Idalia

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Idalia's estimated population is around 4,871. This reflects an increase of 308 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,563. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,854 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,436 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Idalia has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median growth is projected for Australia's regional areas, with the Idalia expected to grow by 1,066 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 21.9% in total 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 has seen approximately 7 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 35 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26 thus far. This results in about 13.7 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $297,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Commercial approvals totaled $15.4 million in FY-26, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Comparatively, Idalia records notably lower building activity than the Rest of Qld, at 63.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Additionally, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (80.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Idalia exhibits characteristics of a mature, established area, with approximately 1619 people per approval. Looking ahead, Idalia is projected to grow by 1,065 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

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

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Idalia has an educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.8%.

Over the past year, it has maintained relative employment stability. As of September 2025, 2967 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 3.2%, below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation in Idalia is high at 76.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training.

Idalia specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share three times the regional level. However, construction has limited presence at 5.8% compared to the regional 10.1%. The residential area offers limited local job opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Idalia's employment remained stable while labour force decreased slightly, keeping unemployment flat. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising to 4.4%. As of 25-Nov-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Idalia's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.8% in five years and 14.1% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 taxpayer income 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. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $87,441 and $102,855 based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. Idalia's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 91st and 93rd percentiles nationally according to census data. The largest income segment in Idalia comprises 38.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly with 1,865 residents falling into this category, similar to the broader area at 31.7%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 39.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income and strong earnings rank residents within the 91st percentile for disposable income. Idalia'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

The dwelling structure in Idalia, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Idalia was at 18.5%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (38.4%) or rented (43.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,920, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Idalia's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, 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 educational attainment is notably high, with 34.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to the SA4 region's 20.1% and Queensland's rest at 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (21.6%). Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.5% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 7.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 7.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows nine active stops operating in Idalia, consisting of bus services. These are served by three routes, offering 165 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 357 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Idalia's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Idalia's health outcomes show notable results, with younger age groups experiencing a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 64% of Idalia's total population (3,131 people) has private health cover, compared to 53.9% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.5% and 6.3% of residents respectively.

76.4% of Idalia's residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in Rest of Qld. The area has an 8.4% (409 people) elderly population aged 65 and over, lower than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld.

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 predominant religion in Idalia, making up 54.0% of people. However, Hinduism showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 3.2% of Idalia's population compared to just 0.8% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.6%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Korean was overrepresented at 1.6% in Idalia versus 0.2% regionally, Italian at 5.5% versus 3.6%, and Spanish at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

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

Idalia's median age was 31 years in 2021, which is significantly younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and considerably younger than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group made up 19.4% of Idalia's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort was less prevalent at 5.2%. Between 2021 and the present, Idalia's median age has decreased by 1 year to 31 from a previous high of 32. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 16.7% to 19.4%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 15.5% to 17.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.9% to 11.6% and the 5-14 group dropped from 15.1% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Idalia. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 389 residents to reach 1,334. In contrast, the 5-14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4% (28 people).