Ingham

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

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.

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

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.

Ingham has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

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.

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

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

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.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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%).

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

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.