Miles - Wandoan

An assessment of population growth drivers in Miles - Wandoan reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Miles-Wandoan's population is approximately 4,401 as of May 2026, a 5.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,180 people. This growth was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data and validated new addresses since June 2025. The population density is around 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Miles-Wandoan's growth exceeded its SA3 area (3.5%) and the broader SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the area. Natural growth contributed approximately 70.5% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 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, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 135 persons, reflecting a total gain of 2.9% over the 16 years.

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

Miles-Wandoan has received approximately five dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 29 homes. As of FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This supply has lagged demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $337,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $27.6 million have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Miles-Wandoan shows 16.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks in the 25th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. New building activity comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the current pattern of 88.0% houses. This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The area has an estimated 1260 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts suggest Miles-Wandoan will gain 128 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Miles - Wandoan has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones include Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project North, Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project, Bungaban Renewable Energy Project, and Western Downs Green Power Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Miles - Wandoan ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Miles-Wandoan has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.8%. As of December 2025, 2,501 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, below Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 73.2%, higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 20.3% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment were agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and retail trade. Miles-Wandoan had strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 7.0 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented, at 7.5% compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.7, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 4.8%, labour force by 6.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Miles-Wandoan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 10.7% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Miles - Wandoan SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,320 and an average level of $52,854. This is below the national average of $66,593 and compares to regional Queensland levels of $53,146 for median and $66,593 for average incomes. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,696 (median) and $58,858 (average) as of March 2026. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census figures for 2021, personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile ($774 weekly), while household income sits at the 22nd percentile. Distribution data shows 30.7% of the population (1,351 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 90.3% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 31st percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Miles - Wandoan, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Miles - Wandoan was at 39.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (21.1%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,018, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Miles - Wandoan was $200, compared to Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 66.6% of all households, including 25.0% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Miles - Wandoan faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.7% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Miles - Wandoan's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Wandoan's health metrics closely match national benchmarks according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover rate in Wandoan is extremely low at approximately 46% (2,037 people) compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 67.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents in Wandoan have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 19.7% (866 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Miles-Wandoan was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 82.3% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Miles-Wandoan is Christianity, comprising 65.6% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (35.4%), English (28.5%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 5.7%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.9%, and Filipino at 1.3%.

Miles - Wandoan's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Miles-Wandoan is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.7% of the population, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.2% to 16.7%, the 45-54 group has decreased from 12.5% to 9.9%, and the 15-24 group has fallen from 10.5% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Miles-Wandoan, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 15 people (from 733 to 846), while the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to decrease.