Longreach

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

Longreach's population is approximately 3,781 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 134 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,647. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,758 in June 2024 and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Longreach has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of -0.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data, are applied for each age cohort. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 139 persons according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 102 people.

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. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.3 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $350,000, which is consistent with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Longreach shows moderately higher building activity, being 14.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. 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, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 90.0% houses. This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and a response to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Eleven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the local area. Notable ones include Teal Street Affordable Housing Project, Longreach Recreational Precinct, Longreach Water Security for Growth, and Longreach Solar Farm. The following list details those considered 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 sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.2%.

The area's unemployment rate is 2.8% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is higher at 65.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Longreach shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level. Mining is under-represented, with only 0.7% of Longreach's workforce compared to 3.6% in Rest of Qld.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, Longreach's labour force decreased by 0.6%, and employment declined by 0.5%. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Longreach's employment mix suggests local employment should 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 data for financial year 2022 shows Longreach SA2 had median income of $55,089 and average income of $62,056, both lower than national averages. Rest of Qld had median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $62,796 and average income $70,738, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data from 2021 ranks personal income at the 72nd percentile ($938 weekly) and household income at the 39th percentile in Longreach SA2. Income analysis reveals that 34.7% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,312 residents), mirroring regional trends where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing costs allow for retention of 90.9% of income, though disposable income ranks below average at the 47th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Longreach's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longreach stood at 35.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.5%) or rented (39.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $910. Median weekly rent in Longreach was recorded at $200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $160. 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 fairly typical median household size

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

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 common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.4% while certificates account for 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 outcomes in Longreach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Longreach.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,913 people). Mental health issues impact 7.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.4%. Approximately 68.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.5% across Rest of Qld. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (701 people), which is lower than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Longreach was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.1% of its population being citizens, 91.2% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Longreach is Christianity, which makes up 65.9% of people in Longreach, compared to 66.5% across the Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Longreach are Australian (32.0%), English (30.6%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, Maori representation is higher at 1.0% in Longreach compared to 0.4% regionally, German representation is similar at 4.8%, and Scottish representation is higher at 8.7%.

Longreach's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Longreach is 39 years, lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 make up a significant portion at 14.7%, while those aged 75-84 are relatively smaller at 5.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.8% to 14.7%, and the 75-84 cohort has risen from 4.5% to 5.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 15.0% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75-84 age cohort is expected to increase by 86 people (40%), from 212 to 299. Notably, those aged 65 and above will account for 64% of total population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.