Townsville City - North Ward
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is 9,594 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 478 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,116. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 9,587 in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,419 persons per square kilometer. North Ward's growth rate of 5.2% since the Census positions it competitively compared to other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 86.4% 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 and 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 proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilised. Future demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with an expected increase of 833 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording an overall gain of 8.6% over 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 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 71 homes approved. In FY26 up to date, 8 homes have been approved. Each new dwelling has attracted an average of 3 new residents per year during these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $478,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. This financial year has seen $87.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Townsville City - North Ward shows significantly reduced construction, with 64% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is also lower than national levels, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new constructions in the area have been standalone homes, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (25% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 1323 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Townsville City - North Ward will gain 826 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Townsville City - North Ward has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 20 infrastructure projects that could impact a particular area's performance. Among them are Marina Residences, Mater Private Hospital Townsville Relocation, Defence Housing Australia - Townsville New Builds Volume Leasing Program (400+ Homes), and Weststate Private Hospital. The following list details those 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.

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. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 6.5%.

In comparison to the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, Townsville City - North Ward's rate is 2.6% higher. Workforce participation in the area stands at 65.1%, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Notably, public administration & safety has employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area hosts more jobs than residents, with a worker-to-resident ratio of 1.2 as at the Census. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, and employment declined by 4.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's employment growth of 1.8% and a labour force increase of 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Townsville City - North Ward's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations 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 had a median taxpayer income of $68,050 and an average income of $92,608 in financial year 2022, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Nationally, these figures are extremely high, contrasting 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% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $77,570 (median) and $105,564 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in North Ward stood out at the 87th percentile nationally ($1,115 weekly), while household income ranked lower at the 52nd percentile. Distribution data showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 30.5% of residents (2,926 people), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remained for other expenses, and 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

Townsville City - North Ward's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 24.9% houses and 75.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Townsville City - North Ward was 25.3%, similar to Non-Metro Qld. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 20.1%, while rented ones made up 54.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in the area was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Townsville City - North Ward's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of 2016 data, 42.5% of residents aged 15+ held university qualifications compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the Rest of Qld. Bachelor degrees were most common at 27.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials were also prominent, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 18.1%.

Educational participation was notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016 data. This included 8.9% in secondary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing primary education. As of 2017, Townsville City - North Ward's 5 schools had a combined enrollment reaching 2,486 students. The area demonstrated typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 1040, offering balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision followed conventional lines, split between 2 primary and 3 secondary institutions. As of 2017 data, the area functioned as an education hub with 25.9 school places per 100 residents - significantly above the regional average of 16.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 38 active transport stops operating within Townsville City - North Ward, consisting of a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 12 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,523 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 257 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 360 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 66 weekly trips per individual 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 superior health results with both young and elderly age groups having low incidences of common health conditions. The area has a notably high private health insurance coverage rate of approximately 67% (6,437 people), compared to 53.3% across the rest of Queensland and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in North Ward, affecting 8.1 and 6.7% of residents respectively.

A total of 72.1% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.1% (1,643 people), compared to 14.9% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in North Ward are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Townsville City - North Ward had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 12.8% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 26.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Townsville City - North Ward, accounting for 50.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism comprised 0.2% of the population, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.0%), Australian (21.0%), and Irish (10.2%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.7%, French at 0.7%, and Scottish 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 that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 19.7%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 7.0%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by one year from 40 to 39 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes include the growth of the 15-24 age group from 12.9% to 14.6%, and the increase of the 25-34 cohort from 18.1% to 19.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort 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. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 26%, reaching 2,390 people from 1,893. In contrast, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to decrease in population.