Garbutt

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Garbutt is estimated at around 2,532. This reflects an increase of 223 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,309. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,501 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 206 persons per square kilometer. Garbutt's growth rate of 9.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Population projections indicate a decline of 171 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group projected to expand by 49 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Garbutt has seen approximately 17 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, around 89 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY2026. On average, about 1.1 new residents arrive per year for each new home over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand, and stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply in the area.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $327,000, which aligns with regional patterns. Additionally, $29.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Garbutt has approximately 80% more construction activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

Recent construction comprises 92% detached dwellings and 8% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and emphasizing detached housing to attract space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (66% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 255 people per dwelling approval, Garbutt shows a developing market. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the area, benefiting potential buyers.

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

AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure. Key projects among these include Army Aviation Program of Works at RAAF Base Townsville, Weststate Private Hospital, Queensland Rail Support Facilities at Bolam Street, and Townsville Airport Redevelopment. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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 is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 13.1%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, there are 1,030 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 9.0% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Garbutt is significantly lower at 54.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data shows that only 3.4% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has minimal presence with 0.0% employment compared to the region's 4.5%. The resident-to-worker ratio is 0.44, indicating that Garbutt hosts more jobs than residents and attracts workers from nearby areas. Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 3.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force expansion of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Garbutt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized 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 median income in Garbutt is $46,589 and average income is $60,451. This is below the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Garbutt would be approximately $51,206 (median) and $66,442 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Garbutt fall between the 6th and 18th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile indicates that the largest segment consists of 26.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (673 residents), which aligns with broader regional trends 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 such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Garbutt was at 18.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.2%) or rented (56.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, which is below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Garbutt was recorded at $220, substantially lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and 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 comprise the remaining 50.8%, with lone person households at 44.7% and group households making up 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 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

Garbutt has 32 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These are serviced by five distinct routes, offering a total of 542 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 171 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Garbutt residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 89%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.9, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 3.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 77 trips daily across all routes, 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

Health challenges are prominent across Garbutt, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting various age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 1,295 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 11.4% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Notably, 60.7% of Garbutt's residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the Rest of Qld. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Garbutt has a higher proportion of seniors, with 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (546 people), compared to 20.4% in the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present certain challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 89.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Garbutt, comprising 52.6% of its population. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which constituted 1.1% of Garbutt's population compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 27.5%, Australian at 24.1%, and Australian Aboriginal at 9.3%, which was substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Notably, certain ethnic groups showed divergent representations: Maori at 1.2% (vs regional 0.8%), Filipino at 1.9% (vs regional 0.9%), and Spanish at 0.5% (vs regional 0.3%).

Garbutt's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Garbutt is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average of 41, but it is somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Garbutt has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 25 to 34 grew from 14.3% to 16.7%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.6% to 15.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 9.1%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 9.4% to 7.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Garbutt's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 63 people, reaching 103 from 63. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.