Chinchilla

Chinchilla lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Chinchilla's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 227,546. This figure reflects an increase of 16,568 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 210,978. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 7,217 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,157 persons per square kilometer, placing Chinchilla in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.2%) and the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration playing minimal roles.

ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, are adopted by AreaSearch. 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted for Chinchilla over the period, placing it in the top 10 percent of regional areas across the nation. The area is expected to expand by 30,095 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 23.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Chinchilla was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Chinchilla averaged approximately 391 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,959 homes. As of FY-26696 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 5.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $834,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $896.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of Qld, Chinchilla records 112.0% more building activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice. However, this level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving Chinchilla's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With approximately 628 people per approval, Chinchilla shows a mature, established area with an expected stable or declining population, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Chinchilla has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting this 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 list 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 analysis indicates Chinchilla maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Chinchilla has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 62,811 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 120.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.6% versus the regional average of 4.5%. There are 1.1 workers for every resident in Chinchilla, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.1%, with employment decreasing by 2.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest Chinchilla's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Chinchilla's median postcode-level income was $102,028 and average income was $121,194. This is higher than Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $116,302 (median) and $138,149 (average), based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census shows individual earnings at the 94th percentile nationally ($1,558 weekly). Household income ranks at the 62nd percentile. Income distribution data indicates 65.8% of Chinchilla's population (149,725 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.7%. Economic diversity is evident with 50.2% in constrained financial circumstances and 32.2% achieving substantial weekly earnings. High housing costs consume 66.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Chinchilla, as per the latest Census evaluation, 136.8% of dwellings were houses while 63.2% comprised other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chinchilla stood at 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 68.2% and rented ones for 80.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,034, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Weekly rent figures were recorded at $630 compared to Non-Metro Qld's averages of $230. Nationally, Chinchilla's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,034 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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The educational profile of Chinchilla exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Chinchilla is notably high, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This compares to 14.7% in the broader SA4 region and 15.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 83.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (23.2%) and certificates (60.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 66.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 23.2% in primary education, 20.0% in secondary education, and 8.6% pursuing tertiary education. Chinchilla's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,734 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 961) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Chinchilla functions as an education hub with 44.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Chinchilla has 558 active public transport stops serviced by 40 routes. These routes collectively facilitate 5,262 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered limited, with residents generally located 836 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 751 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Chinchilla's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Chinchilla, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 100% of the total population (~228,001 people), compared to 49.2% across the rest of Queensland. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 15.4% and 13.6% of residents respectively. Notably, 143.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Chinchilla has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 31.4% (71,358 people), compared to 18.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Chinchilla is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chinchilla, one of the country's most culturally diverse areas, has 47.8% of its population born overseas and 35.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Chinchilla, comprising 100.0% of its people. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 3.0% of Chinchilla's population, compared to 0.3% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 47.2%, Australian at 43.8%, and Other at 30.2%. These figures are substantially higher than the regional averages of 29.0%, 34.0%, and 2.8% respectively. Additionally, certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 13.4% (vs 6.7%), Filipino at 3.6% (vs 1.0%), and Samoan at 0.6% (vs 0%).

Chinchilla hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Chinchilla's median age is 75 years, significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's median of 38. The age distribution mirrors regional norms in Queensland. Notably, the 25-34 age group makes up a high proportion at 33%, compared to the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, this age group grew from 29.2% to 33.0% of Chinchilla's population. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort increased from 24.2% to 25.7%, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 26.6% to 23.0%. The 45-54 age group also saw a decline, dropping from 27.2% to 25.1%. By 2041, Chinchilla's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 48%, adding 3,654 residents to reach 3,991. However, population declines are anticipated for the 75-84 and 85+ cohorts.