Longreach (Qld)

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Longreach (Qld) is around 3,237, reflecting an increase of 113 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 3.6%. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses, is 3,223. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Longreach has shown resilient growth patterns with an annual growth rate of -0.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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 using 2022 data for each age cohort. According to this methodology, the population of Longreach is projected to decrease by 106 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 75-84 group are anticipated to grow by 85 people during this period.

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

Longreach saw approximately 6 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 30 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY-26. On average, 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating solid demand for property.

New homes were built at an average construction cost of $495,000, higher than regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction. This financial year, there have been $1.1 million in commercial approvals, predominantly focused on residential development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Longreach has 12.0% less building activity per person and ranks at the 41st percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated recently. New building activity comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering various price points.

This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of 89.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 402 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include 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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 0.9% in September 2025, lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation was high at 74.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

A low 10.4% of residents worked from home as per Census responses, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and public administration & safety. Agriculture, forestry & fishing show strong specialization with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. Mining has lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 3.6%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Longreach's labour force decreased by 0.5% and employment decreased by 0.4%, keeping unemployment rate stable. Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.8% over ten years. 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 only.

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 ended June 2023, the suburb of Longreach had a median income among taxpayers of $57,203 with the average level standing at $64,437. This is lower than national averages which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $62,872 (median) and $70,823 (average). Census data from 2021 shows personal income ranks at the 76th percentile with weekly earnings of $974, while household income sits at the 42nd percentile. The predominant earnings cohort spans 35.6% of locals (1,152 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring surrounding regions where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing costs allow for retention of 90.5% income, though disposable income sits below average at the 50th percentile and 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

In Longreach, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 11.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longreach stood at 32.4%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.5% and rented ones at 42.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,185, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Longreach was $200 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Longreach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,185 versus 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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 make up the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of 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 of 20.4%, as of the latest data point, is significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.6% and certificates make up 31.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures. 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average, with common health conditions more prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,707 people), slightly leading the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (7.8%) and asthma (7.5%). 68.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. 18.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (602 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than those of 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 showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 82.9% citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 65.8%, compared to 52.2% in Rest of Qld. Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.7%), English (30.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, German (5.0%) and Maori (0.9%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Australian Aboriginal was slightly higher at 4.3%.

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

The median age in Longreach is 38 years, slightly lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matching Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 15.3% of Longreach's population, higher than Rest of Qld's figure. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort represents 10.7%, lower than Rest of Qld's percentage. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group grew from 13.2% to 15.3% between 2016 and 2021, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.6% to 6.0%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 14.7% to 11.4%, and the 5 to 14 age group fell from 13.6% to 12.5%. Population forecasts for Longreach in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 31%, adding 60 people and reaching 255, leading the demographic shift. Notably, combined age groups of 65+ will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting Longreach's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.