Charleville

Charleville has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Charleville's population is estimated at around 3,411 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 419 people (14.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,992 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,020 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 203 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5.6 persons per square kilometer. Charleville's 14.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 385 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 36 people.

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

Charleville had an average of two dwelling approvals per year between 2015 and 2019, totalling twelve dwellings over this five-year period. This low development activity is characteristic of rural areas like Charleville, where housing needs often dictate development rather than broad market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth figures.

Compared to the Rest of Queensland and national averages, Charleville has much lower development activity. Recent developments have been exclusively detached houses, catering to families seeking a rural lifestyle. With an estimated 753 people per dwelling approval, Charleville's development environment is quiet and low-key. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may remain low, benefiting buyers in the area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Charleville may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Charleville has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Two projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Charleville Central Extension Retail Development, Charleville New Social Homes (Dual-Occupancy), National Electricity Market: Renewable Energy Zone Expansions, and Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers) Upgrades.

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Employment performance in Charleville has been broadly consistent with national averages

Charleville has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,606 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses show that only 3.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Charleville specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Mining is under-represented, at 0.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.6%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. In the year ending September 2025, Charleville's labour force decreased by 0.7%, with employment decreasing by 0.7%, while unemployment remained unchanged. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7% and labour force grew by 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Charleville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Charleville suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $52,482 with average level at $58,959. This is lower than national average and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,683 (median) and $64,802 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($822 weekly), while household income sits at the 22nd percentile. The largest segment comprises 30.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,050 residents). Housing costs are manageable with 90.8% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 31st percentile.

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

Charleville's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charleville stood at 35.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.8% and rented dwellings at 37.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Charleville was $178, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Charleville's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 60.3% of all households, including 20.1% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.7%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Charleville faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (26.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.5% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Charleville is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Charleville faces substantial health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,724 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and asthma (8.6%). 65.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (750 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Charleville ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Charleville, surveyed in 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population comprised 80.7% citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 66.4%, compared to 52.2% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australians topped at 33.9%, followed by English at 25.0% and Australian Aboriginal at 10.4%. Notably, Vietnamese were overrepresented at 3.0%, Germans at 4.2%, and Irish at 9.0%.

Charleville's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Charleville is 42 years, close to the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years, but significantly higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Comparing Charleville with the Rest of Queensland, the 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented at 16.5% locally, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 10.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 65 to 74 has grown from 11.4% to 13.5%, and the 25-34 cohort has increased from 14.5% to 16.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 11.6% to 9.5%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for Charleville in 2041 indicate that the 75-84 age cohort is projected to remain unchanged at 187 people (-0%). However, both the 75-84 and 85+ cohorts are expected to experience population declines.