Ingham

Ingham has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Ingham is around 4,544, reflecting an increase of 89 people since the 2021 Census. This growth of 2.0% places Ingham within 1.6 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 3.6%. The population density is approximately 109 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for this growth was interstate migration, contributing about 77.0% of overall population gains. This estimate is based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and AreaSearch's validation of new addresses since the Census date. Looking ahead, projections indicate a decline in Ingham's population by 321 persons to 2041.

However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 65 to 74 age group by 51 people. These projections use ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections based on 2021 data for years post-2032. Age category splits are applied proportionally according to the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Ingham, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Ingham has averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years (between FY21 and FY25), an estimated 33 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY26. On average, 1 new resident arrived per new home over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this has eased to -0.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting better supply availability.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $369,000, which is below the regional average, offering more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Ingham has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 33rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. Building activity in the area is below average nationally, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New development in Ingham consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, representing a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 86.0% houses).

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The estimated count of 501 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Ingham may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Ingham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham), Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom, Atlantic North Ingham, and Residential Activation Fund - Hinchinbrook Housing. 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.

Employment conditions in Ingham face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Ingham has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 10.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 1,807 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's by 6.2 percentage points (3.9%). Workforce participation in Ingham lags behind Rest of Qld at 49.5%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.2% of local workers, lower than Rest of Qld's 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating more employment opportunities compared to the norm. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, with a 5.1% decline in employment leading to a 2.8 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ingham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Ingham's median taxpayer income was $47,011 and average was $55,615 in financial year 2022, according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $53,588 and average $63,396, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates Ingham's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.2% of residents (1,326 people) earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, unlike metropolitan regions where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest, with 88.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 7th percentile nationally.

Ingham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Ingham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ingham was 45.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.8% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was $210. Nationally, Ingham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ingham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.9% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Ingham faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 9.7%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (33.2%).

Educational participation is high at 26.3%, including 9.8% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education. Ingham's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,380 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 957) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 30.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 21.1, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Ingham is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Ingham faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering about 2,237 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health concerns (8.3%). Around 60.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. Ingham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 27.3% or 1,240 people, than the rest of Queensland's 24.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Ingham is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Ingham's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.6% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 74.6% of Ingham's population, compared to 70.7% across the rest of Queensland. The top three represented ancestry groups were Australian (24.2%), English (23.8%), and Italian (21.1%), with Italians being more prevalent than the regional average of 11.3%.

Notably, Spanish (0.9%) and Maltese (0.4%) representation was higher in Ingham compared to the regional averages of 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively. Australian Aboriginal representation stood at 6.2%, lower than the regional average of 8.1%.

Ingham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ingham's median age is 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.0% of Ingham's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 10.1% to 11.7%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 11.7% to 10.3%. By 2041, Ingham's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 6%, reaching 609 from 572. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 75% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 age cohorts.