Southern Downs - West
Statistical Area - sa2

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 around 5,396 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 405 people from the 2021 Census figure of 4,991. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 5,255 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 2.0 persons per square kilometer. Southern Downs - West's growth rate of 8.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both SA4 region (5.5%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data were used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan median by 2041, with the area expected to grow by 292 persons over the next 17 years based on latest numbers, recording a total gain of 2.8%.

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 around 120 homes. In FY-26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.2 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand exceeding new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $242,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen approximately $4.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's predominantly 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 comprises entirely detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space, with around 243 people per dwelling approval indicating room for growth.

Population forecasts project Southern Downs - West will gain approximately 151 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Southern Downs - West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 18 projects that are expected to have an influence on 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 provides details on those projects considered 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.

Employment performance in Southern Downs - West has been broadly consistent with national averages

Southern Downs - West has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of June 2025, which is 0.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year. As of June 2025, 2,446 residents are employed. Workforce participation in Southern Downs - West is significantly lower at 51.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share five times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 13.3%, compared to the regional level of 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.1% while labour force increased by 5.8%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 1.5 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8%, labour force expanded by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Southern Downs - West. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Southern Downs - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.4% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

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 at $41,038 and average income at $48,868. This is lower than Rest of Qld's figures: median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,779 (median) and $55,705 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Southern Downs - West are at the 7th percentile nationally. Income brackets show 28.4% of the population fall within the $800 - $1,499 range, while in metropolitan regions, 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 the 11th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Southern Downs - West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.3% houses and 2.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Southern Downs - West was at 50.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.7%) or rented (16.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $1,300 and $255 respectively. Nationally, Southern Downs - West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is 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 the Australian 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 prominent, 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%).

Six schools operate in Southern Downs - West, educating approximately 380 students, with a mix of five primary and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are 7.1, below the regional average of 14.1, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Only approximately 46% (~2,476 individuals) of the total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (8.3%). About 61.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 62.0%. The region has a notably high proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 26.4% (~1,425 people).

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% being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 65.4%, 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 representation was higher than regional average at 5.6%, while Australian Aboriginal was 3.8% and Scottish was 8.0%.

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 those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 8.7%. This concentration in the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, 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 age group has declined from 12.4% to 11.0%, and the 45 to 54 age 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 projected to see reduced numbers.