Howard

An assessment of population growth drivers in Howard reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Howard's population is estimated at around 1,523 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 129 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,394 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,490, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Economic Regional Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 33 persons per square kilometer. Howard's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.2%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 244 persons to reach a total population of 1,767 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Howard among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis shows approximately 18 new homes approved annually in Howard over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 92 homes. As of FY-26, eight approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has attracted an average of 2.4 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $401,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $113,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Howard exhibits 94.0% higher development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 66 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Howard to add 264 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Future projections show Howard adding 264 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Howard has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Forest Wind Farm, and Building Future Hospitals Program, with the following list outlining those most likely to be relevant.

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

Howard's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 8.6%, while employment has grown by an estimated 4.8% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025507 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's rate at 3.9%. Workforce participation in Howard lags significantly, at 36.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, retail trade employs 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training employs only 4.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 9.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 4.8% alongside labour force growth of 7.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment and labour force growth of 1.8% and 2.0% respectively, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Howard's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Howard's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $36,981. The average income stood at $46,078 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth suggest Howard's median income will be approximately $42,155 and the average income will be around $52,524. According to census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Howard all fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 35.3% of residents earn between $400 and $799 weekly. This contrasts with the surrounding region where the largest segment falls within the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket at 31.7%. With 46.6% earning under $800 per week, Howard faces significant income constraints that impact local spending patterns. After accounting for housing costs, 85.6% of income remains, which ranks at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Howard's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Howard was at 50.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.5% and rented at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,062, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. Weekly rent in Howard was $248, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Howard's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,062 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.9% of all households, including 14.4% couples with children, 35.6% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 8.5%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.5%).

A significant 21.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.5% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education. Howard State School serves the local area with an enrollment of 147 students as of a certain date, operating under varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 893). The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.7, below the regional average of 12.3, indicating some students may attend schools outside the area.

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

The analysis of public transport in Howard indicates that there are four active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. The routes serving these stops consist of one individual route, collectively providing seven weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 541 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Howard is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Howard faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 45% (~692 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.4%) and mental health issues (10.3%). Conversely, 48.8% report no medical ailments compared to 54.0% in Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 36.0% (548 people), higher than the 29.9% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Howard's population was found to be predominantly born in Australia, with 85.5%. 92.5% were citizens, and 97.2% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 51.2% of Howard's population.

The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which made up 1.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.3%), Australian (31.4%), and Irish (9.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: German was overrepresented at 5.3% in Howard compared to 6.6% regionally, Scottish at 8.9% versus 8.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% versus 3.4%.

Howard ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Howard is 56 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 19.2% in Howard, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 6.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.4% to 12.8%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 6.0% to 7.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 20.7% to 19.2% and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. By 2041, Howard is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand substantially by 77 people (127%), reaching a total of 138 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.