Chinchilla

Population growth drivers in Chinchilla are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Chinchilla's estimated population is around 7,370. This reflects an increase of 302 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,068. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,314 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 102 persons per square kilometer. Chinchilla's growth rate of 4.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for non-metropolitan areas, with the Chinchilla SA2 expected to expand by 1,201 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 15.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Chinchilla according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Chinchilla averaged around 8 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 43 homes. In FY-26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 6.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This indicates supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average value of $396,000. In FY-26, $569,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Chinchilla has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 24th percentile nationally. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing properties.

However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. The area's established nature is indicated by its level being under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. New construction in Chinchilla has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (83.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 662 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Chinchilla is expected to grow by 1,160 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Chinchilla has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct, Chinchilla Christian College Extensions, Southern Cross Care Chinchilla - Illoura Village Redevelopment, and Chinchilla Cultural Precinct Revitalisation. 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Chinchilla ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Chinchilla has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 3.6% and estimated employment growth of 4.5% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 3890 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in electricity, gas, water & waste with an employment share six times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance employs only 8.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5% and labour force by 6.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7%, labour force expansion of 2.1%, and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1210 jobs) with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these projections to Chinchilla's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Chinchilla's median income among taxpayers is $50,581. The average income in the suburb is $62,933. Nationally, incomes are higher than those recorded in Chinchilla. In Rest of Qld, the median income is $53,146 and the average is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Chinchilla as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,594 and $69,170 respectively. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Chinchilla rank modestly, between the 38th and 51st percentiles. Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort spans 32.7% of locals (2,409 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 87.3% retained, but disposable income sits below average at the 42nd percentile.

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

Chinchilla's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 83.3% houses and 16.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chinchilla stood at 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 44.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $1,300 and $230 respectively. Nationally, Chinchilla's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Chinchilla has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 68.0% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Queensland.

Educational outcomes in Chinchilla fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (33.8%). Educational participation is high at 32.9%, comprising primary education (15.1%), secondary education (9.9%), and tertiary education (2.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Chinchilla are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators for Chinchilla show below-average outcomes for common health conditions that are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~3,842 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of Qld's 49.4%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in Chinchilla, affecting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Approximately 70.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 15.4% (1,134 people) compared to Rest of Qld's 18.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that align with the general population's health profile in Chinchilla.

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

Chinchilla's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.6% of its population being citizens, 88.8% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Chinchilla was Christianity, accounting for 58.8% of the population, compared to 64.6% across the Rest of Qld. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (33.2%), English (29.0%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, German representation was higher than average at 6.2%, while Australian Aboriginal was lower at 5.7%. Spanish representation was also notably higher at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

Chinchilla's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Chinchilla has a median age of 33, which is younger than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and below Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.9% of Chinchilla's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort constitutes 8.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 16.9% to 17.9%, whereas the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 15.5% to 13.6% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 10.6% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Chinchilla's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 1,693 people from 1,319. Meanwhile, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.