Centenary Heights

Centenary Heights is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Population estimates for the suburb of Centenary Heights, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validations, indicate a population of around 6,293 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,152 people, marking a growth of 141 individuals or approximately 2.3%. The current resident population estimate of 6,292 by AreaSearch is inferred from the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validated with an additional 14 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,030 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Population projections moving forward anticipate lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation. The suburb of Centenary Heights is expected to increase by 102 persons to reach a total population of approximately 6,495 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 1.6% over the 16-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

The level of residential development activity in Centenary Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Centenary Heights averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 to FY25, an estimated 33 homes were approved, with 18 more in FY26 so far. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice, and new dwellings averaging $380,000 construction cost value.

This financial year saw $26.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Centenary Heights exhibits significantly reduced construction levels (81.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, recent periods show increased development activity. Nationally, this area is also below average in new building activity, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards compact living to offer affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This contrasts with the area's existing housing composition, currently 77.0% houses. Centenary Heights has an estimated population density of around 782 people per approval, characteristic of a mature, established area.

By 2041, AreaSearch quarterly estimates project a growth of 101 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply is expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Centenary Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes to local projects and initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine such projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Retirement Village (86 Units) - Single Storey, Ruthven Street Social and Affordable Housing Development, Mater Dei Primary School Early Years Precinct, and Parque Toowoomba. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Centenary Heights has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Centenary Heights has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.7%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 3111 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses show that only 6.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, employment in health care & social assistance is at 1.5 times the regional average.

Mining has limited presence with only 1.1% employment compared to Regional Qld's 3.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 4.4% and employment declined by 5.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points in Centenary Heights. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Centenary Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Centenary Heights had an income level below the national average in the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $52,300 and the average income stood at $64,262. These figures compared to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,241 for the median income and $71,562 for the average income as of March 2026. Census data revealed household, family and personal incomes all ranked modestly in Centenary Heights, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprised 36.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 2,290 residents falling into this category, similar to broader trends across the broader area showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

Centenary Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Centenary Heights' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.2% houses and 22.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Centenary Heights was at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.1% and rented ones at 38.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,408, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Centenary Heights was recorded at $320, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Centenary Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Centenary Heights features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.7% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.3%, consisting of 32.3% lone person households and 3.3% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 26.1% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 25.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Centenary Heights has 33 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are served by two routes combined offering 132 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily using cars as the dominant mode at 94%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Centenary Heights faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~3,314 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3 and 8.8% of residents respectively. 65.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,183 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Centenary Heights records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Centenary Heights, when compared to the broader area, showed similar levels of cultural diversity. It had 82.6% of its population born in Australia, with 88.8% being citizens, and 88.4% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.8%.

The most notable deviation was seen in the 'Other' category, which comprised 1.7%, compared to the regional average of 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (27.8%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (10.3%). However, there were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnicities: German at 7.4% (regional average 4.7%), Scottish at 9.3% (regional average 7.8%), and Australian Aboriginal at 2.6% (regional average 3.9%).

Centenary Heights's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Centenary Heights has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Regional Queensland figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, Centenary Heights has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (17.0% locally) and an under-representation of the 55-64 year-olds (9.8%). From 2021 to present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.2% to 17.0%, while the 35-44 cohort has risen from 12.3% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 11.8%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.1% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling indicates that Centenary Heights' age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 140 people (13%) from 1,069 to 1,210. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.