Charters Towers City

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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the suburb of Charters Towers City's population is estimated at around 2,308. This reflects an increase of 89 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,219 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,294, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 787 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Charters Towers City's growth rate of 4.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 areas not covered by this data and 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. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the suburb's population expected to decline by 23 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 87 people.

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

Charters Towers City has experienced approximately five dwelling approvals annually, with an estimated 25 homes approved between the financial years FY-21 to FY-25. In the current financial year FY-26, one dwelling has been approved so far. On average, over the past five financial years, 0.3 new residents have arrived per new home.

This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these homes is $264,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, $1.1 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting minimal activity in this sector. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Charters Towers City maintains similar construction rates per person, however, building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is also below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 67% detached houses and 33% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 86% houses. This suggests diminishing developable land availability and a response to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 660 people, reflecting a quiet development environment with stable or declining population forecasts, potentially leading to less housing pressure and favourable conditions for buyers.

Charters Towers City has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact the area. Key projects are 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.

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.

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 white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, and the unemployment rate is 11.1%. In September 2025927 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 7.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was lower at 55.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 5.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Education & training is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Construction is under-represented at 5.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force increased by 0.2%, but employment declined by 1.6%, raising unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate overall national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Charters Towers City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Charters Towers City suburb has a median taxpayer income of $49,524 and an average income of $59,556, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Rest of Qld's median income is $53,146 with an average of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $54,432 and the average $65,458, accounting for a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that Charters Towers City's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 29.1% of the population (671 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 range, differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates at 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Charters Towers City's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.0% houses and 14.0% other dwellings like semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's structure which was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charters Towers City stood at 34.1%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (22.9%) or rented (42.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,009, significantly lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Charters Towers City was recorded at $220, substantially below Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.

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, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (28.1%).

Educational participation is 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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 substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 1,172 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 9.3% and 9.2% of residents respectively. Notably, 62.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (466 people). Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

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, as per the census data from June 2016, had a population that was predominantly Australian-born citizens with English as their primary language, at 83.6%, 91.0%, and 94.9% respectively. Christianity was the dominant religion in Charters Towers City, comprising 54.0% of its population, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.9%), English (27.2%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, the Australian Aboriginal population was overrepresented in Charters Towers City at 8.3%, compared to the regional average of 3.9%. Other notable differences included Maori representation at 0.4% (vs regional 0.8%) and Scottish at 7.7% (vs 7.8%).

Charters Towers City's median age exceeds the national pattern

Charters Towers City has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented at 15.3%, compared to Rest of Qld. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 10.4%. Following the Census in 2021, the 15-24 age group grew from 13.2% to 15.3%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.7%. The 45-54 cohort declined from 12.3% to 10.4%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.2%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Charters Towers City's age profile by 2041. Leading this shift, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 23%, reaching 333 people from 270. Meanwhile, population declines are anticipated for the 65-74 and 45-54 cohorts.