Garbutt

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Garbutt's estimated population is around 2,532 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 223 people (9.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,309 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,501 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 level of population equates to a density ratio of 206 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Garbutt's 9.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Garbutt statistical area's (Lv2) population expected to decline by 176 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is 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 of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Garbutt has seen around 17 new homes approved annually. Approximately 89 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, with an additional two approved so far in FY2026. On average, about 1.1 new residents have arrived per new home each year over these five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this ratio has intensified to 5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply in Garbutt's housing market.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $327,000, which aligns with regional patterns. Additionally, $29.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered during this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Garbutt has 80.0% more construction activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and emphasizing 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 despite densification trends. With around 255 people per dwelling approval, Garbutt shows a developing market. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in the area.

Garbutt has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are 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.

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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 in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 13.2%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 1,028 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 9.2% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 51.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety has an employment level 2.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has no presence (0.0%).

With a ratio of 4.4 workers per resident at Census time, Garbutt functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, and employment declined by 3.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 2.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Garbutt's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Garbutt's median income is $46,589 and average income is $60,451. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,206 (median) and $66,442 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Garbutt fall between the 6th and 18th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 26.6% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (673 residents), consistent with broader regional trends at 31.7%. 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

The latest Census evaluated Garbutt's dwelling structure as 66.5% houses and 33.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Garbutt was 18.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.2% and rented ones at 56.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Garbutt was $220, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Garbutt's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 make up 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 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 prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (31.7%). Educational participation is high at 28.3%, with 8.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing 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

Transport analysis shows 32 active stops operating in Garbutt. These are buses and total 542 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to nearest stop is 171 meters.

Daily service averages 77 trips across all routes, equating to around 16 weekly trips per 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 impacting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (around 1,295 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 53.9%.

Mental health issues affect 11.4%, while arthritis impacts 9.5%. About 60.7% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 67.8%. Garbutt has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.2% (536 people), versus Rest of Qld's 14.9%. Senior health outcomes mirror the general population's 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 81.5% being citizens, 82.7% born in Australia, and 89.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 52.6%. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (27.5%), Australian (24.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.3%). Notable divergences included Maori (1.2% vs regional 0.5%), Filipino (1.9% vs 1.1%), and Spanish (0.5% vs 0.4%).

Garbutt's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Garbutt is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average age of 41, but it is somewhat older than Australia's average age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Garbutt has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 14.3% to 16.2%, while the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 13.6% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 13.2% to 9.6%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 9.4% to 8.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Garbutt's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 69 people, reaching 103 from 60, leading the demographic shift. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 94% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.