Longreach (Qld)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of November 2025, Longreach's estimated population is around 3,231. This reflects an increase of 107 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,124. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,223 residents in June 2024 and 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Longreach has shown resilient growth patterns with a -0.7% compound annual growth rate. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts. By 2041, the population is projected to decline by 105 persons according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 89 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Longreach shows around 6 new homes approved per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 30 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 2.9 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating solid demand supporting property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $495,000, which is moderately above regional levels and suggests emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been $1.1 million in commercial approvals, predominantly reflecting residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Longreach records 12.0% less building activity per person, placing it among the 41st percentile nationally, which results in relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. This is below average nationally, possibly due to planning constraints. New building activity consists of 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 89.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 402 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Longreach may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Longreach has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Teal Street Affordable Housing Project, Longreach Recreational Precinct, Longreach Water Security for Growth, and Longreach Solar Farm. The following list details those likely to be 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. Its unemployment rate was just 0.9% as of September 2025.

Employment stability over the past year is relative, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,957 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Longreach is high at 66.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly strong representation with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 3.6%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. From September 2024 to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.4% and employment decreased by 0.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Longreach had a median income among taxpayers of $57,203 and an average income of $64,437. Nationally, the median was $53,146 and the average was $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,872 (median) and $70,823 (average), based on a 9.91% increase since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($974 weekly) and household income at the 42nd percentile. In Longreach, 35.6% of locals (1,150 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing costs allow for 90.5% retention, but disposable income is 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

The latest Census evaluated Longreach's dwelling structure as 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longreach was at 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.5% and rented ones at 42.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,185, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $910. Weekly rent in Longreach was recorded at $200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $160. Nationally, Longreach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Longreach features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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 aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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 the Australian 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 prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (31.2%). Educational participation is high at 31.9%, with 14.0% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing 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 shows below-average health indicators with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average SA2 areas. Private health cover is present at approximately 53% of Longreach's total population (~1,704 people), leading Rest of Qld's rate of 49.2%.

Mental health issues affect 7.8% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.5%. A total of 68.8% declare no medical ailments, compared to 67.5% in Rest of Qld. Longreach has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (591 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 20.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Longreach's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The majority religion is Christianity, practiced by 65.8%, compared to 66.5% across the rest of Queensland. Among Longreach residents, the top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.7%), English (30.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, German ancestry is higher at 5.0% than the regional average of 4.6%, while Maori and Australian Aboriginal ancestries are lower at 0.9% and 4.3% respectively compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 8.2%.

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

The median age in Longreach is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matching Australia's figure. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.0% of the population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort stands at 10.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25-34 age group grew from 13.2% to 15.0%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.6% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 14.7% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Longreach. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 41%, reaching 259 people from 184. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.