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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Longreach has an estimated 3,753 residents, up from 3,647 at the 2021 Census — a change of 106 people, or 2.9%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Longreach is approximately 3,753 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 106 individuals (2.9%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,647 residents. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 3,741 along with 71 validated new addresses registered after the Census. With this population level, the density ratio stands at 0.10 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial personal space. The 2.9% expansion in Longreach since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA3 region (2.7%), positioning it as a leading growth locality.
The primary driver of this population increase was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 93.8% of the total population growth in recent times. AreaSearch uses the ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the starting point. In instances where SA2 regions lack this data, and for any years after 2032, the Queensland State Government's SA2 projections from 2023 (based on 2021 figures) are implemented. These state-level projections do not outline specific age categories; therefore, AreaSearch distributes growth across age groups using the proportions from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (utilising 2022 data). Looking at future demographic trends, these projections suggest a contraction in the overall population, with a forecast decrease of 179 residents by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, expansion is expected within particular age cohorts, led by the 75 to 84 bracket, which is anticipated to add 78 residents. More details are available in the age section.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
45 new dwellings have been approved in Longreach over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 2.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 7, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Longreach has recorded approximately 9 new residential approvals annually, amounting to 45 homes over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26 so far, 7 approvals have been logged. With an average of 2 new residents per year arriving for each new home between FY-21 and FY-25, demand and supply appear closely aligned, supporting stable market dynamics, though this ratio has dropped to 0.2 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, indicating improved supply conditions. The average construction cost for new properties is $350,000, aligning with regional averages. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $1.8 million have been registered during this financial year, pointing to the dominant residential character of the locality.
When measured against the Rest of Qld, building activity in Longreach is moderately elevated (13.0% higher than the regional per-person average over the 5 year period), which helps maintain buyer options while upholding local property values. This volume of activity remains below the national benchmark, reflecting the established nature of the suburb and implying possible planning constraints. Recent approvals consist of 62.0% standalone houses and 38.0% attached homes, representing a growing selection of medium-density formats that offer diverse entry points, ranging from standard family residences to cheaper compact choices. This is a clear shift from the current housing stock (where houses make up 90.0%), indicating limited availability of developable land and reflecting shifting resident preferences and affordability pressures. With roughly 321 people per approval, Longreach exhibits low density characteristics. Given that demographic forecasts indicate either stability or a downward trend, Longreach is likely to experience lower demand pressures for housing, which should benefit buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Longreach
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 10 current infrastructure and development projects inside Longreach, worth an estimated $2.01 billion. A further 69 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $319.5 billion. 19 are already under construction and 17 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Suburban performance is heavily guided by adjustments to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning. AreaSearch has identified a total of 13 projects expected to influence the locality. Significant projects include the Teal Street Affordable Housing Project, the Longreach Recreational Precinct, the Longreach Water Security for Growth initiative, and the Longreach Solar Farm, with details on the most relevant developments provided below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Teal Street Affordable Housing Project
A Queensland Government Housing Investment Fund project delivering six new affordable dwellings (two three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom units) on Teal Street, Longreach, for low-income essential service workers. Managed by Longreach Regional Council and constructed by local contractor Neuendorf Constructions. Construction commenced in early 2025.
Longreach Recreational Precinct
A $2.25 million project funded by the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program. The project will include a new fenced dog park, a pump track, a half basketball court, a botanical walkway, and shaded playgrounds with all-abilities elements, complementing the existing skate park.
Longreach Water Security for Growth
An $18.6 million project to upgrade five weirs along the Thomson River to increase water storage capacity and security for Longreach. The project includes rebuilding and raising weir walls by one metre, installing fish passages, replacing ageing water mains, and installing smart water meters to improve efficiency. The upgrades will provide additional 900 megalitres of storage and reduce water loss by 245 megalitres per year. Critical infrastructure for drought resilience and regional water security serving Longreach and surrounding communities including Ilfracombe.Funded by $7 million Queensland Government, $5 million Federal Government (National Water Grid Fund), and $6.6 million Longreach Regional Council.
Longreach Solar Farm
A 17.4 MW solar photovoltaic project developed by Canadian Solar, which began commercial operation in May 2018. The project consists of 51,330 solar panels.
Longreach Hospital Upgrade
An AUD10 million upgrade of the Longreach Hospital, which included the redevelopment of half the hospital, a full mechanical services upgrade, and a new Aramac Primary Health Centre. The project was completed in 2019.
Central Queensland Digital Infrastructure Program
Queensland Government program delivering improved digital connectivity across Central and Western Queensland to support remote communities, businesses, education, telehealth and government services. The initiative forms part of the state's broader digital infrastructure strategy, with multiple regional connectivity projects progressing through construction and delivery alongside Commonwealth co-investment programs.
Central Western Railway Line Maintenance Program
Ongoing Queensland Rail maintenance, track renewal, drainage, bridge and asset improvement works along the Central Western railway corridor serving Ilfracombe and surrounding communities. The program supports freight, passenger and tourism services and continues as part of Queensland Rail's rolling network maintenance and possession program.
Ilfracombe Heritage Precinct Development
Enhancement of the Historic Precinct including Folk Museum, Oakhampton Cottage, Romani Hall and connections to Wellshot Centre. Tourism infrastructure development to showcase local heritage and the Great Machinery Mile attraction.
2,246 residents of Longreach are employed, from a labour force of 2,275. Unemployment sits at 1.3%, with participation at 74.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Longreach is characterised by a skilled workforce, strong representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of only 1.3%. In March 2026, there are 2,246 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.6% below the Regional Qld level of 3.9%, and participation in the labor force is exceptionally high (74.7% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld). According to Census data, a modest 12.8% of workers performed their duties from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind. The primary sectors employing residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety.
There is a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where the employment proportion is 3.5 times the regional average. Conversely, mining is underrepresented, employing only 0.7% of the Longreach workforce compared to 3.6% in Regional Qld. Although there are local jobs, the comparison of the Census working population against the local population suggests a significant number of residents travel to other areas for employment. According to the AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, the labour force shrank by 1.0% and total employment fell by 1.0% during the year ending March 2026, keeping the unemployment rate steady. This differs from Regional Qld, which recorded a 0.1% rise in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labour force, and a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future demand in Longreach. These projections, spanning five and ten years, have been aligned with the local workforce composition to estimate growth trajectories. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion rates vary widely across different sectors. Applying these industry projections to the employment structure of Longreach indicates local jobs could grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (this represents a basic weighting extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Longreach is $1,561 a week (about $81,000 a year), with median personal income at $938 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,826 a year against an average of $64,336. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show that income levels in the Longreach SA2 are below the national average, with a median of $57,826 and an average of $64,336. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Accounting for a 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $64,395 for the median and $71,645 for the average. In the 2021 Census, individual income was positioned at the 72nd percentile ($938 per week), while household income was at the 39th percentile.
The largest income group consists of 34.7% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,302 residents), which is similar to the regional distribution where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing costs are sustainable with residents retaining 90.9% of income, though disposable income is below the national norm at the 47th percentile, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Longreach had 1,342 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 90% detached houses and 3% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 39% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 12.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, residential structures in Longreach consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.2% other types of dwellings (including semi-detached properties, units, and alternative accommodation), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Longreach were higher than the regional average at 35.2%, with remaining residences being mortgaged (25.5%) or rented (39.2%). The median monthly payment for home loans in the area was $1,083, which is considerably below the Regional Qld median of $1,655, while the median weekly rental cost was $200, compared to $345 regionally.
On a national level, mortgage costs in Longreach are far below the Australian average of $1,863, and rent payments are significantly lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Longreach counted 1,342 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 63.3%, consisting of 24.2% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent arrangements. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.7%, with lone person households representing 32.9% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.5% of adults in Longreach hold a university qualification, including 14.3% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 31.5% hold a vocational qualification. 6 schools serve the area, with 724 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 935 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the region shows some low levels, with university graduation rates at 19.5%, which is well below the national figure of 30.4%. This highlights a potential area for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent 14.3% of qualifications, with postgraduate studies at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15 and older holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (31.5%). Participation in study is quite high, with 32.0% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This includes 14.4% in primary schools, 8.3% in high schools, and 3.6% undertaking tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Longreach means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.8% of residents in Longreach report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 75% of areas nationally. 5.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Longreach experiences notable health difficulties, as indicated by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic illnesses, with typical health issues present across both younger and older cohorts. In addition, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 51% of the population (~1,921 people). The most prevalent medical concerns identified in the area are mental health challenges and asthma, which affect 7.6% and 7.4% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 68.8% of residents reported having no medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Health statistics for working-age residents are generally standard. Residents aged 65 and older represent 18.5% of the population (693 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld level of 20.4%. Health profiles among older residents are positive, with national benchmarks showing higher results than the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Longreach is largely Australian-born, at 91.2% of residents, with 3.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.0%) and English (30.6%). 4.1% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Longreach displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 83.1% of the population, 91.2% of residents born in Australia, and 96.1% using only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 65.9% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding ancestry (based on parents' birthplaces), the top three heritages in Longreach are Australian at 32.0% of the population (well above the regional level of 26.5%), English at 30.6%, and Irish at 9.5%. There are also notable differences in other backgrounds: Maori is higher at 1.0% of Longreach (compared to 0.8% regionally), German stands at 4.8% (versus 4.7%), and Scottish is at 8.7% (compared to 7.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Longreach is 39. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 26.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Longreach is 39 years, which is slightly below the Regional Qld median of 41 years but very close to the national median of 38 years. The demographic mix reveals that the 25 to 34 age group is highly represented (15.4%), while the 75 to 84 age group is relatively small (5.5%) compared to the wider region. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 group has risen from 12.8% to 15.4% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has moved from 4.5% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 15.0% to 12.4% and the 45 to 54 group fell from 12.0% to 10.8%.
Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections suggest shifts in the age profile of Longreach. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 66 residents (32%) from 207 to 274. The combined cohorts aged 65 and older will represent 64% of total population growth, reflecting an aging population. In contrast, contractions are projected for the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Longreach
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 last month all 10 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 71 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,647 at the 2021 Census → 3,753 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (315031412). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.