Cloncurry

Population growth drivers in Cloncurry are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cloncurry is around 3,396, reflecting a growth of 229 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a rise of 7.2%. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on the ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses, is 3,387. This results in a density ratio of 0.40 persons per square kilometer. Cloncurry's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.7%) and SA4 region since the 2021 Census, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation by 2041, with the suburb expected to expand by 427 persons over these 17 years, reflecting a total increase of 12.2%.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Cloncurry recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Cloncurry has seen approximately five dwelling approvals annually, with 27 approved between FY-21 and FY-25. No dwellings have been approved in FY-26 to date. Each year, around 14.3 people move to the area per dwelling built over the past five financial years.

This indicates supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new properties is $722,000, suggesting a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Cloncurry's construction levels are 50.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years but below national averages, reflecting its mature status and possible planning constraints.

New developments consist of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character appealing to families seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 396 people. Future projections estimate Cloncurry will add 413 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price growth.

Cloncurry has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

One project has been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area: Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap, scheduled for completion in June 2025. Another significant project is CopperString 2032, planned for completion in December 2032. The Mount Isa-Townsville Rail Corridor Upgrade is also underway, with no specific completion date provided.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Cloncurry significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Cloncurry has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this period, 1,995 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8 percentage points lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Cloncurry was higher at 74.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 6.0% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in mining (7.7 times the regional level), transport, postal & warehousing, and public administration & safety. Health care & social assistance has a lower presence with 5.8%, compared to the regional average of 16.1%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. From September 2024 to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.1% and employment fell by 0.8%, resulting in a drop of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and an increase in labour force of 2.1%, with a rise of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, employment could grow by 4.5% in Cloncurry, and over ten years, it could increase by 10.7%. These projections are based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific growth rates against Cloncurry's employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows income in Cloncurry is high nationally. The median income is $70,470 and the average is $86,850. This contrasts with Queensland excluding Brisbane (Rest of Qld), where 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, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $77,454 (median) and $95,457 (average). Census 2021 data shows individual earnings are at the 93rd percentile nationally ($1,246 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 62nd percentile. The predominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, representing 36.5% of locals (1,239 people), similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 90.4% of their income.

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

In Cloncurry, as per the latest Census evaluation, 80.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 19.4% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cloncurry stood at 25.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (24.1%) or rented (50.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Non-Metro Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Cloncurry was $240, compared to Non-Metro Queensland's $345. Nationally, Cloncurry's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cloncurry features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.2% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (35.2%). Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 14.7% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Cloncurry are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Cloncurry's health indicators show below-average results, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be slightly more common than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (2,092 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were asthma and diabetes, affecting 7.6% and 5.6% of residents respectively. 75.1% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65 population health outcomes were better than average. The area has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (376 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Cloncurry's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (89.4%), and speaking English only at home (94.4%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.0% of Cloncurry's population compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.2%), English (24.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.8%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 3.9%.

Notably, Maori representation in Cloncurry was overrepresented at 0.8% compared to 0.8% regionally, Samoan at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Hungarian at 0.2% compared to 0.2%.

Cloncurry hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Cloncurry's median age is 33, which is younger than Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 20.7% of Cloncurry's population, higher than the Rest of Qld's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.4%. The 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 6.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 18.0% to 20.7%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.1% and the 15-24 group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Cloncurry's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 870 people from the current figure of 702. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.