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 around 5,135 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 303 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,832 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,133 in June 2024 and four additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 726 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Gladstone's growth rate of 6.3% since the Census is slightly lower than the SA4 region's rate of 6.4%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in West Gladstone, although natural growth and interstate migration also played positive roles.

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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest a median increase across regional areas nationwide, with West Gladstone expected to expand by 601 persons to 2041 based on current numbers, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 11.7% over the 17-year period.

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

West Gladstone has seen approximately nine dwellings receiving development approval annually. Development approval data is compiled by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, showing 47 homes approved over the past five years from FY21 to FY25, with no approvals so far in FY26. On average, 7.2 new residents have arrived per dwelling constructed each year during these five financial years. This lagging supply compared to demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new dwellings are developed at an average cost of $407,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year, West Gladstone has recorded $22.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally, West Gladstone has approximately two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established homes. Recent construction comprises 11.0% standalone homes and 89.0% medium to high-density housing, a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 75.0% houses. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles, with affordable entry pathways attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Looking ahead, West Gladstone is projected to grow by 599 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Major projects include West Gladstone Social Homes, HPA First Project Stage 2, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Gladstone Grid Reinforcement Project. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The labour market performance in West Gladstone lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

West Gladstone has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 10.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 2,553 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.2% above Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is on par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. West Gladstone has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.1% of West Gladstone's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5% and labour force increased by 5.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, the labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, lagging the national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that 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 West Gladstone's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8%% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in West Gladstone was $52,224 and average income was $64,556. This is similar to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $58,339 (median) and $72,116 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks West Gladstone between the 22nd and 28th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income segment in West Gladstone is 30.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 1,555 residents. This is similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.0% houses and 25.0% other types (semi-detached, apartments, others). Non-Metro Qld had 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Gladstone was 26.5%, with mortgages at 28.2% and rentals at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's $1,600 average. 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 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were lower at $230 vs 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 account for 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 faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 16.6%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 6.7% and certificates at 33.4%.

Educational participation is notably 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. West Gladstone's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,818 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 962) with balanced educational opportunities, including 1 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. West Gladstone 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 service a mix of buses running along 8 individual routes, collectively providing 585 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 228 meters from their nearest transport stop.

The service frequency averages 83 trips per day across all routes, equating 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%, leading that of the average SA2 area (~2,665 people), compared to 55.6% across Rest of Qld.

Mental health issues impact 10.1% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.0%. Sixty-five point nine percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.4% across Rest of Qld. Seventeen point nine percent of residents are aged 65 and over (918 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Rest of Qld.

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 cultural diversity was below average, with 87.1% citizens, 83.3% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 46.0%. Notably, 'Other' religion represented 0.9%, higher than Rest of Qld's 0.4%.

In ancestry, Australian (28.5%), English (28.2%), and Irish (8.1%) were the top groups. Divergences included overrepresentation of Russian (0.6% vs regional 0.3%), Australian Aboriginal (5.2% vs 4.3%), and German (4.9% vs 5.1%).

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%. As per the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.7%, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.7%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling indicates West Gladstone's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 group projected to grow by 30% (209 people), reaching 919 from 709. Meanwhile, population declines are anticipated for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.