West Gladstone

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 is approximately 5,137 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 305 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,832. The growth is inferred from the 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. West Gladstone's growth rate of 6.3% since the census is close to that of its SA4 region (6.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers were positive factors.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate a median increase just below regional areas across the nation, with West Gladstone expected to expand by 601 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.6% over the 17 years.

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

West Gladstone has seen approximately nine dwellings receive development approval annually over recent years. From financial year 2021 (FY-21) to FY-25, 47 homes were approved, with zero so far in FY-26. On average, 7.2 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during these five financial years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $377,000. In FY-26, 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, placing it among the 46th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. Development activity has picked up recently, though it remains below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New development consists of 11.0% detached houses and 89.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 75.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Future projections estimate West Gladstone to add 597 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

West Gladstone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include West Gladstone Social Homes, HPA First Project Stage 2, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Brookview Estate. The following details those likely to be 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.

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

West Gladstone's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 9.2% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

As of that date, 2,553 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.2%, above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was on par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing had a particularly high representation, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.1% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.8% while labour force grew by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years for West Gladstone, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

West Gladstone SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $52,224 and an average of $64,556 in the financial year 2022, 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. By September 2025, estimates suggest approximately $59,530 (median) and $73,587 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. 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), aligning with regional trends where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing expenses, 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). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Gladstone was at 26.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.2%) or rented (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 significantly lower than the Australian 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, including 19.7% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.2%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 4.6%. 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%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.7% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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 26 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 8 individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 585.

The accessibility of transport in the area 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 among both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, covering around 2666 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than the Rest of Queensland's 55.6%.

Mental health issues affect 10.1% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.0%. About 65.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in the Rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 17.9% (around 918 people), than the Rest of Queensland'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 had a lower cultural diversity, with 87.1% citizens, 83.3% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion was Christianity, at 46.0%. The most notable overrepresentation was 'Other', at 0.9%, compared to 0.4% regionally.

For ancestry, the top groups were Australian (28.5%), English (28.2%), and Irish (8.1%). There were notable differences in Russian (0.6% vs 0.3%), Australian Aboriginal (5.2% vs 4.3%), and German (4.9% vs 5.1%) representation compared to regional averages.

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

West Gladstone has a median age of 40, nearly matching Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 13.7%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort stands at 10.9%. Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 12.5% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.2% to 11.7%, and the 5-14 group fell from 12.2% to 10.9%. By 2041, West Gladstone's age profile is projected to change significantly. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 919 from 709. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.