Runcorn

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 was approximately 15,640 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 1,594 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,046. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 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. The area's growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Examining future trends, lower quartile growth is anticipated, with an expected expansion of 468 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total 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 received approximately 60 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 304 homes. As of FY26, 35 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new home has accommodated around 2 residents per year between FY21 and FY25. However, this figure has increased to 15 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating rising demand and tightening supply. The average construction cost of new properties is $285,000.

This financial year has seen $11.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Runcorn has experienced slightly higher development activity, with a 31.0% increase per person over the five-year period. 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. With around 429 people moving in for each dwelling approval, Runcorn exhibits a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Runcorn is projected to add 306 residents by 2041.

Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially facilitating population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Runcorn has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 37 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are Holmview Estate Development, Kuraby Special School's new Administration, Library and Learning Centre project, Eight Mile Plains Development Site, and Runcorn State School Facilities Upgrade. The following list details those projects expected 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 has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year.

As of this date, 8,451 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area had a particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety employed just 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 7.0%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population data. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and labour force increased by 1.0%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Runcorn's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Runcorn SA2 was $46,105 with average income at $57,398. This is below national averages of $55,645 (median) and $70,520 (average) for Greater Brisbane. Using Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year ending June 2022, estimated median income in Runcorn SA2 as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,555 and average income around $65,428. Census data from 2021 places household, family, and personal incomes in Runcorn between the 36th and 49th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 39.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This is consistent with broader trends across the area showing 33.3% in the same income category. Housing costs consume 16.0% of income in Runcorn SA2. Despite this, disposable income ranks 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 while 29.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Brisbane metropolitan area's 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Runcorn stood at 27.8%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 33.6% and rented ones making up 38.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure in Runcorn was recorded at $400, aligning with Brisbane metro's figure of $400. Nationally, Runcorn's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 23.5%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households making up 6.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is 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 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally in Australia. 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 aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (16.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary education (9.3%), tertiary education (7.1%), and secondary education (6.4%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Runcorn shows that there are currently 53 active transport stops operating within the town. These include a mix of train stations and bus stops serviced by 28 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 1,921 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 226 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 274 trips per day, which equates to about 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 common 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, compared to 77.0% across Greater Brisbane. Runcorn has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,067 people), which is lower than the 15.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line 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 a high level of cultural diversity, with 57.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Runcorn, accounting for 36.6% of the population. The category 'Other' is notably overrepresented in Runcorn, comprising 8.3% compared to 4.5% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (20.2%), Other (18.7%), and English (14.7%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences: 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 younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Runcorn has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.5%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 3.0% to 4.1% of the population. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 age cohort has decreased from 16.3% to 15.6%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Runcorn. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 93%, adding 599 residents and reaching a total of 1,244. This growth contributes to an overall increase in residents aged 65 and older, who represent 67% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.