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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Runcorn's population is around 15,640 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,594 people (11.3%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 14,046 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,478 as of June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to 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 11.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.6%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 75.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area 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 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. As future population trends are examined, lower quartile growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 468 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in an increase of 2.0% in total 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 received approximately 60 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that between the financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), Runcorn had a total of 304 dwelling approvals, with an additional 4 approvals recorded in FY-26. Over these past five years, there has been an average of 2 people moving to the area for each dwelling constructed. However, this figure has increased to 15 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, indicating a rise in demand and tightening supply. The average construction value for development projects is $463,000.

This year alone, there have been $11.8 million worth of commercial approvals registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Runcorn has seen slightly more development activity, with a 31.0% increase in dwelling approvals per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 70.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that favour more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 429 people moving to Runcorn for each dwelling approval, it indicates a developed market.

Future projections suggest Runcorn will add approximately 306 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply is expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 36 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable projects include Holmview Estate Development, Eight Mile Plains Development Site, Runcorn State School Facilities Upgrade, and Runcorn Suburban Renewal Precinct. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Runcorn has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 5.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year.

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

In contrast, public administration & safety employs just 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, and labour force increased by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lags behind national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant differences in growth 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Runcorn is $46,105 and average income is $57,398. This is below the national average of $55,645 (median) and $70,520 (average) in Greater Brisbane. By March 2025, considering an 11.71% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated median income in Runcorn would be approximately $51,504 and average income would be around $64,119. The 2021 Census ranks incomes in Runcorn between the 36th and 50th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate that 39.0% of Runcorn residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (6,099 individuals), which aligns with broader area trends at 33.3%. Housing costs consume 16.0% of income in Runcorn, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. 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 recorded in the latest Census, 70.2% of dwellings were houses while 29.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached properties and apartments. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Runcorn stood at 27.8%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (38.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Runcorn was $1,600, lower than Brisbane's average of $1,800. Weekly rent median was recorded at $400, matching Brisbane's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Runcorn's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 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+ holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally as of the latest data from 2021. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 12.5% and certificates make up 16.5%. Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 7.1% in tertiary, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education as of the academic year ending in 2021.

Runcorn State High School and Runcorn Heights State School serve a total of 1,450 students, with the area demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1005) and balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision follows conventional lines, with one primary and one secondary institution serving the area. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.3, falling below the regional average of 13.1, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas as of the latest demographic data from 2021.

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

Transport analysis shows 53 active transport stops in Runcorn, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 28 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,921 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 226 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 274 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual 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 a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,554 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1 and 6.0% of residents respectively. A total of 78.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 77.0% figure for Greater Brisbane. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.2%, with 2,067 people falling into this age group compared to 15.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health 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 has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the country, with 57.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 55.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Runcorn, comprising 36.6% of its population. The category 'Other', however, shows notable overrepresentation at 8.3%, compared to 4.5% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese (20.2%), Other (18.7%), and English (14.7%) are the top three represented groups in Runcorn. Some ethnic groups show significant divergences: Korean is overrepresented at 4.6%, Samoan at 1.0%, and Indian at 6.1%.

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

Runcorn has a median age of 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and substantially under 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 present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.0% to 4.1%, while the 35-44 cohort 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 will contribute to an overall increase in the proportion of residents aged 65 and older, who are expected to represent 67% of the population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.