Miles - Wandoan
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was 4,522 as of Aug 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This reflected an increase of 342 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,180. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,357 in June 2024 and an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Miles-Wandoan's growth of 8.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 60.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data were adopted. These state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation was anticipated, with Miles-Wandoan expected to grow by 136 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in a reduction of 0.6% over the 17 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, about 5.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new properties is $301,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In terms of commercial development, $27.6 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Miles-Wandoan shows 16.0% lower construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 26th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns that are currently 88.0% houses.

This change could indicate diminishing developable land availability and responses to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. The estimated population per dwelling approval in the area is 1260 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With projected stability or decline in population, Miles-Wandoan may experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Miles - Wandoan has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project North, Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project, Bungaban Renewable Energy Project, and Western Downs Green Power Hub. The following details those 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 labour market in Miles - Wandoan shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Miles-Wandoan has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.6%. In Miles-Wandoan, 2,456 residents are in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is 61.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notably high concentration, with employment levels at 7.0 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 7.5% of Miles-Wandoan's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident indicates above-normal local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, labour force by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Miles-Wandoan. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Miles-Wandoan's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.7% over five years and 10.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Miles - Wandoan has an income below the national average. The median income is $47,173 and the average income stands at $51,467. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,773 (median) and $58,667 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 44th percentile ($774 weekly), while household income sits at the 23rd percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 30.7% of locals (1,388 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. 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 evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Miles-Wandoan was 39.0%, with the remainder mortgaged (21.1%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,018, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Miles-Wandoan was $200, substantially lower than Non-Metro Qld's $230 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is high at 31.3%, including 13.7% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education. A network of eight schools operates within Miles - Wandoan, educating approximately 588 students. The educational mix includes six primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Miles - Wandoan is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Miles-Wandoan faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2098 people), compared to 49.2% across the rest of Queensland. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.6 and 8.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (838 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 82.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Miles-Wandoan, accounting for 65.6%, compared to 64.6% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.4%), English (28.5%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was lower at 4.9% than the regional average of 6.7%, while Filipino ancestry was also lower at 1.3% compared to 1.0% regionally.

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

The median age in Miles-Wandoan is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.6% of the population in Miles-Wandoan, higher than Rest of Queensland's percentage. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort makes up 10.5%, which is lower compared to Rest of Queensland. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.2% to 16.6% of Miles-Wandoan's population, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Miles-Wandoan. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 15 people (from 751 to 864), while the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.