Howard

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

The population of the Howard statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at approximately 1,526 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 132 people from the 2021 Census count of 1,394 individuals. The growth was inferred from a resident population estimate of 1,505 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 33 persons per square kilometer. The Howard (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 9.5% since the 2021 Census, which is higher than the non-metro area's growth rate of 8.8%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 88.0% 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 are used, which were released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the Howard (SA2) is expected to expand by 242 persons, reflecting a total gain of 17.0% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates an average of 17 new homes approved annually in Howard over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 89 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.5 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting healthy demand supporting property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $401,000.

This financial year, commercial approvals valued at $548,000 have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Howard has 88.0% more construction activity per person, indicating greater choice for buyers and strong developer confidence in the location. The new building activity comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Howard's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 62 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Howard is projected to grow by 259 residents through to 2041, suggesting that current construction levels should adequately meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Looking ahead, Howard is expected to grow by 259 residents through to 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting the region. Key initiatives are Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Forest Wind Farm, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025.

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

Howard's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.6% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 9.4%.

As of September 2025523 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags at 36.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade notably concentrated, employing 1.7 times the regional average. Education & training employs only 4.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 9.1%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.4%, while labour force grew by 9.5%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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.

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

The median income in Howard's suburb was $36,981 and average income stood at $46,078 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This compared to figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, these estimates would be approximately $40,646 (median) and $50,644 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census data showed household, family, and personal incomes in Howard all fell between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicated that 35.3% earned $400-$799 weekly (538 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. With 46.6% earning under $800 per week, income constraints affected local spending patterns. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remained, ranking 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Howard stood at 50.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.5% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,062, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent figure in Howard was $248, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Howard's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,062 versus 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 account for 64.9% of all households, including 14.4% composed of couples with children, 35.6% consisting of couples without children, and 11.9% made up of single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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, which is 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's university qualification rate is 8.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 8.5% while certificates account for 31.5%.

A substantial 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.

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

Transport analysis shows four active stops in Howard, all offering bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively providing seven weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 541 meters from the nearest stop.

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 residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 45%, covering around 693 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.4%) and mental health issues (10.3%), while 48.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 54.0% in the rest of Queensland. As of 2021, 36.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (549 people), higher than the 29.9% in the rest of Queensland. The health outcomes among seniors largely align with those of 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 85.5% born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 51.2%. The 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Howard at 1.1%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (33.3%), Australian (31.4%), and Irish (9.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: German was overrepresented at 5.3% (vs regional 6.6%), Scottish at 8.9% (vs 8.2%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% (vs 3.4%).

Howard ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Howard is 56, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented at 19.2% locally, while the 35 - 44 year-olds are 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 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 5 to 14 group dropped from 9.2% to 7.9%. By 2041, Howard is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand substantially, increasing by 75 people (124%) from 61 to 137. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15 to 24 group is projected to contract by 11 residents.