Howard

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of the suburb of Howard as of May 2026 is around 1,575. This reflects an increase of 181 people (13.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,394 people. The change was inferred from the resident population estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 34 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 13.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (9.0%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing 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 215 persons to reach a total of 1,810 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 13.7% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates approximately 20 new homes approved annually in Howard over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 102 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. An average of 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction value for new homes is $401,000.

This financial year has seen $548,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Howard shows 112.0% more construction activity per person, indicating strong developer confidence. New building activity comprises 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving low density character while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 49 people per dwelling approval, Howard exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 215 residents.

Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potential growth exceeding current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. Other key projects include Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett and Forest Wind Farm.

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.

Howard shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Howard has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 6.9% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 9.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of December 2025, there were 539 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 2.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Howard lagged significantly at 41.4%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicated that only 7.8% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries employing residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade had notably high employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training employed only 4.1% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 9.1%. The area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 9.3%, while labour force increased by 8.6%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Howard's employment mix indicated a potential local employment growth of 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population levels for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Howard's median income among taxpayers was $36,981 in financial year 2023, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $46,078 during the same period. This compares to figures for Regional Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $41,182 (median) and $51,312 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Howard all fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 35.3% earning $400 - 799 weekly (555 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. With 46.6% earning under $800 per week, the locality faces considerable income constraints affecting local spending patterns. After housing, 85.6% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Howard's housing structure, as per the latest Census, had 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Regional Queensland showed 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Howard was at 50.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.5% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,062, below Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent was $248, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Howard's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian 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 making up 4.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 8.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.5%). A total of 21.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 7.5% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.5% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows four active transport stops operating within Howard. These stops are serviced by one individual route, collectively providing seven weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 541 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A wide range of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 45% of the total population (around 715 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 15.4% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 10.3%. Conversely, 48.8% report having no medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 37.5% (around 590 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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%. Citizenship was high at 92.5%, and English was spoken exclusively at home by 97.2%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 51.2% of Howard's population.

Notably, the 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented in Howard at 1.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, English parents comprised 33.3%, Australian 31.4%, and Irish 9.0%. Other groups with notable representation included German at 5.3% (vs regional 4.7%), Scottish at 8.9% (vs regional 7.8%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% (vs regional 3.9%).

Howard ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Howard is 56 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38. Compared to Regional Queensland, Howard has a notably over-represented cohort of people aged 65-74 (19.8% locally), while the 35-44 age group is under-represented (7.0%). This concentration of people aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 10.4% to 13.2%, while the 25 to 34 age group increased from 6.0% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 12.2% to 10.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 9.2% to 7.8%. By 2041, Howard is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The population aged 85 and above is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 69 people (98%) from 70 to 140. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting Howard's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to contract by 11 residents.