Garbutt

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

As of November 2025, Garbutt's population is estimated at around 2,580, reflecting an increase of 271 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 209 persons per square kilometer. Garbutt's growth rate since the 2021 census was 11.7%, exceeding both the SA4 region (6.9%) and the SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. 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 176 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group with an anticipated expansion of 49 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Garbutt has seen around 19 new homes approved annually. Approximately 96 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional four approved so far in FY-26. On average, only one person per year moves to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand, providing more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $327,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $38.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Garbutt has 94.0% more construction activity per person, providing ample choice for buyers. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

Recent construction comprises 87.0% detached dwellings and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature with a focus on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. Notably, 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 161 people per dwelling approval, Garbutt exhibits characteristics of a growth area. However, population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in the area.

Garbutt has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may influence this region. Notable ones are Army Aviation Program of Works at RAAF Base Townsville, Weststate Private Hospital, Queensland Rail Support Facilities on Bolam Street, and Harris Crossing Estate. 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's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 13.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 1,043 employed residents, a figure that is 9.3% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Garbutt lags at 51.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety has an employment concentration 2.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has no presence in Garbutt compared to the regional rate of 4.5%. There are 4.4 workers per resident, indicating a net influx of workers from surrounding areas. Over the year ending June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, while employment declined by 6.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 4.1 percentage points, compared to Rest of Qld's growth in employment and labour force, and minimal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Garbutt's industry mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Garbutt is below the national average. The median assessed income is $46,589 and the average income stands at $60,451. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Garbutt would be approximately $53,107 (median) and $68,908 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Garbutt all fall between the 6th and 18th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the largest segment comprises 26.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (686 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Garbutt, 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

The dwelling structure in Garbutt, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 66.5% houses and 33.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garbutt stood at 18.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (56.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Garbutt was recorded at $220, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. 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, smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.6% and certificates for 31.7%.

Educational participation is 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. The area has two educational institutions serving 95 students: Garbutt State School and The BUSY School - Garbutt Campus. The area's ICSEA score is 784, indicating varied educational conditions. Educational provision follows conventional lines, with one primary and one secondary institution. However, local school capacity is limited at 3.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 32 operational public transport stops in Garbutt. These are served by a variety of bus routes, totalling five individual routes. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 542.

Residential accessibility to public transport is rated excellent, with typical distances to the nearest stop being 171 meters. Service frequency averages 77 trips per day across all routes, translating 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,319 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 53.3%.

Mental health issues impact 11.4%, while arthritis affects 9.5% of residents. Conversely, 60.7% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 67.8%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.2% (546 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 14.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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

Garbutt's population is predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 81.5% being citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 89.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the prevalent religion, accounting for 52.6%. The most notable deviation from regional averages is seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (27.5%), Australian (24.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant variations: Maori at 1.2% versus regional 0.5%, Filipino at 1.9% compared to regional 1.1%, and Spanish at 0.5% against regional 0.4%.

Garbutt hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Garbutt is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Garbutt has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 14.3% to 16.2%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 13.6% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 9.6% and the 5-14 group dropped from 9.4% to 8.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Garbutt's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 66%, reaching 103 people from 61. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.