Townsville - South

Townsville - South lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Townsville - South's population is around 5,903 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,136 people (23.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,767 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,546 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 416 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Townsville - South's 23.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 76.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of regional areas across the nation, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 5,214 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 82.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Townsville - South was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Townsville - South has seen around 84 new homes approved per year, totalling 421 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 45 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $286,000 —below regional norms —reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Also, $4.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Townsville - South has 315.0% more development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 68 people per dwelling approval, Townsville - South shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Townsville - South adding 4,857 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Townsville - South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 101 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Queensland Resources Common User Facility, SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, Iluka, and the Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Townsville - South ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Townsville - South possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,796 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (63.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, accommodation & food employs just 3.6% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 8.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increase by 0.2% combined with employment decreasing by 0.4%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Townsville - South. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Townsville - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Townsville - South SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,344 with the average level standing at $66,464. This is slightly lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,829 (median) and $73,051 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Townsville - South cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. The data shows 34.5% of the population (2,036 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Townsville - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Townsville - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.7% houses and 0.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Townsville - South was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 43.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (48.7%) or rented (8.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Townsville - South's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Townsville - South features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 79.4% of all households, comprising 32.6% couples with children, 39.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.6%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Townsville - South fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (32.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Townsville - South are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Townsville - South, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,075 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.1 and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 68.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,129 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Townsville - South is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Townsville - South was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.8% of its population being citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Townsville - South is Christianity, which makes up 55.6% of people in Townsville - South, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Townsville - South are Australian, comprising 33.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 30.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is represented at 4.5% of Townsville - South (vs 4.7% regionally), New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.9%) and Italian at 3.5% (vs 2.4%).

Townsville - South hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

At 44 years, Townsville - South's median age is marginally above the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.4%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (9.8%) than in Regional Qld. Since 2021, the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.0 years to 44 from 45. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.0% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 5.6% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 14.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Townsville - South. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 104%, adding 798 residents to reach 1,568.