Lakes Creek

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

As of February 2026, Lakes Creek's population is approximately 5,039. This figure represents an increase of 159 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,880. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,039 as of June 2024 and the addition of 72 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 299 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.2% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with the base year as 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, Lakes Creek is expected to grow by approximately 6.2% by 2041, adding around 314 persons to its population.

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

Lakes Creek has seen limited development activity with an average of 3 approvals per year over five years (19 approvals). This low level reflects its rural nature, where housing needs drive development rather than market demand. Notably, the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national patterns, Lakes Creek has significantly less construction activity. Recent development has been exclusively detached dwellings, typical for rural areas with larger properties. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2826 people. By 2041, Lakes Creek's population is forecasted to grow by 314 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely influencing this region. Notable 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. 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.

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

Lakes Creek's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.7% as of September 2025. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

As of September 2025, 2,579 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 69.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, a low 4.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

The area specializes in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.7%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.2%, but employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lakes Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 10.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Lakes Creek SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $52,921. The average income stood at $62,280 during the same period. These figures are lower than Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Lakes Creek SA2 would be approximately $58,165 (median) and $68,452 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Lakes Creek rank between the 25th and 35th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 32.7% of locals, with earnings between $1,500 - 2,999. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% of people fall within this income range. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains in Lakes Creek SA2, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

In Lakes Creek, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 11.1% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is compared to Non-Metro Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lakes Creek stood at 28.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.7% and rented ones at 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Lakes Creek was $260, significantly below Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Lakes Creek's mortgage repayments were notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 67.7% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, with 11.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lakes Creek faces substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,539 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.1 and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 65.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Lakes Creek has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (777 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of 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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with 85.5% of its population being citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 89.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 51.1% of Lakes Creek's population compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.6%), English (28.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.7%).

Notably, Vietnamese (1.2%) and Filipino (1.5%) populations were higher than regional averages of 0.2% and 0.9%, respectively.

Lakes Creek's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Lakes Creek is 35 years, which is lower than Queensland's average of 41 years and also below the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.8% of Lakes Creek's population, significantly higher than the Rest of Queensland average, while the 75-84 age group makes up only 4.8%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 65-74 age group has increased from 8.1% to 9.1% of Lakes Creek's population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.3% to 13.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Lakes Creek. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 17%, adding 128 people, reaching a total of 872 from the current 743. However, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.