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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Walkerston - Eton has an estimated 8,825 residents, up from 8,457 at the 2021 Census — a change of 368 people, or 4.4%. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years. Density is about 14 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation, Walkerston - Eton has a population of approximately 8,825 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 368 residents (4.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 8,457 individuals. This demographic shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 8,749 from June 2025 alongside 92 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such population numbers yield a density of 14.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The area's 4.4% expansion rate since the census is within 2.4 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (6.8%), indicating solid growth fundamentals.
Natural increase was the primary contributor to population growth, accounting for roughly 85.4% of the overall gains in recent times. Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilised for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data, and for any projections extending past 2032, forecasts from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (based on 2021 records) are adopted. Because state-level projections lack age breakdown details, AreaSearch applies age-group weightings aligned with the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data). Demographic models suggest future population growth will track slightly under the median for non-metropolitan areas, with the region projected to add 580 residents by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP statistics, representing a total increase of 5.7% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
79 new dwellings have been approved in Walkerston - Eton over the past five years, an average of 15 a year. That is 1.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 22, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Development approvals in Walkerston - Eton average approximately 15 dwellings annually, resulting in a total of 79 residential completions over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26 to date, 21 approvals have been documented. Because an average of 4.5 individuals moved to the area for every completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, new supply remains significantly below demand, typically intensifying buyer competition and driving up prices. The average estimated construction cost for these new dwellings stands at $355,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $2.5 million were recorded this financial year, underscoring the dominant residential focus of the locality.
Compared to the Rest of Qld, building approvals per resident in Walkerston - Eton are roughly half, placing the area in the 25th percentile of all analyzed locations nationwide. This indicates a constrained supply of new builds, which strengthens demand for existing properties. This volume is also below the national benchmark, highlighting the established nature of the suburb and pointing to possible planning restrictions. Recent construction has consisted exclusively of separate houses, preserving the low-density profile of the community and offering spacious properties suited to families. The ratio of 624 residents for every single approved dwelling reflects a quiet, low-activity construction market. Based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures, Walkerston - Eton is projected to add 504 residents by 2041. Given current building trends, incoming residential supply is expected to comfortably satisfy demand, creating favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially enabling growth to exceed current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Walkerston - Eton
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Walkerston - Eton, worth an estimated $460 million. A further 68 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $18.8 billion. 29 are already under construction and 27 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, residential development and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local performance is highly connected to infrastructure developments, planning changes, and major works. AreaSearch has tracked 48 projects expected to influence the local area. Highly relevant developments include the Mackay Solar Farm Development, the Mackay Waste Management Facility, Glenrowan Estate, and the Walkerston Service Station and Retail Development, with the listed items showing the most significant local projects.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mackay Solar Farm Development
Proposed utility-scale solar photovoltaic development of approximately 150 MW with an associated battery energy storage system intended to improve electricity supply and grid stability for the Mackay region. As of July 2026, no confirmed development application, Coordinator-General declaration, EPBC referral, or identified developer has been located for this specific project. Mackay Regional Council has recently adopted a Renewable Energy Community Benefit System Policy in preparation for future renewable energy proposals, but this project has not been publicly identified within those processes.
Walkerston Service Station and Retail Development
Approved redevelopment comprising a new service station, fast food outlet and retail tenancies on the corner of Dutton Street and Dane Street. The project requires demolition of three existing houses and the former service station and includes 30 on-site parking spaces. Following the June 2024 development approval, an Operational Works application for Stage 1 and Stage 2 civil works, roadworks, stormwater drainage and landscaping was lodged in late 2024, indicating the project is progressing toward construction, although no confirmed construction commencement has been publicly announced.
Glenrowan Estate
A community-focused residential estate in Walkerston, Queensland, offering 180 new homes. It features expansive open green spaces, a park, and a playground. The estate is designed for families, offering relaxed living close to city conveniences on a total area of 21.90 hectares.
Mackay Waste Management Facility
Modern waste processing and recycling facility with materials recovery systems. Includes organic waste processing, hazardous waste handling, and community education center.
Alsatia Park Upgrade
Major upgrades to Alsatia Park, which is now open to the community. The project included new play equipment, a youth hang-out space (with a ping pong table featuring custom local artwork), an upgraded skatepark (with an inlaid bronze memorial plaque), new public amenities (including accessible toilets), basketball facilities, picnic shelters, barbecue area, footpaths, and drainage improvements. The design incorporated extensive community feedback, notably separating the younger children's playground from the skatepark. The project was jointly funded by the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($700,000) and Mackay Regional Council.
Walkerston Bypass
$251.7 million bypass connecting Peak Downs Highway to Mackay Ring Road. 2-lane rural highway for heavy vehicles, improving safety and reducing congestion. Includes a new bridge over Bakers Creek and road overpasses. Opened January 2025.
Ooralea Waters
Ooralea Waters is a fully integrated masterplanned residential community near Mackay, set on the shoreline of Bakers Creek, comprising approximately 2,500 low to medium density home sites. The estate offers absolute waterfront access, 80 acres of parklands, playgrounds, a melaleuca forest, and a future retail convenience centre. Developed by SIG Group, the project has active construction across multiple stages, with earthworks and sewer works complete for Stage 7 and Stage 8 now selling. Display homes are open, showcasing partnerships with regional builders.
Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex (Mackay ARC)
Completed multi-sport precinct on CQUniversity's Ooralea campus featuring a FINA-approved 50m pool, covered 25m pool, learn-to-swim pool, synthetic athletics track and multi-use spaces. The $23.9m project was co-funded by Mackay Regional Council and the Australian Government with land provided by CQUniversity.
5,027 residents of Walkerston - Eton are employed, from a labour force of 5,117. Unemployment sits at 1.8%, with participation at 73.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 7,151, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is evenly divided between blue-collar and white-collar roles, with a robust industrial and manufacturing base, an unemployment rate of only 1.8%, and job growth estimated at 5.0% over the preceding year. As of March 2026, working residents numbered 5,027, with the unemployment rate sitting 2.2% below the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%. Labor force participation is exceptionally high at 73.3%, compared to 64.3% across Regional Qld. Census data indicates that only 8.8% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are mining, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The region has a highly concentrated mining workforce, with employment levels reaching 3.9 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented, employing 10.0% of workers compared to 16.1% regionally. The ratio of local jobs filled to working residents indicates that the area offers limited employment opportunities within its own boundaries. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that over the 12-month period, employment expanded by 5.0% while the total labor force grew by 5.7%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional Qld recorded job growth of 0.1% and labor force growth of 0.3%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase. National employment forecasts released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand in Walkerston - Eton. These five- and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by industry. Weighting these projections against the employment profile of Walkerston - Eton indicates local employment growth of 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, representing a basic statistical extrapolation that excludes local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Walkerston - Eton is $2,105 a week (about $109,000 a year), with median personal income at $901 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,417 a year against an average of $77,986. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year indicates that the Walkerston - Eton SA2 recorded a median taxpayer income of $64,417 and an average income of $77,986. These figures are high on a national scale and exceed the Regional Qld medians of $53,146 and $66,593. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be approximately $71,735 for the median and $86,845 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and individual incomes in the area near the 69th percentile nationwide.
The largest income bracket contains 34.9% of local taxpayers (3,079 people) who earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the wider regional trend where 31.7% fall into this range. Residents retain 88.8% of their earnings after housing expenses, indicating strong disposable income, while the area is positioned in the 4th decile of the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Walkerston - Eton had 2,811 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 0% apartments. 44% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 38% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $330 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 15.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 19.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, separate houses made up 87.6% of the dwelling stock in Walkerston - Eton, with semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings accounting for the remaining 12.4%. This compares to 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% other options across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Walkerston - Eton were high at 38.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 44.0% and rental properties accounting for 17.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $330, compared to $345 across Regional Qld.
Nationally, local mortgage commitments remain below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are considerably lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Walkerston - Eton counted 2,811 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 34% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent 81.0% of the total, consisting of couples with children (37.2%), couples without children (34.3%), and single-parent households (8.9%). Non-family households account for the remaining 19.0%, comprising lone-person households (16.5%) and group households (2.4%). The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional Qld benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.0% of adults in Walkerston - Eton hold a university qualification, including 7.8% with a bachelor degree and 1.0% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 85% of areas nationally. A further 38.5% hold a vocational qualification. 6 schools serve the area, with 843 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 957 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area presents distinct characteristics, with university graduation rates (10.0%) tracking significantly lower than the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.2% and postgraduate degrees at 1.0%. Technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 45.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (38.5%). Enrolment rates are high, with 30.3% of local residents actively participating in formal education. Primary school students account for 12.7% of this group, secondary school students represent 9.9%, and tertiary students make up 2.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Walkerston - Eton means driving: households keep an average of 2.0 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in Walkerston - Eton include 25 active stops utilizing bus networks. These facilities are served by 2 distinct routes, which provide a total of 45 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is limited, with residents living an average of 2210 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the area, commuting is predominantly outward-bound, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method for 95% of workers. Households average 2.0 vehicles, which is above the regional norm. A lower proportion of residents work from home, recorded at 8.8% in the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Public transport routes average 6 daily trips, which translates to approximately 1 weekly trip per transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.8% of residents in Walkerston - Eton report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 76% of areas nationally. 3.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Walkerston - Eton show positive outcomes, with AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic diseases revealing low rates of common illnesses among both youth and senior cohorts. Furthermore, private health insurance uptake is exceptionally high, covering approximately 58% of the population (~5,118 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 71.8% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. General health levels among working-age locals align with broader trends.
Residents aged 65 and over account for 16.5% of the population (1,459 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Senior citizens experience favorable health outcomes, with national rankings matching those of the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Walkerston - Eton is largely Australian-born, at 93.5% of residents, with 2.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (31.7%) and English (28.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Walkerston - Eton shows moderate cultural diversity metrics, with citizens comprising 88.6% of the population, 93.5% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 65.3% of the community, which is higher than the 52.2% average observed across Regional Qld. Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestries are Australian at 31.7% of the population (exceeding the regional average of 26.5%), English at 28.8%, and Scottish at 8.4%. Notable variances from regional norms include Maltese ancestry, which is significantly overrepresented at 5.8% (compared to 0.4% regionally), German at 5.4% (compared to 4.7%), and New Zealand ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Walkerston - Eton is 38. 23.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 38 years in Walkerston - Eton is slightly below the Regional Qld average of 41 and aligns with the national median of 38 years. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 15.0% relative to Regional Qld, while the 75 - 84 cohort is less common at 5.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 11.9% to 12.8% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 14.2% to 11.8%. Long-term forecasts for 2041 project notable demographic shifts, led by a 15% increase in the 25 to 34 age bracket, which is expected to grow by 153 people to reach 1,190 from 1,036.
In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age brackets are projected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Walkerston - Eton
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 6 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 92 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (8,457 at the 2021 Census → 8,825 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (312021357). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.