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

As of November 2025, Agnes Water's population is estimated at around 3,338, reflecting an increase of 609 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 22.3% rise from the previous population count of 2,729. AreaSearch validated this estimate using resident population data from June 2024 ABS ERP release and additional 200 new addresses found since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 82 persons per square kilometer. Agnes Water's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (6.6%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors like overseas migration and natural growth also playing 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a median increase of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041, with Agnes Water expected to gain 6.6% over the next 17 years, increasing its population by approximately 410 persons.

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

Agnes Water averaged approximately 33 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 169 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved in FY-26. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 3.3 people annually over the past five financial years.

This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost for new dwellings was around $513,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, there have been $2.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Agnes Water recorded 274.0% more new home approvals per person as of recent data. This suggests strong developer confidence in the location despite a recent easing in construction activity.

All building activity has consisted of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With approximately 112 people per approval, Agnes Water reflects a developing area with an estimated addition of 220 residents by 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Agnes Water has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely impacting the area. Major 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.

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. The unemployment rate was 7.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3%.

As of June 2025, 1,419 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.3%, which is 0.4 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 47.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. 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 of 2.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 7.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.3% while labour force increased by 5.4%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Agnes Water's median income among taxpayers was $45,200 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $63,937 during the same period. These figures are compared to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project Agnes Water's median income to be approximately $51,523 and average income at around $72,882, factoring in a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Agnes Water fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In Agnes Water, 28.9% of the population (964 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 income range, while in the region, 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, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

In Agnes Water, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.8% of dwellings were houses while 12.2% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Agnes Water stood at 44.4%, with mortgaged properties making up 30.9% and rented dwellings comprising 24.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Agnes Water was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $275. Nationally, Agnes Water's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 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 has university qualification rates of 18.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 48.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (37.1%).

Educational participation is high at 29.8%, including primary education (12.6%), secondary education (9.6%), and tertiary education (2.7%). Agnes Water's four schools have a combined enrollment of 611 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary schools and two K-12 schools.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Agnes Water is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Agnes Water faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,753 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of Qld at 55.6%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.8%). About 67.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in Rest of Qld. Agnes Water has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.3% (744 people) compared to the Rest of Qld's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 found to be below average, with 81.1% of its population being citizens and 82.2% born in Australia. Most residents speak English only at home, with this figure standing at 95.6%. Christianity is the predominant religion in Agnes Water, accounting for 46.0% of people.

Notably, Judaism, which has no representation regionally, comprises 0.2% of Agnes Water's population. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.3%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (8.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Russian is overrepresented at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.3%, German at 5.6% versus 5.1%, and New Zealand at 1.1% against a regional figure of 0.8%.

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

Agnes Water's median age is 49 years, significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 19.4%, while those aged 25-34 make up only 6.4% of the population, both figures differing from Queensland's averages. Nationally, the 55-64 group comprises 11.2%. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of Agnes Water residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 6.5% to 8.0%, while those aged 45 to 54 have decreased from 16.8% to 15.4%. By 2041, Agnes Water's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 12 people, reaching 610 from 544. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 56% of the population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 5-14 years old.