Longreach

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

As of February 2026, Longreach's population is approximately 3,775 people. This figure represents an increase of 128 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,647. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates; as of June 2024, the estimated resident population was 3,758, with an additional 71 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Longreach's compound annual growth rate has been -0.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed around 59.6% of recent population gains.

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, based on 2021 data but lacking age category splits. Therefore, proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. By 2041, the population is projected to decrease by 139 people, with the 75 to 84 age group anticipated to grow by 102 individuals.

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

Longreach has averaged approximately nine new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 45 homes. As of FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.3 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating steady demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $350,000, consistent with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Longreach exhibits moderately higher building activity, 14.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, this activity remains below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 62.0% standalone homes and 38.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of housing opportunities across price brackets. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, currently at 90.0% houses, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Longreach reflects a low density area with around 321 people per approval. With population projections showing stability or decline, the area should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Eleven projects identified by AreaSearch are anticipated to impact the local area, significantly influencing its performance. Key projects include Teal Street Affordable Housing Project, Longreach Recreational Precinct, Longreach Water Security for Growth, and Longreach Solar Farm. The following list details those expected 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Longreach performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Longreach has a skilled workforce with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.2%. As of September 2025, there are 2,262 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is high at 74.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 12.8% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Longreach has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level.

However, mining is under-represented at 0.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, Longreach's labour force decreased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and the labour force grow by 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Longreach's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Longreach SA2 is lower than average nationally. The median income is $57,826 and the average is $64,336. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures: median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $63,557 (median) and $70,712 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($938 weekly), while household income is at the 39th percentile. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 34.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,309 residents). Housing costs are manageable with 90.9% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 47th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Longreach's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Longreach's home ownership rate was higher at 35.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.5% and rented ones at 39.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Longreach was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Longreach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.3% of all households, including 24.2% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.7%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Longreach fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 11.4% and certificates make up 31.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.4% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Longreach 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 relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,932 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 7.6% of residents and asthma impacting 7.4%. 68.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (711 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Longreach, as per the findings, ranked below average in cultural diversity. Its population composition was 83.1% citizens, 91.2% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Longreach's religious landscape with 65.9%, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.0%), English (30.6%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Maori representation was higher at 1.0% in Longreach compared to 0.8% regionally, German at 4.8% vs 4.7%, and Scottish at 8.7% vs 7.8%.

Longreach's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Longreach is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 years make up 14.9% of the population, while those aged 75-84 years comprise 5.9%. Since 2021, the proportion of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 12.8% to 14.9%, and the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.9%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 55-64 years has decreased from 15.0% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Longreach's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to increase by 74 people (33%), from 224 to 299. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 years and above will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 65-74 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.