Garbutt

Garbutt has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Garbutt is around 2,507. This figure represents an increase of 198 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,309. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,506 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 204 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Garbutt's growth rate of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline of 171 persons by 2041 according to this methodology, despite anticipated growth across specific age cohorts led by the 85 and over age group projected to expand by 47 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data in Garbutt, shows around 17 new homes approved annually. Approximately 88 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, with two more approved so far in FY2026. On average, about 1.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home over these five years, suggesting balanced supply and demand, though this has increased to 6.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $327,000, consistent with regional patterns.

This year, around $29.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Garbutt has 78.0% more construction activity per person. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (66.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends.

With around 260 people per dwelling approval, Garbutt shows a developing market. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Army Aviation Program of Works at RAAF Base Townsville, Weststate Private Hospital, Queensland Rail Support Facilities on Bolam Street, and Townsville Airport Redevelopment. The following list 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.

Employment conditions in Garbutt face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Garbutt has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in Garbutt is 12.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 1,070 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 8.8% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Garbutt is lower than Regional Qld's figure, at 56.6%. Census data reveals that only 3.4% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries among Garbutt residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Notably, the area has a high concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence in Garbutt, with 0.0% employment compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. As of the Census date, there are 4.4 workers for every resident in Garbutt, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12 months leading up to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.7% while employment declined by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.8 percentage points in Garbutt. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Garbutt's employment mix suggests that local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years. However, it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Garbutt is below national average. Median income is $46,589 and average income stands at $60,451. This contrasts with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Garbutt would be approximately $51,882 (median) and $67,318 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Garbutt fall between 6th and 18th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings segment comprises 26.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (666 residents), consistent with broader regional trends showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Garbutt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Garbutt, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 66.5% houses and 33.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garbutt was at 18.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (56.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Garbutt was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Garbutt was recorded at $220, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Garbutt's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 49.2% of all households, including 12.8% couples with children, 18.3% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 50.8%, with lone person households at 44.7% and group households comprising 6.0%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (31.7%). Educational participation is high, with 28.3% currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.9% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 5.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Garbutt shows that there are currently 32 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing service to the community. Collectively, these routes facilitate 542 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Garbutt is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 171 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents.

On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling in Garbutt, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 3.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 77 trips per day, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Garbutt is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Garbutt faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% (around 1,282 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 11.4% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.7% report no medical ailments, compared to the Regional Qld average of 67.6%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 20.5%, comprising approximately 513 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligned with national rankings for the general population.

Garbutt ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Garbutt's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 81.5% of its population being Australian citizens and 82.7% born in Australia. The majority, 89.7%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.6% of Garbutt's population.

However, there was an overrepresentation of 'Other' religions, which accounted for 1.1% compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.5%), Australian (24.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.3%), the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Notably, Maori (1.2%) and Filipino (1.9%) populations were overrepresented compared to Regional Qld's 0.8% and 0.9%, respectively. Spanish representation was also higher at 0.5% versus the region's 0.3%.

Garbutt's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Garbutt was 41 years in 2021, matching Regional Queensland's average and being slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Garbutt had a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age decreased by 1.1 years from 42 to 41, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes showed that the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 14.3% to 16.8%, while those aged 15-24 rose from 13.6% to 15.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 declined from 13.2% to 9.7%, and those aged 55-64 dropped from 14.1% to 13.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Garbutt's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to increase markedly, rising from 62 to 108 people (an increase of 72%). The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 86% of the projected growth. In contrast, the populations of residents aged 0-4 and 65-74 are expected to decline.