Freshwater (Qld)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Freshwater (Qld) is around 2,229, reflecting an increase of 87 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 4.1% growth from the previous population count of 2,142. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,205 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,410 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Considering these trends, lower quartile growth is anticipated for national regional areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 94 persons to reach 2,323 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Freshwater, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Freshwater has seen minimal construction activity with two new dwellings approved annually over the past five years, totalling 14. This low development level reflects its rural nature where housing needs typically drive development rather than market demand. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national averages, Freshwater has much lower development activity. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, reflecting the area's rural character with larger properties being typical. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (58.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 732 people per approval, Freshwater shows a mature, established area.

Looking ahead to 2041, Freshwater is expected to grow by 75 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects potentially impacting this region. Major initiatives include Bel Plas Estate, Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication, Currunda Creek Development, 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.

Freshwater ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Freshwater has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 1,328 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Freshwater stands at 74.8%, surpassing Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicate that 20.0% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Key industries employing residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, employment in health care & social assistance is at 1.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Freshwater's labour force decreased by 1.9%, with employment declining by 2.7%, resulting in an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. Conversely, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, industry-specific projections suggest Freshwater's employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation using local 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 that Freshwater suburb's median income is $68,290 and average income is $84,932. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $75,058 and average income around $93,349, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data reveals individual earnings at the 85th percentile nationally are $1,095 weekly in Freshwater, while household income ranks at the 57th percentile. Income distribution shows that 35.5% of locals (791 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions' 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. 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

Freshwater's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.6% houses and 42.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Freshwater was 32%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.3% and rented ones at 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Freshwater was $350, slightly higher than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Freshwater's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower at $1,625 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while weekly rents are also lower at $350 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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, smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 38.3% hold university qualifications compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Queensland and 21.1% in the SA4 region. This advantage positions Freshwater well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 23.2%. Educational participation is high in Freshwater, 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, offering a total of 114 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 230 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Freshwater's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 93%, while cycling accounts for 2%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 20% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 exceptional 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 (1,356 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.0% of residents and arthritis impacting 6.6%. 74.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Freshwater has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (358 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 population was found to be roughly similar to the broader regional average in terms of cultural diversity, with 78.7% born in Australia, 88.9% being citizens, and 90.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Freshwater, accounting for 41.5% of its population. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, comprising 0.2% compared to 0.1% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (29.7%), Australian (22.4%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Dutch (1.8%) and German (5.1%) were overrepresented in Freshwater compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 4.7%, respectively. Similarly, Scottish ancestry was also overrepresented at 8.9% versus the regional average of 7.8%.

Freshwater's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Freshwater was close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years at the time of the Census, both being well above the Australian median age of 38. Comparing with Rest of Qld, the 45-54 cohort was notably over-represented in Freshwater at 14.9%, while the 65-74 year-olds were under-represented at 9.2%. Between the Census periods from 2016 to 2021, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 10.7% to 12.9%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 15.4% to 13.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 16.9% to 14.9%. Population forecasts for Freshwater in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 48 people, increasing from 287 to 336. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.