Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
Charters Towers City 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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the suburb of Charters Towers City's estimated population is around 2,283 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 64 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,219. The latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address validation since the Census date indicate a resident population of 2,282. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 779 persons per square kilometer. Charters Towers City's growth rate of 2.9% since census positions it close to the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.4%. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this growth.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by ABS projections or years post-2032. Future population trends indicate an overall decline of 33 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are projected to increase by 74 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Charters Towers City, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Charters Towers City has received around 4 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 23 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 2 people moved to the area per dwelling built during these years. However, this has moderated to 0.2 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years.
New properties are constructed at an average value of $264,000. In terms of commercial development, $1.1 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year. When compared to Rest of Qld, Charters Towers City shows comparable construction activity per person, indicating stable market conditions. However, the level is lower than nationally, suggesting possible development constraints. New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges.
This is a change from the current housing mix of 86.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 917 people, reflecting the quiet development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Charters Towers City may experience less housing pressure in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Charters Towers City
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Charters Towers City 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 four projects that may impact this region. Major initiatives include Renew Charters Towers, Queensland Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers), Grand Secret Estate, and Goldtower Central. The following details those likely most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
A statewide five-year energy transformation program released by the Crisafulli Government on 10 October 2025, replacing the former Labor government's 2022 Energy and Jobs Plan. The Roadmap centres on three objectives: affordability, reliability and sustainability. Key commitments include a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee to maintain state-owned coal assets operating to at least their technical lives (some to 2046 and potentially beyond), a $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund and QIC Investor Gateway to attract private sector capital into new generation and storage, and a Central Queensland Gas Power Tender for at least 400 MW of new gas-fired generation. Queensland's existing renewable energy targets have been formally repealed, while a net zero by 2050 commitment is retained. Active transmission priorities include the QIC-led CopperString Eastern Link (330 kV, major construction from 2028, commercial operations by 2032) and Powerlink's Gladstone Grid Reinforcement project. Battery storage targets include at least 3.1 GW of short-duration storage by 2030 and up to 4 GW of medium-duration storage by 2035. The Roadmap is estimated to reduce energy system costs by $26 billion to 2035 compared to Labor's early-closure plan.
CopperString 2032 - Northern Queensland SuperGrid
A 1,100 km high-voltage electricity transmission project connecting Queensland's North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market. The project is led by Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) in partnership with Powerlink Queensland, following a restructure in October 2025 that identified $2.1 billion in savings including downscaling the Eastern Link from 500kV to 330kV. The Eastern Link (Townsville to Hughenden, approx. 350 km) is the priority, with the Hughenden Workforce Accommodation Facility completed in November 2025 and Ministerial Infrastructure Designation approval granted in December 2025 for the $225 million Flinders Substation, with on-the-ground works commencing in 2026. Full construction commencement of the Eastern Link transmission line is subject to approvals being finalised by 2028, with completion targeted for 2032. The Western Link (Hughenden to Mount Isa) is under assessment via a $200 million North West Energy Fund exploring bespoke solutions for communities including Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond. The 2025-26 Queensland State Budget committed a record $2.4 billion to the project. Construction contractor is the UGL and CPB Contractors Joint Venture.
Queensland Energy Roadmap - SuperGrid Infrastructure Program
The Queensland Energy Roadmap (released October 2025) replaced the former Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid Blueprint, shifting from rigid renewable percentage targets to a reliability and emissions-reduction focus. Key infrastructure programs include: CopperString (QIC-led 330kV Eastern Link from Hughenden to Burdekin region, major construction commencing 2028, commercial operations by 2032, supported by a $200 million North West Energy Fund); the Gladstone Project Priority Transmission Investment (new 275kV Calvale to Calliope River transmission line, Gladstone West Substation by mid-2029, Bouldercombe to Larcom Creek line by mid-2030, with construction on initial works expected from mid-2026); and synchronous condenser installations at Stanwell, Nebo and Calliope River substations (Hitachi Energy contract signed April 2026, delivery by 2029). QIC has assumed oversight of the Borumba, Mt Rawdon, Big T and Capricornia pumped hydro assessments. The Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project has been cancelled. Coal assets will continue operating to technical life. The roadmap projects whole-of-system cost savings of approximately $26 billion to 2035 versus the previous plan. Renewable energy targets have been formally repealed, with net zero by 2050 retained as the overarching commitment. By 2030, around 16GW of new generation and storage capacity is forecast, including 6.8GW of wind and large-scale solar and 3.8GW of storage.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025 is a five-year strategic framework delivered by the Crisafulli Government on 10 October 2025 to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy through 2035. Key initiatives include a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee for existing government-owned coal and gas assets, a $400 million Energy Investment Fund to catalyse private sector investment in renewables (solar, hydro) and storage, and a mandate for at least 2.6 GW of new gas generation by 2035 including a Central Queensland Gas Power Tender for 400 MW of gas-fired capacity. The supporting Energy Roadmap Amendment Act 2025 was passed by Queensland Parliament on 10 December 2025, formally repealing previous renewable energy targets while maintaining a net-zero by 2050 commitment. The Act establishes a QIC Investor Gateway to attract private capital, renames Renewable Energy Zones as Regional Energy Hubs, and enshrines a framework for the CopperString transmission project connecting North and North West Queensland to the National Electricity Market. By 2030, the Roadmap forecasts up to 6.8 GW of additional wind and large-scale solar, 600 MW of new gas-fired generation, and up to 3.8 GW of new storage. The plan is projected to reduce energy system costs by $26 billion to 2035 versus the previous government's plan.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
Released on 10 October 2025, the Queensland Energy Roadmap is the Crisafulli Government's five-year energy strategy, replacing the previous Labor Energy and Jobs Plan. It focuses on affordability, reliability and sustainability, targeting net zero by 2050 while operating state-owned coal assets to their technical life (at least 2046). Key initiatives include: a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee for existing coal assets; a $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund managed by QIC; the QIC-led delivery of CopperString 330kV Eastern Link from Townsville to Hughenden (major construction from 2028, commercial operations by 2032); a $200 million North West Energy Fund; QIC assessment of pumped hydro projects at Borumba, Mt Rawdon, Big T and Capricornia; a Central Queensland Gas Power Tender for 400MW of new gas-fired capacity; and Powerlink's Gladstone Project transmission upgrades. Planned energy capital expenditure is $6.7 billion in 2025-26.
CopperString
CopperString (formerly CopperString 2032) is a major Queensland Government transmission project connecting the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market. Following a 2025 review by Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), the project was rescoped to deliver $2.1 billion in savings. The Eastern Link involves around 350km of new 330kV transmission line from Reid River near Townsville to Hughenden, including a $225 million Flinders Substation and multiple workforce accommodation facilities. The Western Link from Hughenden to Mount Isa has been replaced with a $200 million North West Energy Fund supporting local renewable generation, batteries and microgrids for Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Mount Isa. The Hughenden Workforce Accommodation Facility was completed in November 2025, and Ministerial Infrastructure Designation approval for the Flinders Substation was granted on 23 December 2025, with on-ground works commencing in early 2026. QIC is now leading delivery, with construction set to begin in 2028 and the Eastern Link targeted for completion by 2032.
Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program
A jointly funded Australian and Queensland Government road safety program delivering priority upgrades on high-risk sections of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie. The program includes wide centre line treatments, road widening, pavement strengthening, intersection upgrades, overtaking lanes, narrow structure widening and rest areas. Current works include early start and accelerated construction packages, with 22 new design and construction contracts released to market in 2026 and delivery targeted by 2030.
Renew Charters Towers
A Regional Place Activation Program initiative to revitalise the Charters Towers CBD by temporarily activating vacant shopfronts on Gill and Mosman Streets. Eligible creatives, startups, social enterprises and community groups can trial rent-free premises on a 30-day rolling licence, with insurance support via Renew Australia. The program aims to increase foot traffic, support local business growth and help property owners secure long-term tenants.
Employment
Employment conditions in Charters Towers City face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Charters Towers City has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 10.9%. This rate is 6.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement.
Workforce participation in Charters Towers City lags behind Regional Qld at 53.2%, compared to 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 5.8% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, the area has a high specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.
Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 5.1% of Charters Towers City's workforce compared to 10.1% in Regional Qld. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Charters Towers City's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
Charters Towers City suburb had median taxpayer income of $49,524 and average income of $59,556 in financial year 2023, according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than national averages, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $55,150 (median) and $66,322 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Charters Towers City fall between 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 29.1% of population (664 individuals) earn within $400-$799 range, differing from surrounding region's dominant $1,500-$2,999 bracket at 31.7%. After housing expenses, 86.3% of income remains, ranking at 9th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Charters Towers City is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Charters Towers City's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.0% houses and 14.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charters Towers City was 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.9% and rented ones at 42.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,009, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Charters Towers City was recorded as $220, compared to Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Charters Towers City features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 57.3% of all households, including 15.4% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.7%, with lone person households at 38.6% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Charters Towers City faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (28.1%). Educational participation is high, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising secondary (15.9%), primary (11.8%), and tertiary (2.0%) levels.
Educational participation is notably high, with 34.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.9% in secondary education, 11.8% in primary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Charters Towers City is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Charters Towers City faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.
Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% of the total population (~1,159 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, affecting 9.3 and 9.2% of residents respectively. However, 62.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. There are 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (470 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Charters Towers City is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Charters Towers City had a cultural diversity score below average, with 83.6% of its population being citizens, 91.0% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 54.0% of people, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.9%, vs regional average of 26.5%), English (27.2%) and Irish (9.3%).
Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 8.3% (vs regional 3.9%), Maori lower at 0.4% (vs regional 0.8%), and Scottish similar at 7.7% (vs regional 7.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Charters Towers City's median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age in Charters Towers City is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average of 41 but higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Charters Towers City has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 13.2% to 15.2%, while the proportion aged 25-34 increased from 10.1% to 11.2%. Conversely, the proportion aged 5-14 decreased from 14.9% to 13.3%, and the proportion aged 45-54 dropped from 12.3% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Charters Towers City's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 24% (61 people), reaching 317 from 255. Conversely, the 65-74 and 45-54 age groups are expected to experience population declines.