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 Nov 2025, Agnes Water's population is estimated at around 3,352, reflecting an increase of 623 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 2,729 in the Agnes Water statistical area (Lv2). This growth represents a 22.8% increase from the previous census figure. AreaSearch estimated the resident population at 3,304 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validated an additional 200 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 83 persons per square kilometer. Agnes Water's growth exceeded that of both its SA4 region (6.7%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region.

Interstate migration contributed about 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Population projections indicate a median increase of just below non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041, with the Agnes Water (SA2) expected to gain 6.3% over the 17-year period, reflecting an increase of 414 persons.

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

Agnes Water averaged approximately 34 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, about 174 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 3.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new dwellings was around $513,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been approximately $1.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Agnes Water recorded 285% more new home approvals per person as of recent data, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently.

This high level 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. With around 119 people per approval, Agnes Water reflects a developing area. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Agnes Water will add approximately 210 residents by 2041. 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives 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. Relevant projects are listed below.

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. The unemployment rate was 6.7% as of September 2025, showing relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of this date, 1,440 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Agnes Water lagged significantly at 47.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents was concentrated in accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Agnes Water had a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 7.1% of Agnes Water's workforce compared to 16.1% in Rest of Qld. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force increased by 2.1%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.7 percentage points in Agnes Water. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. To provide broader context, state-level data to 25-Nov showed QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Agnes Water. These projections estimated national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Agnes Water's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, although these were simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

Agnes Water's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $45,200. The average income stood at $63,937 during the same period. These figures are below the Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a 9.91% growth in wages from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Agnes Water would be approximately $49,679 (median) and $70,273 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Agnes Water fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. In Agnes Water, 28.9% of individuals earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, compared to the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 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

Agnes Water's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Agnes Water was at 44.4%, with mortgaged dwellings 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 $1,600. The median weekly rent figure in Agnes Water was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, Agnes Water's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are 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 comprise 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's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. 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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 37.1%.

Educational participation is 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.

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 (~1,761 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but trailing Rest of Qld's 56.8%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.8%). 67.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.4% across Rest of Qld. Agnes Water has 22.2% of residents aged 65 and over (744 people), higher than the 15.2% in Rest of Qld. 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 below average, with 81.1% being citizens and 82.2% born in Australia. English was the language spoken at home by 95.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.0%.

Judaism, however, had a higher representation compared to Rest of Qld, at 0.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (8.0%). Notably, Russian (0.7%) and German (5.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 5.1%, respectively. New Zealanders also had a higher representation at 1.1%.

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

Agnes Water's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 19.4%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 6.4% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Since 2021, the 15-24 age group has grown from 6.5% to 8.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 15.4%. By 2041, Agnes Water is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 65-74 group will grow by 12%, reaching 613 people from 546, indicating a significant aging population dynamic with those aged 65+ comprising 56% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 age cohorts.