Agnes Water

Agnes Water lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Agnes Water's population is estimated at around 3,363 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 634 people (23.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,729 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,306 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 205 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 83 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Agnes Water's 23.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.8%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 415 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Agnes Water among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Agnes Water has averaged approximately 34 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 174 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved in FY26 so far. Each year, about 3.2 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these five financial years.

This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $513,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY26, there have been $1.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Agnes Water records 285.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice though construction activity has recently eased. This is substantially higher than nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the location.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Agnes Water reflects a developing area, with around 119 people per approval. Future projections show Agnes Water adding approximately 204 residents by 2041, suggesting that at current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Agnes Water has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely to impact the area: Discovery Drive Residential Development (Lot 2 Captain Cook Drive) and Laguna Agnes Water. Other notable projects include Port Of Gladstone Land And Sea Access Upgrade and Queensland Central REZ. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Agnes Water lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Agnes Water has a skilled workforce with prominence in tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.7%. Over the past year, it has shown relative employment stability.

As of September 2025, 1,444 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Agnes Water lags at 55.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 15.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade.

Agnes Water has a high specialization in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, at 7.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.5%, labour force by 2.2%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point rise in unemployment. 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. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Agnes Water's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Agnes Water's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Agnes Water is $45,200 and the average income stands at $63,937. Comparatively, Rest of Qld's median income is $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Agnes Water would be approximately $49,679 (median) and $70,273 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Agnes Water fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Specifically, 28.9% of the population (971 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - 1,499 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Agnes Water, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Agnes Water, 87.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.2% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Agnes Water stood at 44.4%, with mortgaged properties at 30.9% and rented ones at 24.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Agnes Water was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Agnes Water's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Agnes Water features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 37.7% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households making up 4.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Agnes Water aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (37.1%). Educational participation is high at 29.8%, comprising primary education (12.6%), secondary education (9.6%), and tertiary education (2.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Agnes Water's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Agnes Water residents have experienced relatively positive health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis.

Mortality rates and health conditions align broadly with national benchmarks. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~1,766 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.8%). About 67.8% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Qld at 67.6%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Agnes Water has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (22.8%, or 766 people), compared to Rest of Qld at 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Agnes Water's cultural diversity was below average, with 81.1% of its population being Australian citizens and 82.2% born in Australia. Most residents spoke English only at home, 95.6%. Christianity dominated the religious landscape, comprising 46.0% of Agnes Water's population.

Judaism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.2% versus 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.3%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (8.0%). Notably, Russian (0.7%) and German (5.6%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.2% and 4.7%, respectively. New Zealand ethnicity was also slightly higher at 1.1%.

Agnes Water hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Agnes Water's median age at 49 years is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, making up 19.3% of the population, compared to a national average of 11.2%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 6.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's figure. From 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 6.5% to 8.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.2% to 5.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 16.8% to 15.1%. By 2041, Agnes Water's population is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 11%, reaching 613 people from 551. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 53% of the projected growth, while populations in the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decline.