Gracemere

Population growth drivers in Gracemere are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the Gracemere statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 12,900. This reflects a growth of 877 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,023. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 12,819 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 184 persons per square kilometer. The Gracemere (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 7.3% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA4 region's growth rate of 6.7%. Natural growth contributed approximately 70.0% 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Nationally, regional areas are projected to have above median population growth, with the Gracemere (SA2) expected to increase by 3,043 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 22.9% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Gracemere when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Gracemere has experienced approximately 28 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 140 homes were approved, with an additional three approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 5.6 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five financial years.

This supply lagging demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $341,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, there have been approximately $6.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gracemere has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it places among the 40th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This lower activity reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Gracemere's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is approximately 417 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Gracemere will gain around 2,951 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Gracemere State High School, Gracemere Residential Housing Estates, Central Queensland Livestock Exchange Upgrade, and Gracemere Shoppingworld Expansion. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Gracemere recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Gracemere's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in Gracemere as of September 2025 was 5.3%, an increase of 1.3% compared to the Rest of Queensland's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%. There are 6,667 residents employed currently, with a workforce participation rate of 64.4%, higher than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 59.1%. The leading employment industries among Gracemere residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. Notably, mining is particularly strong in Gracemere, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a lower representation at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Queensland recorded employment growth of 1.7% and a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. State-level data from QLD up to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gracemere's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Gracemere has an income below the national average. The median income is $53,803 and the average income stands at $64,340. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures which have a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Gracemere would be approximately $59,135 (median) and $70,716 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Gracemere rank modestly, between the 44th and 47th percentiles. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 38.5% of the community (4,966 individuals), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gracemere, with only 84.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile.

Gracemere is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Gracemere's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.1% houses and 3.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gracemere stood at 23.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.7% and rented ones at 40.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $340 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Gracemere's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

Gracemere features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.8% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 17.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households making up 19.2% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Gracemere faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 34.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.4% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Gracemere is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Gracemere faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but at a higher degree among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53%, slightly above the average SA2 area's rate (~6,798 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.0% and 9.7% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point two percent of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the rest of Queensland. Twelve point five percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,612 people), lower than the 18.5% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

Gracemere is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Gracemere's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.9% of its population being citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Gracemere, comprising 51.1% of people, compared to 56.3% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.6%), English (28.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.5%).

Notably, German (5.1%) was overrepresented in Gracemere compared to the regional average of 4.9%, as were Maori (0.7% vs 0.5%) and New Zealand (0.7% vs 0.6%).

Gracemere hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Gracemere's median age is 32 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Gracemere has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.0%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (8.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.9% to 14.0%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 has declined from 17.9% to 16.0%. The percentage of residents aged 55-64 has also decreased, from 10.2% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Gracemere's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 41%, adding 800 residents to reach 2,735. Conversely, the 55-64 group is expected to decrease by 10 residents.