Childers (Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Childers reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Childers (Qld) is around 1,839. This figure reflects a growth of 157 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,682. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,809 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of one new address since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 96 persons per square kilometer. Childers' population growth rate of 9.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb of Childers is expected to grow by just below the median of national regional areas. By 2041, it is projected to increase by 240 persons, reflecting a total increase of 16.3% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Childers when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Childers has seen approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 20 homes were approved, with an additional 4 in FY-26 to date. This results in an average of 14.1 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $416,000. This financial year, $897,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Childers has significantly less development activity, 65.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, though building activity has accelerated in recent years.

However, this activity remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (80.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 341 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts indicate Childers will gain 299 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

No infrastructure changes are known to significantly affect this area. Zero relevant projects have been identified by AreaSearch. Notable initiatives include Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro Project, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett from 2017-2021, Paradise Dam Improvement Project (New Dam Wall) starting in 2018 and expected to finish in 2023, and Stony Creek Wind Farm approved in 2019.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Childers recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Childers has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. It has diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 5.6%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 9.5% based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 839 residents employed in Childers, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 57.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 7.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include accommodation & food services, health care & social assistance, and administrative & support services.

The area has a particularly strong specialization in administrative & support services, with an employment share three times the regional level. However, construction has limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.5%, while labour force increased by 10.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and a smaller increase in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that Childers' employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Childers is $41,441 and the average is $52,322 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,548 (median) and $57,507 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Childers are between the 0th and 6th percentiles nationally. The majority of individuals in Childers earn between $400 - $799 weekly (41.2%, or 757 people), unlike metropolitan regions where most earn between $1,500 - $2,999 (31.7%). With a significant proportion earning under $800 per week (49.1%), income constraints impact local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 2nd percentile nationally.

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

Childers' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 80.3% houses and 19.7% 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 Childers stood at 46.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.3% and rented ones at 33.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Childers was $265, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Childers' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 52.4% of all households, including 14.8% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 47.6%, with lone person households at 44.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 31.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in secondary education, 9.3% in primary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Childers is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Childers faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~881 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.8% of residents) and mental health issues (9.2%). However, 56.7% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population has notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Childers has a higher proportion of seniors (31.9%, or 586 people) than the rest of Queensland (20.4%). While health outcomes among seniors are challenging, they align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Childers had a population with low cultural diversity: 81.4% were citizens, 82.1% were born in Australia, and 93.0% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 57.4%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (31.5%, higher than regional average of 26.5%), English (30.7%), and Irish (7.5%).

Notably, Samoan (1.6% vs 0.2%), German (6.5% vs 4.7%), and Macedonian (0.3% vs 0.0%) groups were overrepresented in Childers compared to regional averages.

Childers ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Childers's median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Rest of Qld's median age of 41 and higher than the Australian median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-olds are particularly prominent, making up 13.3% of the population, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 8.0%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is higher than the national average of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.2% to 11.4%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 8.0%. The 45 to 54 group has also decreased from 11.6% to 10.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Childers's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 64 people (79%) from 80 to 145. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 56% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is expected to contract by 19 residents.