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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Miles - Wandoan's population is around 4,401 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 221 people (5.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,180 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,357 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 189 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Miles - Wandoan's 5.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 60.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 136 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.1% in total 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 experienced around 5 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 29 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 5.5 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $337,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $27.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Miles - Wandoan records 16.0% less building activity (per person) and places among the 25th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 88.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 1260 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

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

Nothing influences an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project North, Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project, Bungaban Renewable Energy Project, and Western Downs Green Power Hub, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 4.8% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,501 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (73.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 7.0 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 7.5% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 4.8% alongside a labour force increase of 6.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Miles - Wandoan. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Miles - Wandoan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 10.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Miles - Wandoan SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $47,320 and an average of $52,854 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,009 (median) and $58,092 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile ($774 weekly), while household income sits at the 22nd percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.7% of residents (1,351 people), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. 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 within Miles - Wandoan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Miles - Wandoan was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 39.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.1%) or rented (39.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,018, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Miles - Wandoan's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 66.6% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.6%).

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

Miles-Wandoan's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,037 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. 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), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they 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 be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.3% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Miles - Wandoan is Christianity, which makes up 65.6% of the people. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Miles - Wandoan are Australian, comprising 35.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 28.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.7% of Miles - Wandoan (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.9% (vs 3.9%) and Filipino at 1.3% (vs 0.9%).

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

At 37 years, Miles - Wandoan's median age is significantly below the Regional Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (17.1% locally), while 45 - 54 year-olds are under-represented (10.4%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.2% to 17.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Miles - Wandoan's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 15%, adding 111 residents to reach 864. On the other hand, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.