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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Runcorn's population is around 15,707 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,661 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,046 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,478 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 185 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,347 persons per square kilometer. Runcorn's growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average of 9.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 468 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.5% 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 experienced approximately 60 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 304 homes. As of FY26, 36 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2 new residents arrive per new home each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this has accelerated to 15 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $285,000.

This financial year has seen $11.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Brisbane, where Runcorn is 31.0% above the regional average 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. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 429 people per dwelling approval, Runcorn shows a developed market with future projections estimating an addition of 239 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Future projections show Runcorn adding 239 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, 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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Holmview Estate Development, Kuraby Special School New Administration, Library and Learning Centre, Eight Mile Plains Development Site, and Runcorn State School Facilities Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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 an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%. As of September 2025, 8,451 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's at 70.7%. According to Census responses, 15.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

In contrast, public administration & safety employs only 5.3% of local workers, lower than Greater Brisbane's 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and labour force grew by 1.0%, keeping the unemployment rate stable at 4.7%. In comparison, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a decrease in unemployment rate to 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying significantly by industry sector. Applying these projections to Runcorn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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 2023 shows that income in Runcorn SA2 is below the national average. The median assessed income is $48,501 and the average income stands at $60,617. In contrast, Greater Brisbane has a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Runcorn SA2 would be approximately $53,307 (median) and $66,624 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Runcorn rank modestly, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. Income brackets show that 39.0% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (6,125 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends in the area showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

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. This compares to Brisbane metropolitan area's figures of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Runcorn stood at 27.8%, similar to Brisbane metro's level, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 33.6% and rented dwellings for 38.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Runcorn was $1,600, below the Brisbane metro average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Runcorn was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Runcorn's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded this figure.

Runcorn features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-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, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Runcorn is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 37.0% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. This educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 29.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (16.5%). Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Runcorn has 53 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 30 individual routes, facilitating 1,928 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 225 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 80%, followed by buses at 10% and trains at 6%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 275 trips per day across all routes, translating 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 demonstrates outstanding results across Runcorn. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be very low across all age groups. Approximately 49% of the total population (~7,727 people) had private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma (6.1%) and mental health issues (6.0%). 78.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Runcorn has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,217 people), lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong but ranked lower nationally than the broader population.

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 culturally diverse population, with 57.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 55.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Runcorn, comprising 36.6% of its population. However, the most prominent overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 8.3%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (20.2%), Other (18.7%), and English (14.7%). Notably, Korean (4.6%) and Indian (6.1%) groups are overrepresented in Runcorn compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 2.0%, respectively.

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

Runcorn's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 but somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Runcorn has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has grown from 3.0% to 4.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has declined from 19.1% to 17.7%, and those aged 35-44 have dropped from 16.3% to 15.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Runcorn. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 73%, adding 526 residents to reach a total of 1,244. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 68% of population growth, underscoring trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.