Gilston

Gilston lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, the Gilston statistical area's population is estimated at around 2,964 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 295 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,669 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,951 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 229 persons per square kilometer. Gilston's growth rate of 11.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 60.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the Gilston statistical area expected to expand by 600 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 19.3% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Gilston has averaged approximately 15 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 75 homes. So far in FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. This averages to about 1 person moving to the area per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, suggesting balanced supply and demand dynamics. The average construction cost for new homes is around $647,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

In this financial year, $9.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Building activity shows 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density character. This shift from the current 97.0% houses suggests decreasing developable sites and changing housing preferences.

The location has approximately 154 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gilston is projected to add 572 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potential growth exceeding forecasts.

Gilston 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 has identified five projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Serenity Estate, Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, and Highland Park Investigation Area. 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.

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

Gilston's workforce is skilled, with the construction sector prominent. The unemployment rate was 2.6% in September 2025, below Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Employment grew by 3.0% annually. As of September 2025, 1,708 residents were employed, with a participation rate of 73.9%, higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries included construction (employing 1.6 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.8% of local workers.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, labour force by 2.9%. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% to November 25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts project total employment growth of 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in ten years. Applying these projections to Gilston's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Gilston had a median income among taxpayers of $63,877 and an average income of $77,850 in the financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $70,207 (median) and $85,565 (average). The 2021 Census ranked household incomes in Gilston at the 89th percentile ($2,446 weekly). In Gilston, 43.3% of individuals earned between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, while 31.1% exceeded $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consumed 16.5% of income, but disposable income was at the 87th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Gilston is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile

The dwelling structure in Gilston, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 20.6%, with 62.5% of dwellings mortgaged and 16.9% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,172, and the median weekly rent was $540. Nationally, Gilston's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Gilston features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 3.2 people

Family households constitute 90.8% of all households, including 53.1% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 9.2%, with lone person households at 7.3% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 3.2 people.

The educational profile of Gilston exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Gilston trail regional benchmarks with 22.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 31.2%. Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.7% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gilston has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 80 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents located an average of 478 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 11 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gilston's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Gilston shows excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 58% (~1,720 people) have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.4%) and mental health issues (6.5%), while 74.3% report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. As of 2021 data, 11.1% (~329 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors align with those of the general population.

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

Gilston's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.8% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (79.1%), and speaking English only at home (93.7%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.7% of Gilston's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to None% across Rest of Qld.

The top three represented ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (8.2%). There were also notable divergences in the representation of New Zealanders (2.2%), Hungarians (0.6%), and Russians (0.7%) compared to None% regionally for each group.

Gilston's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gilston is 35, which is lower than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and also lower than the national average of 38. Compared to the Rest of Queensland average, the 35-44 age group is notably over-represented in Gilston at 17.6%, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 6.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.4% of Gilston's population, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 18.3% to 16.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 14.4% to 13.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Gilston, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 43% (adding 179 people), reaching a total of 591 from 411. The 15 to 24 age group is forecasted to show modest growth of 0%, adding only 1 resident.