Douglas (Townsville - Qld)

Population growth drivers in Douglas are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of 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, Douglas's population is estimated at around 8,214 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 434 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,780 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,214, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 933 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Douglas's 5.6% growth since census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Douglas (Townsville - Qld) statistical area (Lv2) in the top 10 percent of regional areas across the nation. The area is expected to increase by 5,893 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 72.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Douglas averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 28 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 6.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments, as evidenced by an average construction value of $533,000 per dwelling.

This financial year has seen $187.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Douglas has significantly less development activity, at 83.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (85.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1639 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Douglas will gain approximately 5,949 residents by 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may affect the region. Notable ones include Townsville University Hospital Expansion, TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct, Stage One: James Cook University Residential Development Program, and North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK). 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.

Employment performance in Douglas ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Douglas has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, with estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year (AreaSearch).

As of September 2025, there are 4,774 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 67.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 3.7%, compared to regionally at 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% alongside labour force increasing by 0.6%, with unemployment essentially unchanged. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Douglas's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 15.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Douglas' median taxpayer income is $54,919 and average is $64,913. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Qld has a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,361 (median) and $71,346 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Douglas' household income ranks at the 67th percentile ($2,025 weekly), with personal income at the 43rd percentile. The earnings profile shows 39.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remains for other expenses. Douglas' SEIFA income ranking is in the 7th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluation showed that dwelling structures in Douglas comprised 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Douglas was at 18.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (29.7%) or rented (52.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Douglas was $1,633, above Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Weekly rent figures were recorded at $360 in Douglas, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Douglas's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Douglas features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.2% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 13.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Douglas has a notably high level of educational attainment compared to broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 35.5% of its residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 20.1% and Queensland's Rest of Qld figure at 20.6%. This advantage is evident in various educational levels: Bachelor degrees are held by 24.5%, postgraduate qualifications by 8.0%, and graduate diplomas by 3.0%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 17.2%.

Educational participation is particularly high in Douglas, with 47.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 28.4% in tertiary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 6.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Douglas shows that there are 29 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes running through the area. Together, these routes provide 679 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located an average of 298 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 97 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Douglas's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Douglas' health outcomes show impressive results, with younger age groups experiencing particularly low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 53%, which is higher than the average SA2 area's rate (~4,346 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Douglas, affecting 9.1% and 7.1% of residents respectively. A total of 74.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 8.8% (722 people), compared to the 14.9% in Rest of Qld.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Douglas was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Douglas has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.6% of its population born overseas and 21.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Douglas, accounting for 48.4% of the population. The category 'Other' is overrepresented in Douglas, comprising 1.6% of the population compared to 0.7% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (24.5%), English (23.9%), and Other (11.5%). Notably, Indian (5.4%) and Sri Lankan (0.6%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Douglas compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.1%, respectively. South African ethnicity is also slightly overrepresented at 0.5% versus the regional average of 0.3%.

Douglas hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Douglas has a median age of 25, which is significantly younger than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Douglas has a higher proportion of 15-24 residents (33.0%), but fewer 55-64 year-olds (6.7%). This concentration of 15-24 residents is notably higher than the national figure of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, Douglas's median age has decreased by 1.2 years from 26 to 25, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the proportion of 15-24 residents grew from 30.4% to 33.0%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 16.2% to 18.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 10.2% to 8.5%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 10.1% to 8.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Douglas. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 117%, adding 1,781 residents to reach a total of 3,309.