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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Centenary Heights is around 6,273 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 121 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,152 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,262 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,023 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the suburb of Centenary Heights expected to increase by 229 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 4.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Centenary Heights, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Centenary Heights has averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 29 homes were approved, with a further 16 approved so far in FY26. This averages to around two people moving to the area per new home constructed over these years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $380,000. In FY26, there have been $26.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Centenary Heights has significantly less development activity, 83.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this is also below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 43.0% detached dwellings and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from current housing patterns, which are predominantly houses at 77.0%. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 969 people per dwelling approval, Centenary Heights reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Centenary Heights is projected to add 265 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Retirement Village (86 Units) - Single Storey, Ruthven Street Social and Affordable Housing Development, Mater Dei Primary School Early Years Precinct, and Parque Toowoomba. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Centenary Heights shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Centenary Heights has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.5%. As of September 2025, there are 3,288 residents employed, and its unemployment rate is 0.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is at par with Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 6.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, particularly notable in health care & social assistance which is at 1.5 times the regional average. Mining has limited presence with 1.1% employment compared to 3.6% regionally.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population count. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 5.5%, labour force grew by 4.2%, and unemployment rate fell by 1.1 percentage points in Centenary Heights. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local employment expected to increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years based on industry-specific projections applied to Centenary Heights' employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Centenary Heights' income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $52,300 and average income stands at $64,262, compared to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,483 (median) and $70,630 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Centenary Heights, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Income brackets indicate largest segment comprises 36.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,283 residents), consistent with broader trends across broader area showing 31.7% in same category. Housing affordability pressures are 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

In Centenary Heights, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 22.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Centenary Heights stood at 30.8%, with mortgaged properties at 31.1% and rented ones at 38.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,408, lower than Non-Metro Queensland's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in the area was recorded at $320 compared to Non-Metro Queensland'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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 within the region, with university qualification rates at 26.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 10.2% while certificates account for 25.7%.

Educational participation is notably high at 29.3%, including primary education (9.4%), secondary education (8.6%), and tertiary education (5.2%).

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 bus services. Two routes operate here, offering a total of 132 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 210 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this mainly residential area. Cars are the dominant mode of transport at 94%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.9% of residents work from home, which might reflect COVID-19 conditions. Buses run on average 18 trips daily across all routes, equating to about four weekly trips per 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 as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The area has approximately 53% private health cover, leading that of the average SA2 area (~3,303 people). Mental health issues impact 9.3% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.8%. Around 65.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,160 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of 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' population, like the wider region's average, is predominantly born in Australia at 82.6%, with 88.8% being citizens and 88.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 56.8%. However, there's an overrepresentation of 'Other' religions, comprising 1.7% compared to the region's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.8%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 7.4%, Scottish at 9.3%, and Australian Aboriginal at 2.6% compared to regional averages of 4.7%, 7.8%, and 3.9% respectively.

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

Centenary Heights has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Centenary Heights at 18.3%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.2% to 18.3%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.4%. During this period, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.5%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Centenary Heights' age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 217 people (19%), increasing from 1,147 to 1,365. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.