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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Ingham has an estimated 4,500 residents, up from 4,455 at the 2021 Census — a change of 45 people, or 1.0%. That puts 108 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS demographic updates and quarterly address data verified by AreaSearch since the Census, Ingham has an estimated population of approximately 4,500 in May 2026. This indicates a net gain of 45 residents (1.0%) compared to the 2021 Census tally of 4,455. This calculation builds on an intermediate population estimate of 4,471 calculated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP data, plus another 43 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The resulting population density stands at 108 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for future growth.
The post-census growth rate of 1.0% lags the wider SA3 region (3.4%) by 2.4 percentage points, but remains competitive. Net interstate migration was the dominant driver of growth, accounting for roughly 77.0% of all population increases recently. Projections for each SA2 region utilize 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia datasets based on a 2022 baseline. For areas where this is unavailable, or for periods extending beyond 2032, projections rely on 2023 Queensland Government SA2 data utilizing a 2021 baseline. Because Queensland state projections omit age-specific details, AreaSearch allocates cohort growth using weightings from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (with a 2022 baseline). Looking ahead, these models project a net decrease of 350 residents by 2041. In contrast to this overall decline, certain age groups will expand, particularly the 65 to 74 demographic, which is expected to increase by 32 individuals. Refer to the age section for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
33 new dwellings have been approved in Ingham over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 1.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch assessment of ABS building approvals shows that Ingham has averaged approximately 6 new residential permits annually, representing an estimated 33 dwellings over the prior 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been registered. Given that only 0.6 new residents arrived per new dwelling over the five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, residential supply is successfully matching or running ahead of local demand, giving buyers plenty of options and allowing for population expansion above baseline projections. The average cost of these new builds is $369,000. Additionally, commercial development remains quiet, with only $9.2 million in commercial approvals registered during the current financial year.
Ingham's per capita rate of new residential approvals is about three-quarters of the Queensland average, ranking in the 33rd percentile nationwide. This suggests a relatively constrained supply of new builds, which supports demand for existing properties, even though construction has picked up lately. This volume of building is also low relative to the national average, reflecting a mature market and potential planning barriers. New projects consist of 33.0% detached homes and 67.0% higher-density options like townhouses or units. This emphasis on medium density provides more affordable entry points suitable for downsizers, first-home buyers, and property investors. This represents a significant pivot from the current housing stock (where detached houses comprise 86.0% of dwellings), indicating a shortage of developable land alongside evolving lifestyle preferences and a need for diverse, affordable options. A ratio of 499 residents for every dwelling approval highlights the quiet development landscape. Faced with static or decreasing population projections, housing demand in Ingham is expected to remain soft, creating favorable purchasing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ingham
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 7 current infrastructure and development projects inside Ingham, worth an estimated $655 million. A further 37 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.62 billion. 16 are already under construction and 9 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and environmental & disaster management. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local planning decisions, infrastructure investment, and major projects are key drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has tracked 8 projects in the region that are expected to impact local dynamics. Key initiatives include the North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham), Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom, Atlantic North Ingham, and the Residential Activation Fund - Hinchinbrook Housing.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham)
The North Queensland Bio-Energy (NQBE) facility is a proposed $640 million integrated sugar, ethanol, and renewable power plant located on an 80-hectare site south of Ingham. As of early 2026, the project remains in the planning phase while awaiting favorable market conditions and finalized financing. The facility is designed to process sugarcane into 350,000 tonnes of raw sugar annually, produce up to 200,000 litres of ethanol per day, and export approximately 110-115 MW of renewable energy to the national grid.The project was recently a focal point in the 2026 Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities, which seeks to address regulatory and investment barriers for such industrial hubs.
Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom
Proposed ~4,400 sqm manufacturing facility with ~550 sqm office and retail showroom for Moduline in Ingham CBD. Development Application lodged 24 Feb 2025 for Medium Impact Industry (furniture manufacturing, display and sales) across multiple lots fronting Herbert St and Lynn St. State assessment (SARA) advice issued 17 Mar 2025. Project aims to modernize production, expand local jobs and renew the town centre retail presence.
Atlantic North Ingham
Atlantic North Ingham is a proposed mixed-use development at 70 Townsville Road, Ingham, designed to expand the commercial hub of Hinchinbrook Shire. The precinct comprises six retail showrooms of approximately 800 square metres each, an 18-room motel, and a 30-bed dormitory building for school groups and tourists. Located within walking distance of the Tyto Wetlands, the development incorporates North Queensland architectural elements and flood-proof design with floor levels 2.40 metres above natural ground, supported by 310 car parking bays.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Priority Projects
A list of priority projects for the Hinchinbrook Shire, including upgrades to marine and tourism infrastructure, recycling facilities, and digital connectivity. Specific projects include the Dungeness Marine Access Upgrade, Wallaman Falls Eco and Adventure Tourism, and Forrest Beach Boat Ramp Facilities.
Residential Activation Fund - Hinchinbrook Housing
Two critical infrastructure projects to unlock more than 180 new homes in Ingham. The projects are funded through the Queensland Government's Residential Activation Fund and align with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council's Local Housing Action Plan to address housing shortages.
Dutton Street Culvert Crossing Project
Construction of a culvert crossing on Dutton Street to provide a linkage between the north and south of Ingham during flood events. The project was fully funded under the National Flood Infrastructure Mitigation Program.
Orient Road Water Security Project
A project to improve water security in the Ingham area, funded under the Building our Regions program. The project involved the extension of the water main along Orient Road.
Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation
Transformation of an 800-metre concrete stormwater drain into a naturalised waterway with ponds, rocky creek bed, and 97,000 native plants from 75 species to improve water quality, biodiversity, and community aesthetics while benefiting the Great Barrier Reef.
1,756 residents of Ingham are employed, from a labour force of 1,934. Unemployment sits at 9.2%, with participation at 51.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,041, about 112% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Ingham has a diverse workforce distributed across blue-collar and white-collar roles, with a solid base in essential services and a local unemployment rate of 9.2%, derived from regional data aggregated by AreaSearch. In March 2026, 1,756 residents were employed. The unemployment rate is 5.3% higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, showing potential for improvement, while workforce participation is low at 51.2% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census records indicate only 4.6% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related lock-downs. The principal sectors of employment for local residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.
The manufacturing industry is highly concentrated locally, employing workers at 2.2 times the regional rate. Conversely, the construction sector accounts for only 5.2% of employment, which is lower than the 10.1% average for Regional Qld. A ratio of 0.7 workers per resident at the time of the Census indicates a higher-than-average volume of local employment opportunities. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region, the size of the labor force fell by 1.9% and total employment dropped by 1.8% over the 12 months leading to March 2026, which kept the overall unemployment rate steady. Over the same timeframe, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% increase in jobs, a 0.3% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide context for local employment trends. These five-year and ten-year national growth projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential changes. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual industries will perform differently. Projecting these industry trends onto Ingham's local workforce mix suggests employment could rise by 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, representing a basic weighted calculation for illustration rather than a localized population forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Ingham is $1,028 a week (about $53,000 a year), with median personal income at $606 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,011 a year against an average of $55,615. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Ingham has a median taxpayer income of $47,011 and an average income of $55,615, based on 2023 financial year ATO postcode data analyzed by AreaSearch. These figures are below the national average and contrast with Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, local incomes are estimated at roughly $52,351 (median) and $61,933 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in Ingham rank between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally.
The most common weekly income bracket for residents is $400 - 799, capturing 29.2% of the population (1,314 people), whereas metropolitan areas see 31.7% of residents in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. Residents retain 88.1% of their income due to low housing expenses, yet overall disposable income is low, sitting in the 7th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Ingham had 1,832 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 5% apartments. 20% are owned with a mortgage, 35% rented and 46% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $210 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 20.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock at the last Census consisted of 86.5% detached houses and 13.6% other dwelling types (including apartments and semi-detached properties), compared to Regional Qld where detached houses made up 76.4% and other options accounted for 23.6%. The rate of outright home ownership in Ingham was high at 45.5%, with mortgaged properties representing 19.8% and rental properties making up 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,083 and the median weekly rent was $210, both below the Regional Qld benchmarks of $1,655 and $345. On a national level, Ingham's housing costs are very affordable compared to the Australian median mortgage payment of $1,863 and median rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Ingham counted 1,832 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 90% of areas nationally, against 30% couples without children. 37% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent 60.9% of the total, consisting of couples without children (30.0%), couples with children (18.5%), and single parent families (11.5%). The remaining 39.1% are non-family households, which are mostly lone person households (36.7%) alongside group households (2.4%). The median household size of 2.1 persons is below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
9.7% of adults in Ingham hold a university qualification, including 7.7% with a bachelor degree and 1.2% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 89% of areas nationally. A further 33.2% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 1,380 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 957 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area is low, with the university qualification rate of 9.7% falling well short of the national average of 30.4%, pointing to opportunities for targeted educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.2% and graduate diplomas at 0.8%. Practical and trade qualifications are highly prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (33.2%). A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 26.3% of residents enrolled in an educational institution.
This is comprised of 9.8% in primary school, 9.3% in high school, and 2.1% in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Ingham means driving: households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.9% of residents in Ingham report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 84% of areas nationally. 9.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Ingham faces notable healthcare challenges, according to AreaSearch analyses of mortality and chronic disease data, with elevated rates of health conditions across multiple age cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 49% of the population (~2,215 people) holding cover, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent health conditions reported locally were arthritis (11.3%) and mental health concerns (8.3%), while 60.9% of residents reported no chronic health issues, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic disease rates are elevated among the working-age population.
The area has an older demographic, with residents aged 65 and older representing 27.7% of the population (1,246 people) compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Seniors face challenges, with local health outcomes ranking poorer than national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Ingham is largely Australian-born, at 89.6% of residents, with 7.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (24.2%) and English (23.8%). 6.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Ingham is below average, with 89.6% of residents holding citizenship, 89.6% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 74.6% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at ancestral origins, the most common backgrounds are Australian at 24.2% and English at 23.8% (which is below the regional average of 29.6%). Italian heritage is very strong at 21.1%, significantly higher than the Regional Qld average of 2.4%. Other notable ancestral groups include Australian Aboriginals at 6.2% of the population (compared to 3.9% regionally), Spanish at 0.9% (compared to 0.3% regionally), and Maltese at 0.4% (matching the regional average of 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ingham is 48, older than 90% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 22.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Ingham's median age of 48 is higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38. The suburb has a high concentration of residents aged 85 and over (5.0% of the population), while the 35 to 44 cohort is underrepresented at 9.9%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 15 to 24 age bracket increased from 10.2% to 12.1% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.7% to 10.2%. Significant changes in the age structure are projected by 2041, led by an 11% increase in the 85+ cohort (adding 24 people to grow from 225 to 249).
This aging trend is prominent, with the over 65 cohorts accounting for 100% of projected growth, while declines are forecast for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ingham
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 7 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 43 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,455 at the 2021 Census → 4,500 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31390). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.