Runcorn
Statistical Area - sa2

Runcorn is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Runcorn's population is 15,640 as of November 2025. This shows an increase of 1,594 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,046. The change was inferred from ABS estimates: 15,478 in June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,337 persons per square kilometer, placing Runcorn in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Runcorn's growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.8% of overall population gains during 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth, with the area expected to expand by 468 persons to 2041, an increase of 2.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Runcorn recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Runcorn has seen approximately 60 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totaling 304 homes. As of FY26, 33 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2 new residents arrive per newly constructed home each year between FY21 and FY25, suggesting balanced supply and demand. However, this has increased to 15 people per dwelling over the past two years, indicating growing demand and tightening supply. New properties are built at an average cost of $285,000.

In FY26, there have been $11.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Runcorn has slightly higher development activity, with 31.0% more approvals per person over the past five years. Recent construction consists of 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition, which is 70.0% houses. This denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 429 people per dwelling approval, Runcorn exhibits a developed market.

By 2041, it is projected that Runcorn will add approximately 306 residents. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Runcorn has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 37 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are Holmview Estate Development, Eight Mile Plains Development Site, Kuraby Special School's new Administration, Library and Learning Centre project, and Runcorn State School Facilities Upgrade. The following list provides more details on those projects likely to have the 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.

Runcorn has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Runcorn's workforce is well-educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.0% in June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 8,319 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 4.1%, 0.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation in Runcorn is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety employs just 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data. During June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, and labour force grew by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Runcorn's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Runcorn is below the national average. The median assessed income is $46,105 while the average income stands at $57,398. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,555 (median) and $65,428 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Runcorn, between the 36th and 50th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 39.0% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (6,099 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income. However, strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Runcorn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Runcorn, as per the latest Census evaluation, 70.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 29.7% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Runcorn stood at 27.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented ones at 38.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Runcorn was $400, matching Brisbane metro's figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Runcorn's mortgage repayments were significantly below the Australian average of $1,863.

Runcorn features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 76.5% of all households, including 37.8% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for 23.5%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

Runcorn performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational attainment in Runcorn is notably high, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.0% of residents holding them; advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 16.5%. Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.1% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education. Runcorn State High School and Runcorn Heights State School serve a total of 1,450 students, with the area having typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1005) and balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing education in the area. The number of school places per 100 residents is 9.3, which is lower than the regional average of 13.1, indicating some students may attend schools outside Runcorn.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis indicates 53 active stops operating within Runcorn, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 28 individual routes, facilitating 1,921 weekly passenger trips in total. Residential accessibility to transport is rated good, with residents typically located 226 metres from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 274 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per stop.

Runcorn's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Runcorn, with low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,554 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1 and 6.0% of residents respectively. A majority, 78.0%, report being free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 77.0%. Runcorn has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.2% (2,067 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.5%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Runcorn is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Runcorn's population is culturally diverse, with 57.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 55.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Runcorn, making up 36.6%. The 'Other' category comprises 8.3%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.5%.

Top ancestry groups are Chinese (20.2%), Other (18.7%), and English (14.7%). Korean (4.6%) and Samoan (1.0%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.9% and 0.8%, respectively, while Indian is slightly higher at 6.1%.

Runcorn hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Runcorn's median age is 34, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Runcorn has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.5%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 3.0% to 4.1%, while the percentage of those aged 35-44 has decreased from 16.3% to 15.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Runcorn. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 93%, adding 599 residents to reach a total of 1,244. This growth is part of an overall trend towards demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 67% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.