West Gladstone
Statistical Area - sa2

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

West Gladstone's population was approximately 5,137 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 305 people from the 2021 Census count of 4,832, reflecting an increase of 6.3%. The change is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 5,133 in June 2024 and five additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 726 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Gladstone's growth rate of 6.3% since the census is within 0.3 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 6.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Future population trends indicate a modest increase just below the median of regional areas nationally, with West Gladstone expected to expand by 601 persons to reach approximately 5,738 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within West Gladstone when compared nationally

West Gladstone has seen approximately 9 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 47 homes were approved, with none yet approved in FY26. On average, 7.2 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This indicates a substantial lag between supply and demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new properties is $377,000. In FY26, there have been $22.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, West Gladstone records about 57% of building activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing properties. Recent periods have seen an increase in development activity.

New developments consist of 11.0% detached houses and 89.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from current housing patterns (75.0% houses), likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Future projections estimate West Gladstone will add 597 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

West Gladstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones include West Gladstone Social Homes, HPA First Project Stage 2, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Brookview Estate. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 indicates West Gladstone faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

West Gladstone has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 10.1%, and estimated employment growth of 3.5% in the past year (as of June 2025). There are 2,553 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.2%, higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is equal to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with a share of employment 2.1 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.1% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating more local employment opportunities than usual.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may vary. Applying these projections to West Gladstone's employment mix suggests potential growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

West Gladstone's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $52,224 and the average was $64,556, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is roughly national average, 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% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,530 (median) and $73,587 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in West Gladstone rank modestly, between the 22nd and 28th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 30.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,556 residents). After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.

West Gladstone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

West Gladstone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.0% houses and 25.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Gladstone stood at 26.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. Median weekly rent in West Gladstone was $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, West Gladstone's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Gladstone features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.8% of all households, consisting of 19.7% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.2%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 4.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

West Gladstone faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.6%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.7%) and certificates (33.4%).

Educational participation is high at 26.4%, including 9.7% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education. West Gladstone's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,818 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 962) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 54.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 18.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Gladstone shows that there are currently 26 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 8 individual routes providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 585 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents on average located 228 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 83 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Gladstone is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

West Gladstone faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, compared to the average SA2 area's 55.6%.

Mental health issues impact 10.1% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.0%. About 65.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (918 people), higher than the Rest of Qld's 15.2%.

West Gladstone ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

West Gladstone's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.1% being citizens, 83.3% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 46.0%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented compared to Rest of Qld (0.9% vs 0.4%).

Top ancestry groups were Australian (28.5%), English (28.2%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, Russian (0.6% vs 0.3%), Australian Aboriginal (5.2% vs 4.3%), and German (4.9% vs 5.1%) were disproportionately represented compared to regional averages.

West Gladstone's population is slightly older than the national pattern

West Gladstone has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented at 13.7%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 12.5% to 13.7%, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.7%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. By 2041, West Gladstone's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 919 from 709, while population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.