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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Longreach (Qld) has an estimated 3,209 residents, up from 3,124 at the 2021 Census — a change of 85 people, or 2.7%. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluations incorporating regional ABS updates and post-Census address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Longreach (Qld) has an estimated count of around 3,209 residents as of Aug 2026. This figure marks a rise of 85 people (2.7%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 3,124 people. Such progress builds upon the ERP release by the ABS in June 2025 establishing a resident benchmark of 3,197, alongside 50 validated new addresses added after Census night. The resulting settlement density stands at 0.10 persons per square kilometer, ensuring spacious living conditions throughout the locality.
Across the preceding decade, the suburb of Longreach (Qld) maintained a steady trajectory with a -0.4% compound annual growth rate, performing ahead of the SA3 area. Inbound overseas migration provided the primary stimulus for expansion, making up approximately 60.0% of recent population additions. Projections generated jointly by the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a foundation, are applied by AreaSearch across SA2 boundaries. For locations outside these boundaries or tracking intervals past 2032, 2023-released Queensland State Government SA2 models using 2021 baselines are utilized. Because state releases lack specific age brackets, AreaSearch allocates proportional growth distributions aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region forecasts (published in 2023 from 2022 benchmarks) across demographic groups. Based on this methodology, the suburb of Longreach (Qld) faces an overall demographic reduction of 152 persons by 2041. Nevertheless, certain older age brackets are slated to expand, headed by the 75 to 84 cohort which is slated to add 69 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
22 new dwellings have been approved in Longreach (Qld) over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 1.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of building consent statistics from the ABS indicate that residential approvals have maintained an annual run rate of around 4 dwellings, totaling an estimated 22 homes sanctioned across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 5 logged during FY-25. Accommodating an influx averaging 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), underlying buyer demand remains solid, with average construction values tracking at $654,000 to surpass regional norms and signal high-standard builds. Non-residential building activity remains subdued, registering $1.1 million in commercial approvals throughout the ongoing financial year.
Per-capita construction volumes in the area reach about 65% of the levels observed across Rest of Qld, placing it within the 28th percentile of nationwide markets and sustaining demand for established dwellings despite recent local gains in approval rates. This subdued pace sits below the national norm, characteristic of an established district and plausible regulatory barriers. Approved pipeline dwellings comprise 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% medium and high-density housing, delivering an expanding assortment of multi-unit typologies that bridge larger residential layouts and compact, budget-conscious dwellings. This composition diverges significantly from the existing stock of 89.0% houses, responding to parcel constraints along with emerging lifestyle and price preferences. A ratio of an estimated 534 people for every authorized dwelling highlights the district's low-density building landscape. Anticipated demographic contraction or plateauing should ease residential supply pressures, potentially unlocking favorable purchasing conditions for incoming buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Longreach (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Longreach (Qld), worth an estimated $1 billion. A further 30 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $11.2 billion. 10 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Capital investments, planning initiatives, and civic infrastructure serve as major catalysts for local community advancement. In total, AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to shape regional growth, with prominent works comprising the Teal Street Affordable Housing Project, Longreach Recreational Precinct, Longreach Water Security for Growth, and Longreach Solar Farm.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Teal Street Affordable Housing Project
A Queensland Government Housing Investment Fund project delivering six new affordable dwellings (two three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom units) on Teal Street, Longreach, for low-income essential service workers. Managed by Longreach Regional Council and constructed by local contractor Neuendorf Constructions. Construction commenced in early 2025.
Longreach Recreational Precinct
A $2.25 million project funded by the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program. The project will include a new fenced dog park, a pump track, a half basketball court, a botanical walkway, and shaded playgrounds with all-abilities elements, complementing the existing skate park.
Longreach Water Security for Growth
An $18.6 million project to upgrade five weirs along the Thomson River to increase water storage capacity and security for Longreach. The project includes rebuilding and raising weir walls by one metre, installing fish passages, replacing ageing water mains, and installing smart water meters to improve efficiency. The upgrades will provide additional 900 megalitres of storage and reduce water loss by 245 megalitres per year. Critical infrastructure for drought resilience and regional water security serving Longreach and surrounding communities including Ilfracombe.Funded by $7 million Queensland Government, $5 million Federal Government (National Water Grid Fund), and $6.6 million Longreach Regional Council.
Longreach Solar Farm
A 17.4 MW solar photovoltaic project developed by Canadian Solar, which began commercial operation in May 2018. The project consists of 51,330 solar panels.
Longreach Hospital Upgrade
An AUD10 million upgrade of the Longreach Hospital, which included the redevelopment of half the hospital, a full mechanical services upgrade, and a new Aramac Primary Health Centre. The project was completed in 2019.
Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation
The Residential Activation Fund is a 2 billion dollar program aimed at accelerating housing supply by funding critical trunk infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and transport. At least 1 billion dollars is specifically earmarked for regional areas outside South East Queensland. Round 2 of the fund opened in early 2026, with funding announcements for successful projects expected from July 2026. The program targets construction-ready projects to fast-track the delivery of new homes.
Clermont Seniors Living Centre - Monash Lodge Precinct
Isaac Regional Council and Belyando Enterprise Network Inc are seeking approximately $2.993 million in government funding to refurbish the disused former Monash Lodge aged care building and deliver 12 independent seniors living units with 24/7 onsite management. Stage 1 proposes to reopen the vacant 16-bed (originally 20-bed) facility as flexible supported and independent living for older Clermont residents, enabling them to remain in their hometown rather than relocating to Emerald or Mackay. Council has committed an in-principle peppercorn lease ($1 per annum) to the successful operator.The project remains in the advocacy and funding phase with no confirmed government commitment secured as of mid-2025.
Charleville Central Extension Retail Development
An approved extension of the existing Supa IGA Charleville supermarket (Cornetts IGA) that will expand the supermarket footprint and add two new retail tenancies. The project involves reorganising access, parking, and servicing across multiple lots. Murweh Shire Council approved a minor change to the development permit in October 2025, which included updated conditions for staging, road works design, and amenities. The development remains in the pre-construction phase as detailed design and delivery arrangements are finalised.
1,932 residents of Longreach (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 1,949. Unemployment sits at 0.9%, with participation at 74.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,823, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A solid presence of critical public sector and service roles underpins a capable local workforce, supporting a jobless rate of just 0.9% per statistical area aggregations by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed locals numbered 1,932, keeping joblessness 3.0% below the 3.9% recorded for Regional Qld, while local labor participation reached 74.3% to outpace the regional standard of 64.2%. Census figures showed remote working represented a modest 10.4% share, though prevailing Covid-19 restrictions must be weighed alongside this metric. Health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, together with public administration & safety, serve as primary employment sectors for local residents.
Agrarian pursuits demonstrate significant concentration, generating an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. Conversely, resource extraction plays a minimal role, accounting for 0.8% employment against 3.6% regionally. Comparisons between resident counts and Census day employment tallies indicate a comparatively modest local job base. According to broader area SALM and ABS datasets compiled by AreaSearch, the twelve months leading to March 2026 saw the local workforce shrink by 0.8% alongside a 0.8% drop in employment, while unemployment held steady. In comparison, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% rise in employment, a 0.3% increase in its labour pool, and a 0.1 percentage points uptick in unemployment. National outlooks published in Mar-26 by Jobs and Skills Australia shed light on future job trajectories for the locality across five- and ten-year horizons when aligned with the area's industry profile. Across the nation, total employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, exhibiting notable sector-level variation. Translating these baseline trends to the local sectoral mix indicates prospective employment expansion of 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, noting that this weighted modeling serves illustrative goals and excludes local demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Longreach (Qld) is $1,625 a week (about $85,000 a year), with median personal income at $974 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,203 a year against an average of $64,437. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode-level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 reviewed by AreaSearch show local earnings trailing national benchmarks, generating a median of $57,203 and an average of $64,437. Meanwhile, Regional Qld recorded a median income of $53,146 alongside an average income of $66,593. Incorporating Wage Price Index inflation of 11.36% accrued since financial year 2023, modern benchmarks reach an estimated $63,701 (median) and $71,757 (average) as of March 2026. Looking back at the 2021 Census, individual weekly earnings attained the 76th percentile ($974 weekly), whereas household receipts landed in the 42nd percentile.
A significant portion of workers, totaling 35.6% (1,142 individuals), fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, mirroring the wider regional proportion of 31.7%. Living expenses consume a modest share, allowing residents to retain 90.5% of funds, yet net disposable resources track in the 50th percentile while the overall SEIFA income status resides in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Longreach (Qld) had 1,147 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 3% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 42% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,185 a month. Rent absorbs 12.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, residential stock was divided into 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings, whereas Regional Qld recorded a split of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Outright property ownership matched the regional rate at 32.4%, while financed properties represented 25.5% and rental tenancies accounted for 42.1%. Monthly mortgage obligations averaged $1,185 at the median, sitting well beneath the Regional Qld figure of $1,655, while weekly median rents of $200 were notably lower than the regional rate of $345. On a countrywide basis, local mortgage commitments remain far below the Australian benchmark of $1,863, with leasing rates similarly trailing the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Longreach (Qld) counted 1,147 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 62.9% of occupied residences, split among 24.3% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. The remaining 37.1% comprises non-family arrangements, primarily lone person households at 33.2% alongside group households at 3.6%. The typical household size averages 2.3 people, which is slightly smaller than the Regional Qld standard of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
20.4% of adults in Longreach (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 14.7% with a bachelor degree and 2.9% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 31.2% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 692 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 937 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher education rates show a distinct gap, with tertiary degree attainment standing at 20.4% relative to the national mark of 30.4%, highlighting a clear target for regional training initiatives. Undergraduate degrees form 14.7% of qualifications, supplemented by 2.9% in postgraduate studies and 2.8% across graduate diplomas. Technical and trade pathways are widespread, with 42.8% of individuals aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials consisting of 11.6% advanced diplomas alongside 31.2% certificates. Study engagement is strong across the community, with 31.9% of inhabitants currently pursuing formal qualifications. This cohort encompasses 14.0% attending primary school, 8.7% enrolled in secondary school, and 3.4% undertaking tertiary education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Longreach (Qld) means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.8% of residents in Longreach (Qld) report no long-term health condition. 5.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch based on disease and mortality figures point to below-average conditions locally, with common conditions tracking slightly above standard across both younger and older cohorts, while private medical insurance coverage reaches approximately 53% of the total population (~1,692 people), sitting marginally ahead of typical SA2 benchmarks. Asthma and mental health issues represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, impacting 7.5% and 7.8% of residents respectively, whereas 68.8% reported no chronic medical issues, comparable to 67.6% across Regional Qld. General health across working-age inhabitants remains typical. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 18.1% of residents (580 people), lower than the 20.3% observed across Regional Qld, and this cohort demonstrates strong wellness outcomes that outrank the broader population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Longreach (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 90.7% of residents, with 4.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (31.7%) and English (30.5%). 4.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures remain comparatively low, with Australian citizenship recorded at 82.9%, domestic births at 90.7%, and English spoken exclusively at home by 95.7% of the populace. Christianity constitutes the predominant religious denomination, embraced by 65.8% of the community compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Parental lineage data indicates the three most reported ancestries are Australian at 31.7% (notably above the 26.5% regional proportion), English at 30.5%, and Irish at 9.4%. Divergences also emerge across other heritages: German heritage accounts for 5.0% locally (compared to 4.7% regionally), Maori background represents 0.9% (against 0.8%), and Australian Aboriginal ancestry stands at 4.3% (against 3.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Longreach (Qld) is 38. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 26.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographically, the suburb of Longreach (Qld) maintains a younger age profile relative to Regional Qld. Per estimates updated to August 2026, adults aged 25 - 44 account for 28.5% of the population compared to 25.5% regionally, while seniors aged 65+ comprise 18.1% compared to 20.4% across Regional Qld. The estimated median age stands at 38, down from 39 at the 2021 Census and 3 years below the regional median of 41 recorded at that time. Since the Census, residents aged 45 - 64 have reduced their presence from 26.4% to an estimated 23.7%.
Looking ahead to 2041, retirees and elderly age groups are projected to drive net demographic growth, adding 75 residents (13%) to total 656, while younger and middle-aged brackets are expected to shrink over the period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Longreach (Qld)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 6 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 50 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,124 at the 2021 Census → 3,209 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31685). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.