Southern Downs - East
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Southern Downs - East's population was around 4,680 as of August 2025, reflecting an increase of 320 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 4,594, with an additional 198 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2.9 persons per square kilometer. Between 2021 and 2025, Southern Downs - East's population grew by 7.3%, exceeding both the SA4 region (5.1%) and the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.6% to this growth 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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and 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 dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for national regional areas, with the area expected to increase by 81 persons to 2041, recording a decrease of 0.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Southern Downs - East when compared nationally

Southern Downs - East has recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 143 dwellings were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has resulted in 2.1 new residents per year over this period, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $343,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. This financial year, there have been $2.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Southern Downs - East shows moderately higher construction activity, with a 49.0% increase above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity consists primarily of detached dwellings, at 96.0%, and attached dwellings at 4.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. However, population projections suggest stability or decline in the area, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

Southern Downs - East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Warwick Solar Farm, Warwick Industrial Estate Water Recycling Pipeline, Aleva Estate Residential Development, and Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment Project. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

Employment conditions in Southern Downs - East demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Southern Downs - East has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 5.2%. There are 2,378 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is 56.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 4.8 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 12.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data analysis. Over June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 5.2%, labour force by 5.8%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National comparisons show Queensland lagging national employment growth of 0.26% but having a lower unemployment rate of 4.2% compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Southern Downs - East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that Southern Downs - East has an income below the national average. The median income is $42,759 and the average income stands at $49,991. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Southern Downs - East would be approximately $47,766 (median) and $55,845 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Southern Downs - East all fall between the 12th and 17th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that the predominant cohort spans 28.8% of locals (1,347 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.4% of income retained, but the total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Southern Downs - East, as per the latest Census, was predominantly houses at 99.0%, with other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') comprising 1.0%. This is higher than Non-Metro Qld's house percentage of 92.3% and lower other dwelling percentage of 7.6%. Home ownership in Southern Downs - East stood at 51.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,386, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300 but below the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Southern Downs - East was $240, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $255 and significantly below the national average of $375.

Southern Downs - East has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.4% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 39.6% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.6%, with lone person households at 23.5% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3 people.

Southern Downs - East faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 30.3%. Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.4% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

The five schools in Southern Downs - East have a combined enrollment of 217 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) with balanced educational opportunities. There are four primary and one K-12 school. School capacity is limited locally (4.6 places per 100 residents vs 14.1 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Southern Downs - East has five operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are collectively serviced by one route, offering ten weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 8189 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Southern Downs - East is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Southern Downs - East faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,157 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.6 and 7.7% of residents respectively. 64.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.0% across Rest of Qld. The area has 28.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,332 people), which is higher than the 27.0% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Southern Downs - East placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Southern Downs-East showed low cultural diversity, with 90.7% citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 68.1%, compared to 63.9% across Rest of Qld. Top ancestral groups were Australian (31.6%), English (31.4%), and Irish (11.6%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than average at 9.6%, German at 5.5%, and Australian Aboriginal lower at 2.4%.

Southern Downs - East ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Southern Downs - East has a median age of 51, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the cohort aged 65-74 is notably over-represented at 17.4% locally, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 7.2%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.2% to 8.5%, and the cohort aged 55 to 64 increased from 17.6% to 18.8%. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 has declined from 11.4% to 9.8%, and those aged 45 to 54 have dropped from 14.3% to 13.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Southern Downs - East's age structure. The cohort aged 85+ is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 85 people (70%) from 122 to 208. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 67% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 55-64 and 35-44.