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 was approximately 4,401 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a growth of 221 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,180. The increase is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 4,357 in June 2024 and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Miles-Wandoan's growth rate of 5.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average of 3.8%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 60.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all migration factors also being positive contributors.

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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 136 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 2.1% 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 around 5 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 29 homes. In FY26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. This averages to approximately 5.5 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpaces supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $337,000, aligning with regional trends.

In FY26, $27.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Miles-Wandoan records 16.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 25th percentile nationally, suggesting constrained buyer choice favouring existing dwellings. New development comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current 88.0% houses pattern. The area has an estimated 1260 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Miles-Wandoan will add 92 residents by 2041, with current development patterns meeting demand and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Future projections show Miles - Wandoan adding 92 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Miles - Wandoan has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting 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 list 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 employment environment in Miles - Wandoan shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Miles-Wandoan has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%.

There were 2,498 residents in work by September 2025, with an unemployment rate 0.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was higher at 73.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 20.3% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors were agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and retail trade.

Miles-Wandoan had a particularly high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 7.0 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 7.5% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.7, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, while labour force grew by 6.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Miles - Wandoan SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,320 and an average income of $52,854 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average for Queensland, where the median income was $53,146 and the average income was $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,009 (median) and $58,092 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 43rd percentile ($774 weekly), while household income was at the 22nd percentile. Distribution data showed that 30.7% of residents (1,351 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, consistent with broader regional trends. Housing costs were manageable with 90.3% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 31st percentile.

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

The 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 Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Miles-Wandoan stood at 39.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (21.1%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,018, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Miles-Wandoan was recorded at $200, substantially lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 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 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 constitute 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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, 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 are close to national benchmarks according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical of the general population, but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (2,037 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.6 and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 67.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (818 people), lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 82.3% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 65.6%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (35.4%), English (28.5%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German ancestry was 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

Miles-Wandoan's median age is 37 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years, but essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Miles-Wandoan at 17.1%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 10.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.2% to 17.1% of the population in Miles-Wandoan. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Miles-Wandoan's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 15%, adding 111 residents to reach a total of 864. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.