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 is approximately 5,372 as of Aug 2025. This represents an increase of 381 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,991 people. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,255 in June 2024 and an additional 174 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 population grew by 7.6% between the 2021 Census and Aug 2025, exceeding the SA4 region's growth rate of 5.1%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.8% of overall population gains during this period.

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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Based on recent demographic trends, the area is expected to grow by approximately 292 persons to reach a total population of around 5,664 by 2041, marking an increase of about 3.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Southern Downs - West averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS covers financial years FY-21 to FY-25, totalling 120 approvals, with an additional 4 in FY-26. This area has seen an average of 3.2 new residents per year for each home built over these five years. Demand significantly outpaces supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $251,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $4.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Southern Downs - West has similar development levels per person, indicating market stability aligned with regional patterns.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 243 people per dwelling approval in this location, suggesting room for growth. Population forecasts project an increase of 175 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth beyond current forecasts.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 20 such projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Allora Precinct Redevelopment, The Crossroads Development, The Rose Estate Residential Subdivision, and Warwick Home & Co Retail Centre. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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

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

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. There are 2,446 residents in work, with workforce participation at 51.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (employment share of 5.0 times the regional level) but limited presence in health care & social assistance (13.3% compared to 16.1% regionally).

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, labour force by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5%, with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will 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 was $41,038 and average income was $48,868. This is lower than Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.71% from financial year ending June 2022 to March 2025, estimated median income in Southern Downs - West would be approximately $45,844 and average income would be around $54,590 by March 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Southern Downs - West are at the 7th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 28.4% of individuals earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, unlike metropolitan areas where 31.7% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Despite modest housing costs, with 87.1% of income retained after expenses, 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

Southern Downs - West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.3% houses and 2.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southern Downs - West was at 50.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.7% and rented ones 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 median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus Australia's $1,863. 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households making up 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 10.6% and certificates make up 30.6%. Educational participation is high at 27.6%, including 11.3% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Six schools operate within Southern Downs - West, educating approximately 380 students. The educational mix includes five primary and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (7.1) are below the regional average (14.1), with some students possibly attending 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, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 2,465 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health concerns (8.3%). About 61.7% report no medical ailments, close to Rest of Qld's 62.0%. The area has 26.4%, or approximately 1,418 people aged 65 and over.

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% 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%).

Notable differences existed in German (5.6% vs regional 5.6%), Australian Aboriginal (3.8% vs 3.6%), and Scottish (8.0% vs 8.5%) representation.

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 higher than 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% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds 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%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has 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 has 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, increasing by 119 people (26%) from 464 to 584. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 52% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.