Freshwater (Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Freshwater reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Freshwater's population is estimated at around 2,195 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 53 people (2.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,142 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,193 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,389 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 67.0% 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the suburb of Freshwater expected to grow by 88 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 3.9% in total over the 16 years.

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

Freshwater has seen minimal residential development activity with only 2 dwelling approvals annually on average over the past five years (13 approvals in total). This low level of development is typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that due to the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Freshwater has shown significantly less construction activity than Rest of Qld. The development pattern in Freshwater is also well below national averages. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (58.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures.

With around 732 people per dwelling approval, Freshwater reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Freshwater is projected to add 86 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Freshwater has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects include Bel Plas Estate, Currunda Creek Development, Cairns Western Arterial Road, Redlynch Connector Road to Captain Cook Highway duplication, and Larsen Place Estate. 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 analysis reveals Freshwater significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Freshwater has an educated workforce with key services sectors well-represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.6%. AreaSearch data aggregation shows that 1,318 residents are employed, which is 1.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Freshwater is high at 74.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 20.0% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Freshwater specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.7% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6%, and employment declined by 2.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7% and labour force expand by 1.0%. 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. Applying these projections to Freshwater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.

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 ended June 2023 shows median income in Freshwater suburb was $68,290. Average income stood at $84,932. This contrasts with Regional Qld where median income was $53,146 and average was $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Freshwater is approximately $76,048 and average is $94,580 by March 2026. Census data reveals individual earnings at the 85th percentile nationally were $1,095 weekly, but household income ranked lower at the 57th percentile. Income distribution shows 35.5% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (779 individuals). After housing costs, residents retained 86.7% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Freshwater displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Freshwater, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.6% houses and 42.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Freshwater was at 32.0%, similar to Regional Qld, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (39.3%) or rented (28.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Freshwater was $1,625, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Freshwater was recorded at $350, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Freshwater's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Freshwater features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.4% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Freshwater shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Freshwater's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications at 38.3%, compared to the Rest of Queensland (20.6%) and the SA4 region (21.1%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.8% of residents holding these, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (23.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.8% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary (11.4%), secondary (9.8%), and tertiary (4.2%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Freshwater has 11 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by a single route, offering a total of 114 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents living an average of 230 meters from the nearest stop. Freshwater is mainly residential, and most commuters travel outwards daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 93%, while cycling accounts for 2%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 20% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Each route offers an average of 16 trips daily, resulting in approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Freshwater's health outcomes show remarkable results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,335 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.0% of residents and arthritis impacting 6.6%. Notably, 74.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (351 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Freshwater records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Freshwater's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 78.7% of residents born in Australia, 88.9% being citizens, and 90.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 41.5% of Freshwater's population. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (29.7%), Australian (22.4%), and Irish (10.4%). Dutch (1.8%) and German (5.1%) are notably overrepresented, while Scottish representation is slightly higher at 8.9% compared to the regional average of 7.8%.

Freshwater's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Freshwater is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years, and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 45-54 year-old cohort is notably over-represented in Freshwater at 14.8%, compared to the Regional Queensland average, while the 75-84 year-old cohort is under-represented at 5.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.8% to 11.4%, and the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 10.7% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 15.4% to 13.1%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 16.9% to 14.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Freshwater, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 41 people (16%) from 265 to 307. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.