projections onto the local workforce configuration suggests employment in Inglewood - Waggamba could rise by 4.3% over five years and 10.2% over ten years (note that this is a simple weighted calculation for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Based on AreaSearch's compilation of the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Inglewood - Waggamba SA2 recorded a median income of $42,233 and an average income of $54,877. These figures sit below the national average, and contrast with the Regional Qld median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated income levels would be roughly $47,031 (median) and $61,111 (average) in March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in Inglewood - Waggamba within the 8th to 10th percentiles nationwide. The local income distribution shows that 27.4% of the population (1,147 individuals) earn in the $400 - 799 range, which contrasts with the broader region where 31.7% of people are in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Although residents retain 90.8% of their income due to low housing expenses, total disposable income in the area ranks in the 14th percentile nationally.

Inglewood - Waggamba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling landscape in Inglewood - Waggamba at the time of the latest Census consisted of 96.5% detached houses and 3.5% other residential options like townhouses, apartments, or alternative dwellings, compared to Regional Qld where 76.4% were houses and 23.6% were other structures. Home ownership in the area was significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 48.9%, with mortgaged properties making up 22.7% and rented properties accounting for 28.5%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $867 was much lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent of $200 was below the regional figure of $345. Locally, mortgage payments are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also far lower than the national figure of $375.

Inglewood - Waggamba features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of households at 67.2%, which is composed of 24.9% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent households. The remaining 32.8% are non-family households, consisting of lone person households at 30.6% and group households at 2.1%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Inglewood - Waggamba faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The region presents low levels of tertiary education, with university graduation rates at 12.8%, which is far below the national average of 30.4%. This represents a challenge as well as a target for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 9.8%, while postgraduate qualifications stand at 1.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications such as advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (25.3%).

A high percentage of residents are engaged in study, with 27.2% of the population currently enrolled in education. This consists of 12.9% in primary schools, 7.1% in high schools, and 2.4% attending tertiary institutions.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport research shows 1 active transport stop operating in Inglewood - Waggamba, which is serviced by buses. This stop is connected to 2 distinct routes, which together provide 40 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 22664 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential and most workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel at 84%, followed by walking at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars per household, which is higher than the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 18.4% of residents worked from home, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

Service frequency across the routes averages 5 trips per day, which translates to roughly 40 weekly passenger departures at each stop.

Health performance in Inglewood - Waggamba is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Inglewood - Waggamba shows notable health concerns based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the frequency of chronic illnesses, which are somewhat prevalent among both younger and older residents. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, standing at roughly 47% of the population (~1,960 people). This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical diagnoses in the region, affecting 10.1% and 9.7% of residents, respectively. A total of 65.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic health issues among working-age locals are higher than the average. Residents aged 65 and over make up 23.3% of the local population (976 people), which is higher than the 20.4% recorded in Regional Qld. Senior citizens in the area experience above-average health outcomes, ranking higher nationally than the general local population.

The latest Census data sees Inglewood - Waggamba placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Inglewood - Waggamba has low levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 88.3% of the population, Australian-born individuals representing 93.3%, and 97.6% of residents speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 64.0% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

Looking at parent countries of birth, the top three ancestries in Inglewood - Waggamba are Australian at 33.5% (substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%), English at 31.2%, and Irish at 9.0%. Other notable groups include German, which is overrepresented locally at 5.6% (compared to 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.9% (compared to 3.9%), and Scottish at 8.6% (compared to 7.8%).

Inglewood - Waggamba hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 45, Inglewood - Waggamba is older than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of people aged 65 - 74 (13.5%), whereas the 15 - 24 age bracket is smaller (9.4%) than in Regional Qld. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 10.6% to 12.1% of the population, and the 65 to 74 cohort has grown from 12.1% to 13.5%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.9% to 10.3%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts indicate notable changes in the age profile. The cohort aged 85+ is expected to grow by 37% (35 people), rising from 97 to 133. The combined age groups of 65 and over are projected to account for 100% of the net population growth. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 groups are forecast to shrink in population.