Lakes Creek

Lakes Creek has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Lakes Creek's population is around 5,039 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 159 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,880 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,039 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 299 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 53.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to grow by 314 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Lakes Creek according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Lakes Creek experiences very limited development activity, averaging 3 approvals per year (19 approvals over five years). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Lakes Creek shows significantly less construction activity than the rest of Qld. This activity level is similarly below national patterns. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typical. The estimated count of 2826 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Lakes Creek will gain 314 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Lakes Creek has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Dual Occupancy Development at 259 Rockonia Road, Thozet Road - Rockonia Road Traffic Signals Installation, Abattoir Alterations and Additions at 484 Lakes Creek Road, and Land Based Recreational Fishing Platform - Donovan Park, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market performance in Lakes Creek lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Lakes Creek has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 6.0%. As of December 2025, 2,577 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (68.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.7% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4% while employment declined by 1.8%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Lakes Creek. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Lakes Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Lakes Creek SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Lakes Creek SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,921 and the average income stands at $62,280, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,165 (median) and $68,452 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Lakes Creek, between the 25th and 35th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 32.7% of locals (1,647 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.3% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 28th percentile nationally.

Lakes Creek is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Lakes Creek, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Lakes Creek was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 28.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.7%) or rented (35.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Lakes Creek's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Lakes Creek features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 67.7% of all households, comprising 27.0% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

Lakes Creek faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (31.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Lakes Creek is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Lakes Creek, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,539 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.1 and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 65.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (777 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Lakes Creek ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lakes Creek was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.5% of its population being citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 89.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Lakes Creek is Christianity, which makes up 51.1% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Lakes Creek are Australian, comprising 29.6% of the population, English, comprising 28.5% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Lakes Creek (vs 0.2% regionally), German at 4.4% (vs 4.7%) and Filipino at 1.5% (vs 0.9%).

Lakes Creek's population is younger than the national pattern

The 35-year median age in Lakes Creek is considerably lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 and similarly modestly under the 38-year national average. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (14.8% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (4.8%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.1% to 9.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 13.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Lakes Creek. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 17% (128 people), reaching 872 from 743. On the other hand, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.