Childers (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Childers' population is estimated at around 1,854 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 172 people (10.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,682 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,823 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 97 persons per square kilometer in the suburb of Childers (Qld). The suburb's 10.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.6%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 91.0% of overall 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected in the suburb of Childers (Qld), with the area expected to expand by 227 persons to reach 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 14.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Childers had 17 dwelling approvals over five years, averaging three annually. This low level is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited demand and infrastructure capacity. The small sample size can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Childers' development levels are substantially lower than the Rest of Qld's and below national averages. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character with larger properties being typical. Developers are constructing more detached housing (80.0%) compared to Census data, indicating strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends. With approximately 289 people per approval, Childers reflects a transitioning market.

By 2041, Childers is projected to grow by 276 residents according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Childers has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro Project, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Stony Creek Wind Farm, and Building Future Hospitals Program. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Childers shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Childers has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.3% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.4% over the past year.

There are 798 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% above Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 44.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and administrative & support services. The area has a particularly notable concentration in administrative & support services, with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average.

However, construction has limited presence with only 5.2% of employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. This suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.4%, and labour force increased by 7.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.7 percentage points in Childers. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, the labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by only 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Childers's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years. However, it is important to note that these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Childers had a median income among taxpayers of $41,441 and an average of $52,322. These figures are lower than the national averages. The Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Childers as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,239 (median) and $59,642 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Childers fall between the 0th and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 41.2% of residents (763 people) earn between $400 and $799 per week, which is different from the surrounding region where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket dominates at 31.7%. A significant portion of the community faces economic challenges, with 49.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets. 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

The dwelling structure in Childers, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Childers was at 46.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.3% and rented ones at 33.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Childers was $1,170, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Childers was $265, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Childers' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,170 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 comprise the remaining 47.6%, with lone person households at 44.3% and group households at 3.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. 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, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (31.8%). Educational participation is high at 26.6%, comprising secondary education (10.0%), primary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (2.1%).

Childers's three schools have a combined enrollment of 784 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 950). The area functions as an education hub with 42.3 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities, compared to the regional average of 13.9.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Childers faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (around 888 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (13.8%) and mental health issues (9.2%). Conversely, 56.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (32%, or 593 people), compared to Rest of Qld at 26.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Childers align with the general population's health profile.

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

Childers' population showed low cultural diversity, with 81.4% being Australian citizens, 82.1% born in Australia, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 57.4%, compared to 54.0% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 31.5%, English 30.7%, and Irish 7.5%.

Notably, Samoans were overrepresented at 1.6% (vs regional 0.1%), Germans at 6.5% (vs 6.4%), and Macedonians at 0.3% (vs 0%).

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-old group is particularly prominent at 13.3%, while the 5-14 year-old group is smaller at 7.9% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.2% to 11.3%, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 9.4% to 7.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Childers's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand from 83 to 144 people, an increase of 60 residents (73%). Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 60% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decrease by 22 residents.