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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Home Hill has an estimated 2,975 residents, up from 2,876 at the 2021 Census — a change of 99 people, or 3.4%. That puts 148 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population of the suburb of Home Hill stands at approximately 2,975, according to AreaSearch assessments combining regional ABS updates with address validations conducted since the Census. Compared to the 2021 Census tally of 2,876 people, this represents an addition of 99 people (3.4%). This demographic shift is derived from the 2,975 estimated resident population determined after evaluating address confirmations alongside the ABS June 2025 ERP figures. With a density of 147 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers generous living space and capacity for future expansion.
The 3.4% post-census increase recorded for the suburb of Home Hill tracks closely with the wider SA3 area (3.5%), trailing by only 0.1 percentage points to show solid expansion momentum. Furthermore, international arrivals served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 87.0% of all net demographic additions over recent periods. For local modeling, AreaSearch utilizes SA2-level ABS/Geoscience Australia forecasts published in 2024 using 2022 baseline figures. When SA2 territories lack coverage or for horizons post-2032, Queensland State Government SA2 projections issued in 2023 from 2021 benchmarks are implemented. Because these state figures omit age-bracket breakdowns, AreaSearch allocates cohort distributions using proportional weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region forecasts (published in 2023 from 2022 data). Under these demographic models, the overall population in the suburb of Home Hill is projected to experience a reduction of 323 persons by 2041. In contrast to this broader contraction, certain demographics will expand, most notably the 85 and over cohort, which is expected to gain 46 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Building activity in Home Hill remains subdued, recording an average of less than 1 approvals annually (amounting to 2 approvals over five years). This minimal level of residential planning approval is typical for countryside communities where accommodation requirements are moderate and building works are constrained by local demand alongside infrastructure limits. Because approval volumes are so low, a single project can cause substantial variations in yearly rate and comparison metrics. Planning and construction volumes in Home Hill fall well behind those observed across Rest of Qld, while also trailing broader nationwide trends.
Given forecasts of a steady or contracting resident base, Home Hill is likely to experience easing demand across its residential market, which may open favorable conditions for prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Home Hill
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 26 current infrastructure and development projects close to Home Hill, worth an estimated $2.38 billion. 10 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and business parks & technology hubs. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Community economic trajectory and performance are heavily shaped by planning initiatives, major projects, and local infrastructure developments. Overall, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a probable direct impact on the area. Notable regional proposals include Bowen Pipeline Project, Bowen Basin Gas Pipeline, Burdekin Falls Dam Raising and Improvement Project, and Isaac And Whitsunday Regions Productive Water Supply, with key relevant initiatives outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
St Francis Catholic School Prep Classrooms Refurbishment
Refurbishment of prep classrooms at St Francis Catholic School in Ayr to create modern and functional learning environments, featuring raised stages for interactive learning, reading nooks, abundant storage, and themed classrooms inspired by reef and rainforest.
Ayr Industrial Precinct
Council-led industrial land release in Ayr, North Queensland, on a 14.32 hectare site at 31-87 Craig Street. Stage 1 lots are now selling from $50 per square metre plus GST, with the precinct nearing completion as of mid-2026. The precinct offers fully serviced land with underground power, wide roads, services to boundary and design guidelines for manufacturing, logistics and trade services. Strategic access to the Bruce Highway, Port of Townsville, Townsville Airport and the Bowen Basin.Council has also adopted an Economic Stimulus Policy offering fee and infrastructure charge reductions to support development.
Queensland Resources Common User Facility
Australian-first critical minerals processing test facility being developed by the Queensland Government at Cleveland Bay Industrial Park, Townsville. The facility will enable demonstration-scale processing trials, initially for vanadium with future capability for cobalt, rare earth elements and other critical minerals. Construction and commissioning are progressing with Sedgman as managing contractor, with opening targeted for late 2026.
Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion
Multi-stage expansion of Wulguru Group's 17 hectare Stuart manufacturing and engineering facility. Stage 1, including an 8,500 sqm heavy fabrication workshop, 2,000 sqm paint and blast facility and new head office, was completed in 2025. Stage 2 has development approval and will deliver rail wagon maintenance, locomotive maintenance, rail wheel workshop and rolling stock paint and blast facilities. The balance of the site is currently being developed with operations targeted during 2027.
SunHQ Hydrogen Hub
Renewable hydrogen production and refuelling hub at the Sun Metals Zinc Refinery precinct featuring a 1 MW PEM electrolyser powered by the co-located Sun Metals Solar Farm, with compression, storage and dispensing infrastructure to supply Ark Energy/Townsville Logistics heavy vehicles and third-party users (up to ~155,000 kg p.a.).
Iluka
Masterplanned residential community to be delivered over 10 stages in Wulguru, Townsville. Promoted by PointCorp as large, mostly level lots with ocean views in proximity to Townsville CBD, hospital, ADF base, and James Cook University.
Fairfield Business Precinct
Built business park within the Fairfield Precinct at Idalia, Townsville. Offers freehold and lease opportunities adjacent to major retailers including Bunnings and the Fairfield Central shopping centre. Tenants in the precinct include Liberty Fuel, Reece Plumbing, Bridgestone and Containers for Change. Ingenta indicates one prime allotment (Lot 2, 2/67 Lakeside Drive) remains for sale.
GEON Build-to-Rent at Fairfield & Co
Large-scale Build-To-Rent (BTR) project at Fairfield & Co, comprising two 12-storey apartment towers with 294 apartments and ground floor retail/commercial spaces. GEON plans North Queensland's first build-to-rent development featuring two towers, 294 apartments, and retail spaces at Fairfield & Co site. Part of the $125 million mixed-use Fairfield & Co precinct. Has received formal development approval from Townsville City Council.
1,208 residents of Home Hill are employed, from a labour force of 1,292. Unemployment sits at 6.5%, with participation at 51.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,365, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Home Hill features an even distribution between blue-collar and white-collar roles, underpinned by substantial representation across industrial and manufacturing fields, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.5% compiled via AreaSearch statistical data. As of March 2026, employed locals number 1,208, with joblessness sitting 2.6% higher than the 3.9% recorded for Regional Qld. In addition, labor force participation in Home Hill trails considerably at 51.5% against 64.2% across Regional Qld. Census records also indicate that just 5.6% of residents operated remotely from home, a figure that should be interpreted in light of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
Resident employment is heavily concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and manufacturing. Industrial production represents a major local specialization, capturing an employment share 2.8 times higher than regional figures. Conversely, the building sector is noticeably smaller, engaging only 5.0% of the Home Hill workforce compared with 10.1% across Regional Qld. Furthermore, a comparison of the Census working population against resident totals highlights a shortage of local workplace positions within the community. Synthesizing ABS and SALM figures across regional boundaries, AreaSearch notes that over the 12-month period, the local labor pool contracted by 2.3% and total employment fell by 3.2%, driving up joblessness by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced an employment increase of 0.1%, a 0.3% expansion in the labour force, and a 0.1 percentage points rise in unemployment. Additional guidance on upcoming workforce requirements stems from Jobs and Skills Australia national projections released in Mar-26. Applying these five and ten-year sectoral outlooks to the local industry mix models future hiring trajectories. Across the country, jobs are projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry performance varies widely. Calibrating these sector trends against the employment base of Home Hill yields an indicative growth of 5.1% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (this serves as a straightforward weighted projection for modeling and excludes local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Home Hill is $1,210 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $657 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,247 a year against an average of $53,715. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to ATO postcode records analyzed by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, personal earnings in the suburb of Home Hill track beneath nationwide benchmarks, featuring a median of $46,247 and an average of $53,715. By comparison, Regional Qld posted a median income of $53,146 alongside an average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index appreciation of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $51,501 for the median and $59,817 on average as of March 2026. Census figures place personal, family, and household earnings in Home Hill within the 14th to 20th percentiles across the country.
In terms of earnings distributions, 30.4% of the population (904 individuals) sit in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring broader regional benchmarks where 31.7% fall into the same category. Even though residential expenses remain low with 89.8% of income retained, overall discretionary income sits at only the 20th percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Home Hill had 1,110 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 0% apartments. 28% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 48% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $220 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 18.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census structural profiles show that stand-alone separate houses make up 94.1% of residential properties in Home Hill, while alternative formats (such as apartments, semi-detached properties, and 'other' dwellings) account for 5.9%, compared with 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Outright home ownership is notably elevated in Home Hill at 47.7%, surpassing the regional standard, with remaining properties distributed between mortgaged tenures (27.6%) and tenant rentals (24.7%). Typical monthly mortgage expenses in the locality stand at $1,083 and weekly median rents are $220, substantially below the corresponding Regional Qld benchmarks of $1,655 and $345.
On a countrywide basis, mortgage costs in Home Hill are vastly more affordable than the Australian typical payment of $1,863, with rental rates also well beneath the national metric of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Home Hill counted 1,110 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 78% of areas nationally, against 35% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.3 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family arrangements constitute the primary living dynamic, representing 69.8% of all households; this includes 34.9% couples without children, 22.7% couples with children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family living situations make up the remaining 30.2%, driven mostly by lone person households at 28.3% and shared group households at 2.0%. The typical household size in the area sits at 2.3 people, slightly below the 2.5 person average recorded across Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
9.8% of adults in Home Hill hold a university qualification, including 7.8% with a bachelor degree and 0.9% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 32.8% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 447 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 905 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher educational attainment presents a distinct hurdle in the community, where university qualification rates stand at 9.8%, lagging considerably behind the nationwide standard of 30.4%. This disparity underscores the need and potential for dedicated academic programs. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees account for 7.8%, alongside graduate diplomas at 1.1% and postgraduate qualifications at 0.9%. Vocational and technical qualifications are far more prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing trade credentials, encompassing certificates (32.8%) and advanced diplomas (6.8%). Active school and study participation is strong, with 25.6% of residents undertaking some form of formal education.
Within this student cohort, 9.8% attend primary education, 9.5% are in secondary education, and 2.2% are enrolled in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Home Hill means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.5% of residents in Home Hill report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 88% of areas nationally. 8.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic condition prevalence indicate significant health hurdles in Home Hill, with elevated diagnoses evident across older and younger demographics alike. Additionally, private health insurance coverage is notably restrained, held by roughly 48% of the total population (~1,442 people). This trails the Regional Qld rate of 52.5% as well as the 55.7% Australian average. Arthritis and mental health conditions rank as the most prevalent health issues locally, diagnosed in 12.4 and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 60.5% of residents reported having no diagnosed chronic ailments, compared with 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Elevated rates of long-term conditions create distinct difficulties for the workforce demographic. Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over constitute 29.0% of the community (862 people), substantially exceeding the 20.3% share seen across Regional Qld, with senior health indicators showing specific challenges that align with broader national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Home Hill is largely Australian-born, at 91.3% of residents, with 6.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (28.9%) and English (27.2%). 4.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Home Hill remain modest, with Australian citizens comprising 89.5% of the population, 91.3% having been born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity represents the dominant faith, observed by 72.9% of people in Home Hill, a proportion markedly higher than the 52.2% recorded throughout Regional Qld. Regarding parental country of birth and lineage, the leading ancestral backgrounds in Home Hill are Australian at 28.9%, English at 27.2%, and Italian at 11.6%, which substantially surpasses the wider regional benchmark of 2.4%. Specific variations also emerge across other heritages: Spanish background is comparatively elevated at 0.7% of Home Hill (vs 0.3% regionally), German stands at 4.9% (vs 4.7%), and Australian Aboriginal lineage accounts for 4.2% (vs 3.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Home Hill is 49, older than 90% of areas nationally. 21.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic distribution of Home Hill clearly reflects its status as a lifestyle and retirement community. Seniors and retirees (65+) make up 29.0% of residents as at August 2026, compared to 20.4% across Regional Qld, whereas young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) represent only 18.8%, well below the regional rate of 25.5%. The median age is an estimated 49 as at August 2026, remaining constant with the 2021 Census result and standing 8 years older than the Regional Qld median of 41 at that Census, while the broader Australian Census median was 38.
Among intermediate groups, middle aged and young retiree cohorts (45 - 64) have decreased from 27.0% at the Census to an estimated 25.2% of residents. Furthermore, no broad age band is anticipated to expand materially by 2041, with contractions projected across children, young adults, and middle aged and young retiree cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Home Hill
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,876 at the 2021 Census → 2,975 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31352). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.