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 since the Census, the suburb of Charters Towers City's population is estimated at around 2,306 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 87 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,219 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,305 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two 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 of 3.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 3.6%, 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 30 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 86 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, based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, has seen approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 24 homes were approved, with no approvals yet in FY26. The average new resident arrival per new home over these years is about 0.3 persons per year, suggesting that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choices and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $264,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, there have been $68,000 in commercial approvals registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in the area compared to residential. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Charters Towers City maintains similar construction rates per person, indicating a balanced market consistent with the broader area. However, this activity is below the national average, which may suggest the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, with an increasing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 86.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Charters Towers City is 924 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the city may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Charters Towers City has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area: Renew Charters Towers, Queensland Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers), Grand Secret Estate, and Goldtower Central. The following details those 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 had an unemployment rate of 11.1% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025936 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 7.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Charters Towers City lagged significantly at 50.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area had a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, construction was under-represented, with only 5.1% of Charters Towers City's workforce compared to 10.1% in Rest of Qld.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.9% and employment declined by 4.5%, resulting in a rise of 2.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a rise of only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Charters Towers City's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Charters Towers City had a median taxpayer income of $49,524 and an average of $59,556 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld's median income being $50,780 and average income being $64,844. As of September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $56,452 and an average income of $67,888, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows that incomes in Charters Towers City fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income cohort in Charters Towers City is $400 - $799, comprising 29.1% of locals (671 people), unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category dominates with 31.7%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.3% of income remains in Charters Towers City, which ranks at the 9th percentile nationally.

Charters Towers City is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Charters Towers City, as per the latest Census, 86.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Charters Towers City stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.9% and rented ones at 42.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,009, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,213. The median weekly rent figure in Charters Towers City was $220, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $202. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below 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 account for 57.3% of all households, including 15.4% that are couples with children, 26.4% that are couples without children, and 13.7% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

Educational participation is high at 34.5%, including secondary education (15.9%), primary education (11.8%), and tertiary education (2.0%). Charters Towers City has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 476 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational provision - 2 primary and 1 secondary school.

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, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51%, or about 1,171 people, have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most frequent medical conditions are asthma (9.3%) and arthritis (9.2%). Notably, 62.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 20.1%, or 463 people, aged 65 and over, lower than the 24.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but are better than those of the general population in certain health metrics.

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 70.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.9%), English (27.2%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 8.3%, Maori at 0.4%, and Scottish at 7.7%.

Charters Towers City hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Charters Towers City has a median age of 40, which is close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group shows strong representation at 14.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 11.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has grown from 13.2% to 14.9% of the population, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 13.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.3% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Charters Towers City's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 group projected to grow by 29%, reaching 334 people from 258. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.