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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Agnes Water has an estimated 3,513 residents, up from 2,729 at the 2021 Census — a change of 784 people, or 28.7%. Growth has averaged 6.0% a year over five years, faster than 94% of areas nationally. 219 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 86.0% of that increase. Density is about 87 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
In the suburb of Agnes Water, the population is calculated at approximately 3,513 as of May 2026, using recent ABS demographic estimates and address data verified by AreaSearch. Compared to the 2,729 people counted in the 2021 Census, this represents a rise of 784 residents (28.7%). The figure is based on a resident estimate of 3,485 from AreaSearch following the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 219 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This count translates to a density of 87 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential for future expansion.
The growth rate of 28.7% since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA4 region (7.4%) and the SA3 zone, establishing the community as a regional growth leader. interstate migration was the primary driver, accounting for roughly 86.0% of the overall population rise during recent times, though overseas arrivals and natural increase also made positive contributions. In the suburb of Agnes Water, population projections rely on 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia releases using 2022 as a baseline, supplemented by 2023 Queensland Government projections based on 2021 statistics where necessary or beyond 2032. For state-sourced figures lacking age breakdowns, age cohort projections are weighted using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region data based on 2022 numbers. Future projections suggest growth will run slightly below the national median for regional areas, with the population expected to rise by 428 residents by 2041, representing a total expansion of 11.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
173 new dwellings have been approved in Agnes Water over the past five years, an average of 34 a year. That places the area in the 89th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 10 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 30 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 40, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of building approval statistics shows Agnes Water averages approximately 34 residential approvals annually, with an estimated 173 homes approved over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26, 37 approvals have been logged. With an average of 5.1 new residents per completed home over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is outstripping supply, which generally drives up prices and buyer rivalry, while new homes average $513,000 in estimated construction cost—exceeding the regional average and pointing to higher-end construction. Commercial approvals stand at $1.5 million for this financial year, showing residential building remains the primary driver.
Agnes Water exhibits 270.0% more per-capita residential development activity than the Rest of Qld, offering buyers more options despite a recent slowdown. This volume of building is well above the national average, demonstrating strong developer focus. Recent activity has consisted entirely of single-family detached homes, preserving low density and catering to buyers seeking space. The area averages about 113 people for each dwelling approval, showing a growing market. Projections indicate the population will increase by 400 residents by 2041 compared to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction volumes should easily accommodate this demand, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially underpinning growth beyond current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Agnes Water
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Agnes Water, worth an estimated $110 million. A further 13 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $13.7 billion. 6 are already under construction and 7 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, business parks & technology hubs and energy. 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 infrastructure projects and planning changes influence regional growth patterns. AreaSearch has highlighted 2 projects expected to affect the community. Key developments include the Discovery Drive Residential Development (Lot 2 Captain Cook Drive), Laguna Agnes Water, Port Of Gladstone Land And Sea Access Upgrade, and the Queensland Central REZ.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Laguna Agnes Water
Laguna Agnes Water is a master-planned community by Villawood Properties featuring 149 large homesites ranging from 1,000 m2 to 5,292 m2. The development is situated within walking distance of the beach and town centre, incorporating surrounding lakes, walking trails, and dedicated open space.
Discovery Drive Residential Development (Lot 2 Captain Cook Drive)
Proposed multi-precinct residential master planned community comprising approximately 70 rural residential allotments and over 250 low-density residential lots on land zoned Emerging Communities. The development includes associated road network connectivity, stormwater management infrastructure, and environmental preservation areas.
Hummock Hill Island Development (Pacificus Tourism Resort)
Pacificus is a $1.2 billion master-planned tourism and residential community on Hummock Hill Island. The project includes a dedicated bridge to the mainland, resort hotels, holiday units, and camping grounds for 2800 tourists, alongside 700 permanent residences. Key amenities feature an 18-hole golf course, retail outlets, and a Great Barrier Reef Aquarium. The project is currently undergoing further assessment for currency period extensions with a revised timeline targeting infrastructure completion by 2031 and resort operations by 2032.
Tannum Sands Priority Development Area
A 170-hectare Priority Development Area (PDA) declared on 9 September 2011, providing a range of housing designs and price points for home ownership and rental within the Gladstone Regional Council area. Located approximately 25km south-east of Gladstone City Centre, the PDA covers private and state-owned land between Tannum Sands Road to the east and the Boyne River to the west. Managed by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), the project delivers over 1,500 dwellings for approximately 3,000 residents, emphasising housing diversity, affordability, and sustainability.The Development Scheme commenced 19 October 2012 and an Infrastructure Funding Framework (IFF) is in place to regulate land use and infrastructure charges.
Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre
The Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre (BTAC) is a major regional facility with construction awarded to Paynters in March 2026. Supported by a $15M federal grant, the centre features a heated 50m Olympic-standard pool with retractable shade, DDA-compliant amenities, a kiosk, and a locally themed children's play area. Located at Arthur Street following a 2024 site relocation, construction commenced in May 2026 with an anticipated completion in mid-2027.
Riverstone Rise
Gladstone first truly masterplanned community spanning 496 hectares along the Boyne River. The development includes 2,900 homes for over 7,500 residents, educational facilities including a primary school and childcare centre, retail and commercial town centre precinct, medical centre, and community facilities. It features 26 percent dedicated open space with 182 hectares of reserves, parks, and walking trails integrated with 4.2 kilometres of Boyne River frontage. Construction is active with the Corimba and Lilyvale Stage 4A releases progressing through 2026.
Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
A proposed 200MW/800MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system designed to enhance grid stability and support renewable energy integration. The project is located near the existing Wurdong Substation. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2028, with operations expected to commence in 2029.
Gladstone Project
Powerlink Queensland's Gladstone Project is a critical multi-stage transmission network reinforcement program to ensure electricity reliability and security as the Gladstone Power Station prepares for anticipated closure. The project supports industrial decarbonisation and the integration of renewables in the Central Queensland area. Stage 1 involves the Calvale to Calliope River 275kV transmission line and substation expansions. Stage 2 includes the Bouldercombe to Larcom Creek line and the proposed new Gladstone West Substation. The Final Assessment Report was submitted in June 2025, with Stage 1 main construction works expected to commence in mid-2026 pending formal approvals.
1,531 residents of Agnes Water are employed, from a labour force of 1,604. Unemployment sits at 4.6%, with participation at 55.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 2,773, about 79% 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
Agnes Water has a skilled workforce with a strong representation in the visitor economy, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.6% according to aggregated statistics. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,531, while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, and participation was lower at 55.5% versus 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data shows a moderate 15.7% of the workforce worked from home, although pandemic-related lockdowns affected these responses. The primary employment sectors for residents are food and accommodation, construction, and retail. Accommodation and food jobs are particularly concentrated, running at 2.1 times the regional average rate.
Conversely, healthcare and social assistance accounts for only 7.1% of employment, below the 16.1% average in Regional Qld. The local area has limited job opportunities internally, as seen in the discrepancy between the local working population and resident workers. Labour force statistics for the year ending March 2026 show a 3.3% contraction in the labour force and a 1.4% reduction in employment, leading to a 1.8 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. This trend diverges from Regional Qld, where employment rose 0.1%, the workforce grew 0.3%, and unemployment ticked up by 0.1 percentage points. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia issued in May-25 offer additional context on future demand, showing five- and ten-year projections mapped to local profiles. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, rates vary by sector. Applying these trends to the local workforce mix suggests employment in the area will expand by 5.8% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Agnes Water is $1,112 a week (about $58,000 a year), with median personal income at $579 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,200 a year against an average of $63,937. The average runs 41% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. 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
ATO records for the 2023 financial year show median taxpayer income in the area was $45,200, with an average of $63,937. These figures sit below the national average and compare to Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at roughly $50,335 for the median and $71,200 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes between the 8th and 9th national percentiles. The dominant income bracket is $800 - 1,499, containing 28.9% of residents (1,015 people), differing from the wider region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is largest at 31.7%.
Affordability is highly constrained, leaving just 83.3% of income after housing costs, ranking in the 9th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Agnes Water had 986 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 7% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 44% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $320 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,500 a month. Rent absorbs 28.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 31.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals housing stock consists of 87.8% separate houses and 12.2% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwellings, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other types across Regional Qld. Outright ownership is high at 44.4%, with remaining homes either mortgaged (30.9%) or rented (24.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,500 and weekly rent of $320 are below the Regional Qld averages of $1,655 and $345. Locally, mortgage costs are also below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Agnes Water counted 986 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,269 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 78% of areas nationally, against 38% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families comprise 69.2% of households, consisting of couples with children (22.8%), couples without children (37.7%), and single parents (7.5%). Non-family households account for 30.8%, with single-person households representing 26.4% and group living situations at 4.7%. The average household size is 2.3 people, below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.6% of adults in Agnes Water hold a university qualification, including 12.9% with a bachelor degree and 3.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 37.1% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 611 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,003 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
University attainment is relatively low, with 18.6% of residents holding tertiary degrees compared to 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees make up 12.9%, postgraduate degrees 3.1%, and graduate diplomas 2.6%. Vocational qualifications are common, with 48.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (37.1%). Educational enrolment is high, with 29.8% of the population studying. This group includes 12.6% in primary school, 9.6% in high school, and 2.7% in tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Agnes Water means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.8% of residents in Agnes Water report no long-term health condition. 5.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes are generally positive, with mortality rates and illness prevalence aligning closely with national averages. Chronic disease rates are low in both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area at roughly 53% of residents (~1,845 people). Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 9.9% and 8.8% of the population. A total of 67.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, similar to the Regional Qld figure of 67.6%. Working-age individuals show elevated rates of chronic health issues.
Residents aged 65 and older make up 23.0% of the population (807 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld, with seniors recording stronger health rankings than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Agnes Water is largely Australian-born, at 82.2% of residents, with 4.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.3%) and Australian (29.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is below average, with citizens representing 81.1% of the population, 82.2% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 46.0% of the population. Judaism shows a slight relative concentration at 0.2% compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld. English ancestry is the most common at 32.3%, followed by Australian at 29.9% and Irish at 8.0%. Minor concentrations include Russian ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.2% regionally), German at 5.6% (compared to 4.7%), and New Zealand ancestry at 1.1% (compared to 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Agnes Water is 49, older than 90% of areas nationally. 13.7% 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 49 years is higher than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is the largest cohort at 18.7%, while young adults aged 25 - 34 make up a smaller proportion (5.9%) than in Regional Qld. The 55 - 64 cohort is also well above the national share of 11.2%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 group rose from 6.5% to 7.8%, and the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 4.2% to 5.5%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 16.8% to 15.0%, and the 25 to 34 group declined from 7.2% to 5.9%.
By 2041, demographic changes will see the 65 to 74 group increase by 17% (98 people), moving from 586 to 685, while the 15 to 24 age bracket is projected to shrink by 22 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Agnes Water
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 Suburb (SAL) 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 2 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 — 219 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,729 at the 2021 Census → 3,513 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 (SAL30014). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.