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

As of Nov 2025, Gilston's population is estimated at around 2,991, reflecting an increase of 322 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 2,669. This growth represents a 12.1% increase and exceeds both the non-metro area's 8.8% growth rate and the national average. AreaSearch estimated Gilston's resident population at 2,979 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), with an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This level of population results in a density ratio of 231 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving Gilston's growth.

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 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Demographic trends project an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas for Gilston. Aggregated SA2-level projections expect the suburb's population to expand by 601 persons to reach 3,592 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.2% over the 17-year period.

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 of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Gilston has averaged around 16 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 84 homes. From FY-21 to FY-25, there was an average of 0.9 people moving to the area for each dwelling built. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded.

The average construction value per dwelling over these years is $625,000. Recent construction comprises 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Gilston's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 97.0% houses.

With around 150 people per dwelling approval, Gilston shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Gilston will gain 546 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five key projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Serenity Estate, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, and Highland Park Investigation Area. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Gilston demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Gilston has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, there are 1,706 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 73.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Gilston specializes in construction with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.8% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, with labour force growth also at 2.8%, and unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Gilston's employment should grow 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Gilston's median income among taxpayers is $63,877 and the average is $77,851. These figures are high nationally compared to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Gilston would be approximately $72,813 (median) and $88,742 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Gilston rank at the 89th percentile ($2,446 weekly). Income brackets indicate that 43.3% of Gilston's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.7%. Notably, a significant 31.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting prosperity in the area. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 87th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Gilston is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Gilston's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 0% houses and 0% other dwellings. Gilston's home ownership rate was 20.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 62.5% and rented ones at 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Gilston was $2,172, matching Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $540, unlike Non-Metro Qld's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Gilston's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,172 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $540 versus 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 at 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 Australian benchmarks. As of 2021, 22.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.1% while certificates make up 31.2%.

Educational participation is high in Gilston, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest census data. This includes 13.7% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education. Gilston State School provides local educational services within Gilston, with an enrollment of 497 students recorded in 2020. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. As of 2016 data, the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1026) and has balanced educational opportunities. With 16.6 school places per 100 residents, Gilston shows strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities.

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. There is one route operating in the area, providing a total of 80 weekly passenger trips across these stops. The accessibility of transport in Gilston is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 478 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 11 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 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.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population, which numbered 1,736 people as of a specific date. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.4 and 6.5% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.3%, reported having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. As of this date, 11.1% of Gilston's population is aged 65 and over, totaling 332 people. Health outcomes among seniors align broadly 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.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.9%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (8.2%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included New Zealand (2.2% vs None%), Hungarian (0.6% vs None%), and Russian (0.7% vs None%).

Gilston's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gilston is 35 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and also below the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age cohort is notably higher at 17.6% locally compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 6.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.4% to 11.4%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 18.3% to 16.8% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 14.4% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Gilston, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 42%, adding 176 people to reach a total of 592 from 415. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decrease by 1 resident.