Nanango
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Nanango's population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 10,750. This figure reflects a growth of 747 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,003. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,673 in June 2024 and 172 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.5 persons per square kilometer. Nanango's growth rate of 7.5% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.0%, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 93.1% of overall population gains in recent periods.

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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Demographic trends suggest that Nanango's population will increase by approximately 768 persons to 2041, representing a total gain of 6.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Nanango among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Nanango has averaged approximately 43 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 215 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $290,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $7.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Nanango's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Nanango has 29.0% more development per person over the past five years, preserving buyer options while sustaining property demand. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining low density character with a focus on family homes.

The area has approximately 204 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts predict Nanango will gain 682 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth exceeding current forecasts.

Nanango has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 20 potential impact projects: Nanango Solar Farm, Nanango Residential Estate Stage 2, South Burnett Energy Centre, Nanango Town Centre Revitalisation among key ones.

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

Employment drivers in Nanango are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Nanango has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 9.5% in an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.7%. As of June 2025, 3,751 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, exceeding the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 36.5%, significantly lower than the regional average of 59.1%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed strong specialization with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance had a limited presence at 13.6%, compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data analysis. In the 12 months preceding June 2025, employment increased by 4.7% while unemployment rose by 2.5 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of Qld's figures of 1.8%, 2.0%, and 0.2 percentage points respectively. State-level data to Sep-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varied significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Nanango's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Nanango's median income among taxpayers is $38,509, with an average of $47,985. This is below the national average. Rest of Qld's median is $50,780 and average is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Nanango are approximately $43,018 (median) and $53,604 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Nanango all fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 34.7% of the population (3,730 individuals) fall within the $400 - $799 income range, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. The concentration of 45.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges for a significant portion of Nanango's community. While housing costs are modest with 87.5% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Nanango's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nanango stood at 52.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.6% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,083. Weekly rent in Nanango was recorded at $230, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Nanango's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.9% of all households, including 17.5% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (32.9%). Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.5% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Six schools operate within Nanango, educating approximately 1,107 students. There are five primary and one secondary school, serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (10.3) fall below the regional average (14.0), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Nanango is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Nanango faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate is low at approximately 46%, covering around 4,945 people (~60% of the national average of 55.3%).

Common medical conditions include arthritis (13.6%) and mental health issues (11.4%), with 53.4% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 59.4% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.5% (~3,605 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 26.8%. Health outcomes among seniors present certain challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Nanango's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.5% of its population being citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Nanango is Christianity, accounting for 52.7% of the population, compared to 56.4% across the Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (34.5%), Australian (30.0%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, German representation is higher in Nanango at 6.5%, compared to 7.8% regionally; Australian Aboriginal representation is lower at 3.6%, versus 6.0%; and Scottish representation is slightly higher at 8.2%, compared to 7.4%.

Nanango ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Nanango is 54 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Queensland average, the 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Nanango at 19.7%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.8%. The 65-74 concentration in Nanango is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.3% of the population, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 10.6% to 9.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Nanango, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 25%, adding 305 residents to reach 1,519. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 70% of population growth, underscoring trends towards an aging population. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.