Chatsworth (Qld)

Chatsworth lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Chatsworth (Qld)'s population is estimated at around 2041 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 688 people (50.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1353 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2038, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 65 persons per square kilometer. Chatsworth's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 80% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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 proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 366 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17.8% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Chatsworth recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Chatsworth has seen approximately 26 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 130 homes were approved, with another 8 in FY-26 to date. On average, 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling have been recorded over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this figure has increased to 5.3 people per dwelling over the last two years, suggesting rising demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value of new homes is $435,000. This fiscal year has seen $483,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Chatsworth shows 111.0% higher new home approvals per capita, offering more choice for buyers but with building activity slowing recently. This high level reflects strong developer confidence in the area. All recent development has been standalone homes, preserving Chatsworth's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 210 people per dwelling approval, it exhibits growth area characteristics. AreaSearch projects Chatsworth to add 363 residents by 2041 at current development rates, comfortably meeting demand and supporting potential population growth beyond projections.

Chatsworth has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to affect this region: Gympie Regional Council Bridge Replacement Project, Gympie Regional Housing Action Plan Implementation, Gympie Region Planning Scheme Review, and Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra) Section D - Northern Contract. The following list outlines those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Chatsworth has been broadly consistent with national averages

Chatsworth has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 16.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of this date, 1,061 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation stood at 67.6%, slightly above Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicated that 9.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 1.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 5.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparisons of working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 16.1% while labour force grew by 16.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise slightly to 4.6%. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chatsworth's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Chatsworth's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Chatsworth is $44,695 and the average income stands at $54,326, compared to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $49,772 (median) and $60,497 (average). Census data reveals household income ranks at the 32nd percentile ($1,442 weekly), while personal income sits at the 13th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 33.3% of Chatsworth's community earns between $1,500 and 2,999 (679 individuals). Housing costs allow for retention of 86.8%, but disposable income is below average at the 35th percentile.

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

As per the most recent Census, Chatsworth's dwelling structures consisted of 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings (including semi-detached houses, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Queensland region's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chatsworth stood at 44.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.0% and rented ones at 11.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,533, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Chatsworth was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Chatsworth's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Chatsworth features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 79.7% of all households, including 34.9% couples with children, 34.1% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.3%, comprising 16.8% lone person households and 3.0% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, higher than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (36.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Chatsworth is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Chatsworth faces significant health challenges, according to an AreaSearch assessment conducted on 18th March 2023. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was very low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 994 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis, impacting 10.5% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 9.7%. However, 61.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the assessment date, 22.6% of residents were aged 65 and over (461 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld and national rankings.

Chatsworth is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Chatsworth, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 87.3% of residents born in Australia and 91.6% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 95.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 48.7%.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.2%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 0.8%. Ancestry-wise, English (34.6%) and Australian (30.9%) were most prevalent, with Irish at 8.8%. Welsh (0.9%), German (5.8%), and French (0.5%) showed notable increases compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 4.7%, and 0.5% respectively.

Chatsworth hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Chatsworth is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 and well above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Regional Queensland, the 5-14 age group is notably over-represented at 14.1% locally, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 9.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.1% to 11.6%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 6.0% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.0%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 14.6% to 13.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Chatsworth. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase dramatically by 66 people (147%), rising from 44 to 111. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decrease by 11 people.