Douglas (Townsville - Qld)

Population growth drivers in Douglas are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Douglas (Townsville - Qld) was estimated at around 8,214 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 434 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,780 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 16 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. The suburb's growth rate of 5.6% since census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.1%), 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 areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period from 2026 to 2041, with the suburb expected to increase by 5,895 persons, 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Douglas averaged approximately 5 new dwelling approvals annually 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 per year for each dwelling built, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. Developers focus on the premium market, with new dwellings averaging $533,000.

This financial year has seen $187.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of Qld, Douglas has significantly less development activity, being 83.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's development level is also below national average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining Douglas' 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, 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, potentially leading to housing supply struggles to match population growth and heightening buyer competition, supporting price increases.

Douglas has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the 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 projects likely to be 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.

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 data). As of September 2025, 4,773 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation is 68.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data shows 5.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 impacts may affect this figure. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance (1.7 times the regional level), but construction has limited presence at 3.7% compared to the regional 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparisons of working population to local population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 0.7%, labour force by 0.6%, with unemployment essentially unchanged (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). 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. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these projections to Douglas's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 shows Douglas' median income among taxpayers is $54,919, with an average of $64,913. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Qld's median is $53,146 and average is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Douglas as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,361 (median) and $71,346 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks household income at the 67th percentile ($2,025 weekly), with personal income at the 43rd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 39.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remains for other expenses. Douglas' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Douglas, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Douglas was 18.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.7% and rented ones at 52.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Douglas was $1,633, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Douglas was $360, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Douglas's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households at 13.2%. 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

In Douglas, 35.5% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the Rest of Qld. The area's educational attainment is notably high with bachelor degrees leading at 24.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (17.2%). Educational participation is high, 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

Public transport analysis shows 30 active transport stops operating within Douglas. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling five individual routes that provide 679 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 298 meters from the nearest transport stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 97 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Douglas's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Douglas residents have relatively positive health outcomes, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health issues are prevalent among both young and old age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (around 4,346 people). Mental health issues affect 9.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.1%. About 74.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 8.6% residents aged 65 and over (706 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld, with health rankings generally inline with the national population.

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, making up 48.4% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.6% of Douglas's population, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 24.5%, English 23.9%, and Other groups 11.5%. Indian ancestry is notably overrepresented in Douglas at 5.4%, compared to 0.7% regionally. Sri Lankan ancestry is also higher at 0.6% (vs regional 0.1%) and South African ancestry stands at 0.5% (matching the regional average).

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

Douglas has a median age of 25, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and also substantially below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Douglas has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (32.6%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.5%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national figure of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, Douglas's median age has decreased by 1.3 years from 26 to 25, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes during this period include an increase in the 25-34 age group from 16.2% to 19.5%, and an increase in the 15-24 cohort from 30.4% to 32.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 10.2% to 8.3%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 10.1% to 8.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Douglas. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 107%, adding 1,707 residents and reaching a total of 3,309.