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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Childers' (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) population is estimated at around 1,840 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 158 people (9.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,682 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,809 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 97 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Childers' growth of 9.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.7%), along with 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 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with Childers (Qld) (SA2) expected to grow by 228 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Childers shows approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 20 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 14.1 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $416,000. Additionally, $897,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating 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.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, although it remains under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development in Childers has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. The location has approximately 341 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts indicate Childers will gain 291 residents through to 2041, based on 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

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro Project, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Paradise Dam Improvement Project (New Dam Wall), and Stony Creek Wind Farm. Below is a list of 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.

The employment landscape in Childers shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Childers has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. It has diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 5.5%.

In the past year, employment grew by 9.8%. As of September 2025839 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Childers lags behind at 44.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and administrative & support services.

The area has a strong specialization in administrative & support services, with an employment share three times the regional level. However, construction has limited presence with only 5.2% of jobs compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 9.8%, while labour force grew by 10.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Childers' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

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

The median taxpayer income in Childers suburb was $41,441 and the average was $52,322 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are lower than average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% would be approximately $45,548 for the median and $57,507 for the average in Childers. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Childers fall between the 0th and 6th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 41.2% of the community (758 individuals), unlike metropolitan trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. With 49.1% earning under $800 per week, income constraints significantly 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 structures, as per the latest Census, were 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Childers was 46.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.3% and rented dwellings at 33.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Childers was $265, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Childers' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 47.6%, with lone person households at 44.3% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (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 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. The rate of private health cover in Childers is low at approximately 48%, covering around 882 people out of a total population.

This figure is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.8% and 9.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 56.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in the rest of Queensland. As of a certain date, Childers has 31.7% of its population aged 65 and over, totaling 583 people, which is higher than the 26.3% recorded in the rest of Queensland. The health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall health profile of the population.

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 in Childers, comprising 57.4%, slightly higher than the regional average of 54.0%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (30.7%), and Irish (7.5%).

Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Samoan was overrepresented at 1.6% in Childers compared to 0.1% regionally, German was similarly represented at 6.5%, and Macedonian showed a slight increase from 0% regionally to 0.3%.

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 41 and higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-olds are particularly prominent at 13.2%, while the 35-44 group is smaller at 8.3% 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 11.5%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 8.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Childers's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 64 people (26%) from 242 to 307. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 58% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is projected to contract by 22 residents.