Townsville City - North Ward

An assessment of population growth drivers in Townsville City - North Ward reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Townsville City - North Ward's population was around 9,594 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 478 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,116 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,587 in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,419 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Townsville City - North Ward's 5.2% growth since census positions it within 1.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 86.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for 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 where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 833 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 8.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Townsville City - North Ward according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Townsville City - North Ward averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 71 homes approved during this period. An additional 10 dwellings have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 3 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

This indicates healthy demand for housing, which is likely to support property values. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $478,000, which is moderately above regional levels and suggests an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26 alone, there have been $87.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Comparatively, Townsville City - North Ward shows substantially reduced construction levels relative to the rest of Queensland, with 64.0% fewer new constructions per person than the regional average. This constrained supply typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

Furthermore, this trend is also lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New construction in Townsville City - North Ward has been exclusively comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (25.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location currently has approximately 1323 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Townsville City - North Ward is forecasted to gain 826 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Townsville City - North Ward has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include Defence Housing Australia's Townsville New Builds Volume Leasing Program (over 400 homes), Marina Residences, Mater Private Hospital Townsville Relocation, and Weststate Private Hospital. The following list details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Townsville City - North Ward shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Townsville City - North Ward has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.2% as of September 2025.

At this time, 5447 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was at 65.1%, above Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Public administration & safety shows notable concentration with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction has lower representation at 5.7% versus the regional average of 10.1%. As of the Census, there were 1.2 workers per resident, indicating the area functions as an employment hub. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.1%, but employment declined by 1.1%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Townsville City - North Ward's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Townsville City - North Ward SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $68,050 and an average of $92,608 in financial year 2022. This was significantly higher than the Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $77,570 and an average of $105,564, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings were at the 86th percentile nationally ($1,115 weekly), but household income ranked lower at the 52nd percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 30.5% of residents (2,926 people). After housing costs, 85.1% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Townsville City - North Ward features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Townsville City - North Ward, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 24.9% houses and 75.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Townsville City - North Ward was 25.3%, with the remainder being mortgaged (20.1%) or rented (54.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, above Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Townsville City - North Ward's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

Townsville City - North Ward features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 50.5% of all households, including 14.4% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 49.5%, with lone person households at 43.0% and group households making up 6.4%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Townsville City - North Ward exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Townsville City - North Ward is notable, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the Rest of Qld. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (18.1%). Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.9% in secondary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing primary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in secondary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing primary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 38 active stops operating within Townsville City - North Ward. These include a mix of ferry and bus services. There are 12 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 2,523 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 257 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 360 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 66 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Townsville City - North Ward is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Townsville City - North Ward shows above-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 67% of its total population (6,437 people) has private health cover, compared to 53.3% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.1% and 6.7% of residents respectively.

72.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,643 people), higher than the 14.9% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Townsville City - North Ward was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Townsville City - North Ward had a higher cultural diversity with 12.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.8%. Judaism showed an overrepresentation at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in Rest of Qld.

The top ancestry groups were English (28.0%), Australian (21.0%), and Irish (10.2%). Spanish (0.7%) and French (0.7%) were notably higher than regional averages, while Scottish was slightly overrepresented at 8.9%.

Townsville City - North Ward's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Townsville City - North Ward is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 25-34 (19.7%), while those aged 5-14 are comparatively smaller at 7.0%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1 year from 40 to 39 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes include an increase in the 15-24 age group from 12.9% to 14.6%, and the 25-34 cohort from 18.1% to 19.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 group has declined from 14.5% to 12.0%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 15.2% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Townsville City - North Ward, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 26% (496 people), reaching 2,390 from 1,893. In contrast, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.