Southern Downs - West

Southern Downs - West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Southern Downs - West's population was approximately 5,396 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 405 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.1% rise from the previous figure of 4,991 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,255 in June 2024 and an additional 184 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.0 persons per square kilometer. Southern Downs - West's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (5.5%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.8% 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilized. Demographically, the area is expected to grow by approximately 292 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 2.8% in total over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Southern Downs - West has averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 120 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.2 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply. New homes are constructed at an average value of $242,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $4.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Southern Downs - West maintains similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

The location has approximately 243 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Population forecasts indicate Southern Downs - West will gain 151 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should sufficiently meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current projections.

Southern Downs - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely influencing the area. Notable projects include Allora Precinct Redevelopment, The Crossroads Development, The Rose Estate Residential Subdivision, and Warwick Home & Co Retail Centre. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Southern Downs - West has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Southern Downs - West has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%. There were 2,471 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 0.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area showed strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 5.0 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance had limited presence at 13.3%, compared to 16.1% regionally. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 4.2% while labour force grew by 6.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 2.4 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov showed QLD 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 Jobs and Skills Australia projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Southern Downs - West's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Southern Downs - West SA2 was $41,038 and average income was $48,868. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since June 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $46,779 and average income is $55,705. Census data indicates Southern Downs - West incomes rank between the 6th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 28.4% (1,532 individuals) fall within the $800-$1,499 range, unlike metropolitan trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500-$2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 87.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Southern Downs - West had 97.3% houses and 2.7% other dwellings as of the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southern Downs - West was 50.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.7% and rented at 16.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $255. Nationally, Southern Downs - West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.8% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 37.4% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high at 27.6%, comprising primary education (11.3%), secondary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (1.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Southern Downs - West is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Southern Downs - West faces significant health challenges. Common conditions are prevalent among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (8.3%). A total of 61.7% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 62.0%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 26.4%, compared to the general population.

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

Southern Downs-West had a cultural diversity score below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 65.4% of people, compared to 63.9% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.6%), English (31.6%), and Irish (10.9%).

Notably, German (5.6%) was proportionally equal to the regional average, while Australian Aboriginal (3.8%) and Scottish (8.0%) had slightly higher representation compared to Rest of Qld's 3.6% and 8.5%, respectively.

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

Southern Downs - West's median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Rest of Qld's 41 and the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 17.5%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 8.7%. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.0%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 7.6% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 11.0%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Southern Downs - West's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 117 people (25%) from 466 to 584. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 52% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.