Idalia

Population growth drivers in Idalia are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, Idalia's population is estimated at around 4,871, reflecting an increase of 308 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.7% rise from the previous figure of 4,563 residents. AreaSearch estimated this population after examining ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validating 16 new addresses since the Census date. Idalia's population density is approximately 1,436 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Idalia has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed about 46% to overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections where necessary. By 2041, Idalia is projected to grow by 1,059 persons, reflecting a total increase of 21.8% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Idalia according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Idalia saw approximately 7 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 35 homes were approved, with another 5 approved in FY-26. This results in an average of about 13.7 new residents per year for each home built over the past five financial years.

Demand outpaces supply, which typically increases competition among buyers and puts upward pressure on prices. New properties are constructed at an average value of $297,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen around $15.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Idalia records significantly lower building activity, with 63.0% fewer approvals per person, which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, sustaining the area's suburban identity and attracting buyers seeking space.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (80.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Idalia shows a mature, established area with around 1619 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Idalia's population to grow by 1,061 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Idalia has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include the Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, Townsville Connection Road (Stark Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge upgrade in Idalia, Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, and GEON Build-to-Rent at Fairfield & Co. The following list details 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Idalia performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Idalia has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.9% as of September 2025, which is 3.2% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. The area has shown relative employment stability over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

Workforce participation in Idalia is high at 75.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, a low 6.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among Idalia residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training sectors. The area has particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has limited presence with 5.8% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 0.1% alongside labour force increasing by 0.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Idalia. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Idalia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Idalia had a median income among taxpayers of $79,557 and an average income of $93,581. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $87,441 (median) and $102,855 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank highly in Idalia, between the 91st and 93rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 38.3% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 39.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income, and residents rank within the 91st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Idalia is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Idalia, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Idalia stood at 18.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (38.4%) or rented (43.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,920, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Idalia was recorded at $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.

Idalia features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.4% of all households, including 37.6% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 7.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Idalia aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Idalia's residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications than the broader SA4 region (34.8% vs 20.1%) and Rest of Qld (34.8% vs 20.6%). The area has a strong educational advantage, led by bachelor degree holders at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.7%, and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.6% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (21.6%). Educational participation is notably high in Idalia, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (11.5%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (7.5%).

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

Public transport analysis shows nine active transport stops operating within Idalia. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively offering 165 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 357 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Idalia is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population across older, at risk cohorts

Idalia demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population, particularly among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (3,131 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.5% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A total of 76.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 8.6% of residents aged 65 and over (418 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld but ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Idalia records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Idalia's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 20.1% of its population born overseas and 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Idalia, making up 54.0% of people. Hinduism was overrepresented in Idalia compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 3.2% versus 0.8%.

The top three represented ancestry groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.6%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Korean (1.6%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.2%, Italian at 5.5% versus 2.4%, and Spanish at 0.6% versus 0.3%.

Idalia hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Idalia's median age is 31 years, which is significantly younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years old has a strong representation in Idalia at 20.1%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 5.3%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present day, Idalia has become younger, with its median age dropping from 32 to 31 years. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 16.7% to 20.1%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 15.5% to 17.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.9% to 11.4%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 15.1% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Idalia, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 cohort at 36%, adding 354 residents to reach a total of 1,334.