Longreach (Qld)

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Longreach (Qld) is around 3,218. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,124 people, representing a growth of 94 individuals or approximately 3.0%. AreaSearch validated this estimate using their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional 41 new addresses since the Census date, resulting in an estimated resident population of 3,201. This population density equates to about 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Longreach has shown a compound annual growth rate of -0.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 102 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group with an anticipated increase of 89 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 5 new homes approved per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 28 homes were approved, with 1 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 3.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

However, supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average value of $495,000, consistent with regional patterns. There have also been $1.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Longreach records 17.0% less building activity per person, placing it among the 41st percentile nationally. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing dwellings.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New building activity shows 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. The estimated count of 402 people per dwelling approval reflects Longreach's quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area, with key ones including Teal Street Affordable Housing Project, Longreach Recreational Precinct, Longreach Water Security for Growth, and Longreach Solar Farm.

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 well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 0.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%.

As of June 2025, 1,963 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 3.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was higher at 66.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had particularly high concentration with employment levels at 2.6 times the regional average.

Mining showed lower representation at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 3.6%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, and labour force increased by 0.7%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Longreach's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, Longreach had a median income among taxpayers of $57,203 with the average level standing at $64,437. This is approximately national average and compares to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year ending June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $65,206 (median) and $73,452 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($974 weekly), while household income sits at the 42nd percentile. Looking at income distribution, 35.6% of population (1,145 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across surrounding region showing 31.7% in same category. Housing costs are manageable with 90.5% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 50th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure in Longreach, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Longreach stood at 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.5% and rented ones at 42.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,185, above Non-Metro Qld's average of $910. Median weekly rent in Longreach was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $160. Nationally, Longreach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 during that period.

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

Family households account for 62.9% of all households, consisting of 24.3% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. 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 in 20.4% is substantially below Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (31.2%). Educational participation is high at 31.9%, including 14.0% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Longreach's four schools have a combined enrollment of 692 students. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 937) and functions as an education hub with 21.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is present at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,697 people), compared to 49.5% in Rest of Qld.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 68.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.5% in Rest of Qld. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (588 people), lower than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than 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 has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to the average, with 82.9% of its population being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Longreach, comprising 65.8% of the population, which is similar to the 66.5% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Longreach are Australian (31.7%), English (30.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, German ancestry is slightly overrepresented at 5.0%, compared to the regional average of 4.6%. Maori ancestry is also higher than average at 0.9% versus 0.4%, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry is underrepresented at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 8.2%.

Longreach's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Longreach is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but in line with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.1% of Longreach's population compared to Rest of Queensland, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 13.2% to 15.1%, and those aged 75 to 84 have grown from 4.6% to 5.7%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 55 to 64 has declined from 14.7% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for Longreach in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 41%, reaching 259 people from 183, leading the demographic shift. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting Longreach's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.