Gulliver

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the estimated population of the suburb of Gulliver is around 3,006 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 122 people (4.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,884 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,995 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Economic Regional Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,642 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gulliver's 4.2% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 115 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 82 people.

The level of residential development activity in Gulliver is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Gulliver has averaged 3 approvals per year for the past five years, totalling 19. These low development levels reflect its rural nature, with housing needs typically driving development rather than broad market demand. The small sample size can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Gulliver's development levels are substantially lower than those of Rest of Qld and below national averages. Recent construction comprises 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 89.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing developable sites and evolving lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1190 people per dwelling approval, Gulliver's market is highly mature. Population stability or decline is expected, potentially reducing housing pressure and creating buying opportunities.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Gulliver should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Gulliver has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 3 key projects that may impact this region. These include Harris Crossing Estate, Sanctum Estate, Eden Park Estate, and Army Aviation Program of Works - RAAF Base Townsville, with the following list highlighting 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.

The labour market performance in Gulliver lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Gulliver's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 8.9%, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data.

There were 1,371 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 5.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Gulliver was somewhat lower at 57.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area had a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.2% of Gulliver's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area during the year to June 2025 showed a labour force decrease of 1.6% and an employment decline of 4.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offered insights into potential future demand within Gulliver. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gulliver's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, although this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that in Gulliver, median income is $53,159 and average income is $62,488. In Rest of Qld, median income is $50,780 and average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Gulliver would be approximately $60,596 and average income would be around $71,230. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Gulliver rank modestly, between the 23rd and 34th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 31.9% of locals (958 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this income bracket. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remains in Gulliver, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Gulliver, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gulliver was at 30.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (36.5%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Gulliver's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gulliver features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.6% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households making up 3.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Gulliver fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is high at 33.4%, including secondary education (12.9%), primary education (10.1%), and tertiary education (4.3%). Gulliver's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,977 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 950) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between 1 primary and 2 secondary institutions. As an education hub, the area offers 65.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 16.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in Gulliver shows that there are currently 17 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops primarily serve bus routes, with a total of 3 individual routes providing service to these locations. Together, these routes facilitate 314 weekly passenger trips across Gulliver.

The accessibility of public transport is rated as excellent in this region, with residents typically residing just 192 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency stands at 44 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gulliver is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant issues facing Gulliver, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% (~1,561 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.5% and 9.4% of residents respectively. About 63.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over make up 17.3% (520 people) of the population, higher than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but broadly align with the general population's health profile.

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

Gulliver's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.6% citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 90.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 52.1%, compared to 52.7% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australian (28.0%), English (26.2%), and Irish (9.1%) were the top groups.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (5.9%) and French (0.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 5.0% and 0.4%, respectively; Hungarian was also slightly higher at 0.3%.

Gulliver's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Gulliver is 39 years, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are prominent at 14.0%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller in number at 8.7% compared to Rest of Qld. From 2021 to present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.0% and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.9% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.9% to 12.3%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to increase by 62 people (15%) from 420 to 483. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to decrease in number.