Ingham

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Ingham's estimated population is around 4,546 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 91 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,455 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,507 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 109 persons per square kilometer. Ingham's 2.0% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 321 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to grow by 51 people.

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 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 33 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1 new resident arrived per year for each new home over these 5 financial years. However, this figure has eased to -0.3 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating better supply availability.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $369,000. This financial year, $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Ingham's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Ingham records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 33rd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New building activity shows 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This is a considerable change from the current housing mix of 86.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The estimated count of 501 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Ingham should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting the 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 comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 9.8% as per AreaSearch's statistical area aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,785 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 5.7%, which is 1.6 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Ingham was 52.3%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census data, only 4.6% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level, while construction has a limited presence at 5.2%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7 as per Census data, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3% while employment declined by 2.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national 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, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Ingham had a median taxpayer income of $47,011 and an average income of $55,615 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national averages for median income at $53,146 and average income at $66,593 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $51,670 (median) and $61,126 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Ingham all fall between the 4th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.2% of individuals in Ingham earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, which contrasts with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.1% income retention, total disposable income in Ingham ranks at only the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Ingham's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ingham was at 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, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $210, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Ingham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.7%, significantly lower than Australia's 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, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,238 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (8.3%). Conversely, 60.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.8% (1,263 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Ingham's population, as per the 2016 Census, was predominantly Australian-born and English-speaking, with 89.6% being citizens born in Australia who spoke English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 74.6%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 24.2%, English 23.8%, and Italians 21.1%.

Notably, Spanish ancestry was higher at 0.9% (regional average: 0.3%), Australian Aboriginal at 6.2% (vs regional 3.9%), and Maltese at 0.4% (matching the regional average).

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

Ingham's median age is 48, making it older than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group has a strong representation at 9.7% compared to Rest of Qld, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 10.1% to 11.9%, and conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 11.7% to 10.0%. By 2041, Ingham is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 11%, reaching 238 people from 213. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 89% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 25 to 34 cohorts.