Walkerston - Eton
Statistical Area - sa2

Walkerston - Eton is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Walkerston-Eton's population is 8,769 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a growth of 312 people, or 3.7%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,457. This increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 8,730 in June 2024 and an additional 70 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 14.0 persons per square kilometer. Walkerston-Eton's growth rate of 3.7% since the census places it within 2.9 percentage points of its SA3 area, indicating strong fundamentals for growth. Natural growth contributed approximately 88.9% of overall population gains in recent periods.

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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected growth of 619 persons to 2041 based on current numbers, resulting in a total gain of 6.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Walkerston - Eton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Walkerston - Eton has received approximately 15 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that between Financial Year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-2025, around 79 dwellings were approved. In the current financial year, FY-26, five approvals have been granted so far. On average, about 4.9 new residents per year arrived for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25).

This indicates that demand is outstripping supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new properties is $498,000, aligning with regional trends. Commercial approvals this year total $2.5 million, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Walkerston - Eton has roughly half the building activity per person.

Nationally, it ranks at the 26th percentile among assessed areas, suggesting limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established homes. This level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development in Walkerston - Eton has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 622 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Walkerston - Eton will gain approximately 580 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Walkerston - Eton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 54 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Mackay Solar Farm Development, Mackay Waste Management Facility, Glenrowan Estate, and Alsatia Park Upgrade. 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 conditions in Walkerston - Eton rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Walkerston-Eton has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% as of June 2025.

This is below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. The area had employment growth of 0.6% in the past year. There are 4,872 residents currently employed, with a workforce participation rate of 66.2%, higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include mining, health care and social assistance, and manufacturing.

Mining has particularly high concentration, at 3.9 times the regional average. Health care and social assistance, however, is lower than regional levels at 10.0% compared to 16.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing a drop in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23% and unemployment rate at 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local projections suggesting Walkerston-Eton's growth could be approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Walkerston - Eton had a median income among taxpayers of $61,798 with average income standing at $75,542. Nationally, the median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% from financial year ended June 2022 to March 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $69,035 (median) and $84,388 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Walkerston - Eton were at the 70th percentile nationally. Income distribution showed that 34.9% of locals (3,060 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 31.7% were in the same category. After housing costs, residents retained 88.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

In Walkerston-Eton, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.6% of dwellings were houses while 12.4% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Walkerston-Eton stood at 38.1%, with mortgaged properties at 44.0% and rented dwellings at 17.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $330 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, Walkerston-Eton's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.0% of all households, consisting of 37.2% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.0%, with lone person households at 16.5% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Walkerston - Eton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 10.0%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 38.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education. A network of six schools operates within Walkerston, educating approximately 843 students. Walkerston - Eton demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 957) with balanced educational opportunities. The six schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents are at 9.6, below the regional average of 17.1, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Analysis shows 25 active transport stops operating within Walkerston - Eton, consisting of buses. These stops are served by two individual routes, collectively offering 45 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2210 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Walkerston-Eton has demonstrated above-average health outcomes for both young and elderly populations.

Common health conditions have a low prevalence in these age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population, which consists of around 5,007 people. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.2% and 6.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 71.8%, report being completely free of medical ailments compared to the regional average of 69.7%. The population aged 65 and over comprises 15.5%, totaling approximately 1,356 people. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and align with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees Walkerston - Eton placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Walkerston-Eton, as per the census data from June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with a majority population: 88.6% were Australian citizens, 93.5% were born in Australia, and 97.9% spoke English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 65.3%, compared to 56.8% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australians topped the list at 31.7%, followed by English at 28.8% and Scottish at 8.4%.

Notable differences existed in Maltese (5.8% vs regional 2.4%), German (5.4% vs 4.7%) and New Zealand (0.7% vs 0.7%) representations.

Walkerston - Eton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Walkerston-Eton is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 14.8% of the population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 4.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows an increase in the 35 to 44 age group from 11.9% to 12.8%, and a decrease in the 45 to 54 cohort from 14.2% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 17% (184 people), reaching 1,247 from 1,062. Conversely, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are predicted to experience population declines.