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 3,513 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 784 people (28.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,729 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,485, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 219 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 87 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Agnes Water's 28.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.4%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb of Agnes Water 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the suburb of Agnes Water expected to increase by 428 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

Agnes Water averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, about 177 homes were approved, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, around 4.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these five financial years.

This indicates substantial demand outpacing supply, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings was $513,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been $1.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Agnes Water records 279.0% more new home approvals per person. This offers buyers greater choice and indicates 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. Currently, there are around 119 people per approval in Agnes Water, reflecting a developing area. Future projections estimate Agnes Water will add approximately 400 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 that are likely to impact this region. Key projects include Discovery Drive Residential Development (Lot 2 Captain Cook Drive), Laguna Agnes Water, Port Of Gladstone Land And Sea Access Upgrade, and Queensland Central REZ. The following details those 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.

Agnes Water shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Agnes Water's skilled workforce is prominent in tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of December 2025, with relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. There were 1,533 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Agnes Water lagged at 55.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses showed that 15.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment was concentrated in accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade sectors. Agnes Water had a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 7.1% compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5%, alongside a 0.2% employment decline, resulting in a 1.2 percentage point fall in unemployment rate compared to Regional Qld's employment growth of 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Agnes Water's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Agnes Water had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Agnes Water was $45,200 and the average income stood at $63,937 during this period. For comparison, Regional Qld's median and average incomes were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated current figures as of March 2026 would be approximately $50,335 (median) and $71,200 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Agnes Water fell between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Specifically, 28.9% of the population (1,015 individuals) had incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, contrasting with Regional Qld where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were 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

Agnes Water's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings in June 2019. Home ownership in Agnes Water was 44.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.9% and rented dwellings at 24.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500 as of July-September 2018, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Agnes Water was $320 during the same period, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, mortgage repayments were $1,863 and rents were $375 as of June 2019.

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 Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 18.6%, significantly lower than the Australian 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 prominent, 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%, with 12.6% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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 shown relatively positive health outcomes according to health data analysis by AreaSearch.

Mortality rates and health conditions were broadly in line with national benchmarks, with low prevalence of common health conditions across younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 53% (~1,845 people) of the total population had private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.8%), while 67.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.0% (807 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly 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, as per the data, exhibited lower cultural diversity. The population was predominantly local with 81.1% being citizens and 82.2% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 95.6%.

Christianity was the prevalent religion, accounting for 46.0%. Judaism showed a slight overrepresentation at 0.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%. Top ancestral 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 is 49 years, significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 55-64 (18.7%), while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller (5.9%) compared to Regional Queensland. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 6.5% to 7.8%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 4.2% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 16.8% to 15.0%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 7.2% to 5.9%. 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 17 people, reaching 685 from 586, while the 15-24 cohort is expected to decline by 22 people.