Lockyer Valley - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Lockyer Valley - West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Lockyer Valley - West's population was around 12,999 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,056 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,943 people. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 12,806 as of June 2024 and an additional 257 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 8.8 persons per square kilometer. Lockyer Valley - West's growth rate of 8.8% since the census is within 0.1 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 57.5% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041. Lockyer Valley - West is projected to expand by 2,475 persons by then, reflecting a total increase of 17.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Lockyer Valley - West among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Lockyer Valley - West has averaged approximately 70 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25352 homes were approved, with a further 32 approved in FY26 to date. Each year, an average of 2.6 new residents have been gained per dwelling built over the past five financial years.

This indicates healthy demand, which should support property values. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $387,000. In the current financial year, $33.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Lockyer Valley - West shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 160 people per approval, Lockyer Valley - West reflects a developing area. Future projections suggest that by 2041, Lockyer Valley - West will add approximately 2,282 residents. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Lockyer Valley - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

The performance of a particular area can significantly influenced by changes made to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 102 projects that could potentially impact this area. Among these key projects are Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru (G2K), Lockyer Energy Project, Rifle Range Road Reconfiguration, and St Peters Close Estate. The following list details those projects 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Lockyer Valley - West places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Lockyer Valley - West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.8%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 14.0%. In June 2025, 7,178 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is 62.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction.

The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. Accommodation & food services have a limited presence at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census data comparison. Over the past year, employment increased by 14.0%, labour force grew by 12.8%, reducing unemployment by 1.1 percentage points. By contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lockyer Valley - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Lockyer Valley - West. The median income among taxpayers was $48,316 with an average of $57,441. This is below the national average. Comparatively, Rest of Qld had a median of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Lockyer Valley - West would be approximately $55,075 (median) and $65,477 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Lockyer Valley - West rank modestly between the 36th and 47th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 35.1% of the community (4,562 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Lockyer Valley - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Lockyer Valley - West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.0% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lockyer Valley - West stood at 37.8%, with mortgaged properties at 47.7% and rented dwellings at 14.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $310, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Lockyer Valley - West's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $310.

Lockyer Valley - West features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.1% of all households, including 36.3% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.9%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Lockyer Valley - West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has lower university qualification rates at 16.9%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (31.3%).

Educational participation is high at 30.1%, with 11.4% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education. There are 10 schools operating within the area, educating approximately 603 students, and offering typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 958). These schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School capacity is limited locally at 4.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.2, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note that where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows three active public transport stops operating in the Lockyer Valley - West area as of January 2021. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one individual route providing service to all stops collectively offering twenty weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 3966 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop as of January 2021.

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

Lockyer Valley - West faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~6,278 people), compared to 51.0% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.8 and 9.4% of residents respectively. Approximately 66.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 17.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,268 people), which is lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Lockyer Valley - West is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Lockyer Valley - West had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 90.2% of its population being citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 62.1% of the population, compared to 58.8% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.2%), English (29.8%), and German (10.9%).

Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 1.4%, while Australian Aboriginal was at 2.8% and South African at 0.4%.

Lockyer Valley - West's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Lockyer Valley - West is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average and somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Lockyer Valley - West has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.7% to 12.7%, while the 5-14 age group declined from 14.6% to 12.9% and the 45-54 age group decreased from 14.2% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Lockyer Valley - West's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 36%, reaching 1,842 people from 1,350, while the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 64 people.