Idalia

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

Analysis of ABS population updates shows that by May 2026, the estimated population of Idalia is around 4,912. This figure represents a growth of 349 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,563. AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 4,910 in June 2025, combined with validated new addresses, supports this increase. The resulting population density is 1,449 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen nationally by AreaSearch. Idalia's growth rate of 7.6% since the 2021 Census surpasses the SA4 region's 7.1%, making it a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% to recent population gains, though all factors including overseas migration and natural growth were positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are adopted, using proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 for each age cohort. Looking ahead, above median population growth is projected for Australia's regional areas, with Idalia expected to grow by 911 persons to 2041, reflecting an 18.5% increase over the 16-year period.

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 in Idalia shows approximately 7 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 35 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 11.9 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 increases 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. In FY26, there have been $15.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Idalia records markedly lower building activity, at 64.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (80.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. Idalia shows a mature, established area with around 1615 people per approval. Looking ahead, Idalia is expected to grow by 909 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 could affect the region. Notable ones are 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 list 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 0.8% as of December 2025. This rate is below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and the area has maintained relative employment stability over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas.

Workforce participation in Idalia stands at 73.3%, exceeding Regional Qld's rate of 64.5%. Census responses indicate that 6.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training sectors. Idalia has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share three times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employment is limited at 5.8% compared to Regional Qld's 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, Idalia's labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment decreased by 0.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Idalia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows 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 Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $88,595 (median) and $104,212 (average). Census data places Idalia's household, family, and personal incomes between the 91st and 93rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 38.3% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Higher earners comprise 39.1%, indicating strong purchasing power. 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

Dwelling structure in Idalia, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Idalia was 18.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented dwellings at 43.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,920, compared to Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Idalia was $400, while Regional Qld's was $345. Nationally, Idalia's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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, larger than the Regional Queensland 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 higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 34.8% have university qualifications compared to 20.1% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the Rest of Queensland. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 21.6%.

Educational participation is high in Idalia, 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

Idalia has nine active public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by three routes offering a total of 165 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 357 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

Only 6.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 18 weekly trips per individual 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 its general population, particularly among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (3,157 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 7.5% of residents and asthma impacting 6.3%. A total of 76.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.1% of residents aged 65 and over (446 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional 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 stood out as overrepresented, comprising 3.2% of Idalia's population compared to 0.8% across Regional 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 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 of 31 years is notably younger than Regional Queensland's 41 and significantly younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 18.8%, compared to Regional Queensland, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 5.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has risen from 16.7% to 18.8%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 15.5% to 16.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 15.1% to 13.0%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.1%. By 2041, Idalia's population is forecasted to undergo substantial demographic shifts. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase significantly by 301 people (33%), rising from 923 to 1,225. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 1% (10 people).