Longreach (Qld)

Longreach 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, the population of Longreach (Qld) is estimated at around 3,206 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 82 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,124 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,198 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Longreach has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a -0.4% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 60.0% 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 and 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 149 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 66 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Longreach according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Longreach has seen around 6 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 32 homes. So far in FY-26 (July 2025 to June 2026), 3 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built has resulted in a gain of 2.2 new residents per year over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25.

The average construction value for these dwellings is $495,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. There have been $1.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. When compared with the Rest of Qld, Longreach shows comparable construction activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

New building activity shows 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 89.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 357 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections show stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures, which would benefit potential buyers.

Longreach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Teal Street Affordable Housing Project, Longreach Recreational Precinct, Longreach Water Security for Growth, and Longreach Solar Farm. 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 Longreach rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Longreach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 0.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 1,913 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 3.1% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is high at 73.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses show that only 10.4% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety. Longreach has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.6 times the regional level.

However, mining is under-represented, with only 0.8% of Longreach's workforce compared to 3.6% in Regional Qld. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.1%, with employment decreasing by 2.0%, and unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7% and labour force expanded by 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Longreach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Longreach had a median income among taxpayers of $57,203 with an average level of $64,437. This is lower than national averages, which stood at $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld respectively during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,701 (median) and $71,757 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($974 weekly), while household income sits at the 42nd percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 35.6% of locals (1,141 people) with incomes between $1,500 and 2,999, mirroring the broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 90.5% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Longreach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Longreach's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longreach was 32.4%, aligning with Regional Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings stood at 25.5% and rented dwellings at 42.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Longreach was $1,185, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent was $200, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Longreach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.9% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Longreach fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 20.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 31.2%. Educational participation is high, with 31.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 14.0% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Longreach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Longreach's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,690 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 7.8% of residents and asthma impacting 7.5%. Sixty-eight point eight percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (589 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Longreach, surveyed in June 2016, had a low cultural diversity index of 55.9%. It was found that 82.9% were citizens, 90.7% were born in Australia, and 95.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated Longreach's religious landscape with 65.8%, compared to the regional average of 52.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians topped the list at 31.7%, followed by English at 30.5% and Irish at 9.4%. Notably, German (5.0%), Maori (0.9%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.3%) groups were relatively more represented in Longreach compared to regional averages of 4.7%, 0.8% and 3.9% respectively.

Longreach's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Longreach is 38 years, slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but in line with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.8% of the population, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 10.6%, lower than Regional Queensland's figure. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group grew from 13.2% to 15.8%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.6% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.7% to 12.0%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for Longreach in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 30%, reaching 237 people from 182. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting Longreach's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.