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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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Middlemount has an estimated 1,988 residents, up from 1,899 at the 2021 Census — a change of 89 people, or 4.7%. Growth has averaged 1.0% a year over five years. 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 investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with fresh addresses verified by AreaSearch after the Census, the population of the suburb of Middlemount is calculated to be close to 1,988 in May 2026. This represents a rise of 89 individuals (4.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,899 individuals. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 1,988, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the most recent ERP data published by the ABS (June 2025) along with an extra four validated new addresses since the Census date.
This population size corresponds to a density ratio of 3.9 persons per square kilometer, providing plenty of space per individual. The 4.7% expansion of the suburb of Middlemount since the census is within 2.9 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.6%), indicating competitive growth characteristics. Demographic expansion in the locality was chiefly spurred by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 69.0% of total population increases in recent times, though all components including overseas migration and interstate migration remained positive. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 zone, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For any SA2 regions lacking this information, and for periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government for SA2 areas, published in 2023 and utilizing 2021 data, are implemented. It is worth noting that these state-level projections omit age group breakdowns; consequently, where they are applied, AreaSearch distributes proportional growth weights matching the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data) for each age bracket. Looking at future demographic patterns, expansion in the lower quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan zones is projected, with the suburb of Middlemount expected to add 57 individuals by 2041 based on compiled SA2-level forecasts, showing a total rise of 2.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Middlemount exhibits very little building activity, with less than one new dwelling approved on average each year (minimal approvals over five years). This quiet building market is typical for regional localities where housing requirements are quiet and building activity is restricted by local demand and infrastructure limits. Because approval counts are so small, individual building proposals can have a major effect on annual growth and comparison statistics. Middlemount demonstrates a substantially lower level of building activity than the Rest of Qld. The residential building trend is also far below national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Middlemount
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 50 current infrastructure and development projects close to Middlemount, worth an estimated $16.6 billion. 14 are already under construction and 17 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal 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
Local performance is heavily shaped by updates to regional infrastructure, major works, and planning schemes. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to affect the area. Significant projects include the Isaac Renewable Energy Zone (QREZ), the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, the Isaac Regional Local Government Infrastructure Plan, and the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, with the following index highlighting those expected to be of greatest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Dysart Urban Design Framework & Masterplan
An adopted urban design framework and masterplan prepared by Isaac Regional Council to guide the long term development and renewal of Dysart. The framework includes a town-wide masterplan, design guidelines and an implementation plan, and is now used as a reference document when assessing development applications against the Isaac Region Planning Scheme 2021. It focuses on improving the public realm, supporting infill housing and commercial development, and coordinating future community and infrastructure investment in the town.
Olive Downs Coking Coal Complex
The Olive Downs Complex is a fully operational large-scale steelmaking coal mine in the Bowen Basin, Queensland. It commenced production in mid-2023, with operations fully starting in April 2024, producing up to 15 million tonnes per annum of high-quality coking coal and PCI products for export to markets including Japan, South Korea, and India. The mine features a central coal handling and processing plant, rail infrastructure, and has an expected life of over 79 years, generating significant economic benefits including over $10 billion in royalties for Queensland.
Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service Renewal
Replacement of the existing healthcare facility with a new modular design.
Bringing Blackwater Back into the Planning Scheme
Project to revoke the Blackwater and Blackwater East Priority Development Areas (declared 2010 and 2013) and bring them back into the Central Highlands Regional Council Planning Scheme, enabling consistent development assessment and greater community influence over future zoning. The Minister for Economic Development Queensland approved the Planning Instrument Change for progression in September 2025. Formal public consultation ran from 23 February to 10 April 2026, including drop-in sessions in Blackwater, Emerald and online. Council is now reviewing submissions and preparing a Public Response Report, due to be presented to the General Council Meeting on 22 July 2026, ahead of expected adoption of the amendment in late 2026.
Capricorn Highway Widening (Winton Creek to Agricultural College)
Safety upgrade to widen and rehabilitate about 2.5-2.6 km of the Capricorn Highway east of Emerald between Winton Creek and the Emerald Agricultural College. Scope included pavement widening and strengthening, wide centre line treatment, drainage works, sealing and line marking to improve safety and heavy vehicle operations. Funding reported at about $5m across the Australian and Queensland Governments, with delivery by Queensland TMR via contractor Decmil. Indicative completion: 2022.
Nogoa Rise Estate Residential Development
Multi-stage residential estate development by Central Highlands Regional Council featuring fully serviced residential lots in Emerald's sought-after Nogoa Rise area. The development has expanded to Stages 5 and 6, offering quality residential opportunities in the growing Central Highlands region.
Emerald Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade
A complete refurbishment and upgrade of the Emergency Department at Emerald Hospital that officially opened in April 2024. The upgrade improves patient flow and provides better access to care closer to home. Features include improved privacy, additional clinical consultation spaces, resuscitation bays, better treatment spaces for mental health crisis patients, and a safer treatment environment.
Gregory-Capricorn Highway Intersection Upgrade
Intersection upgrade at the junction of Gregory and Capricorn Highways in Emerald, involving widening approaches, installing traffic signals, and improving turning lanes. The upgrade enhances safety and reduces congestion at this critical junction serving both local and through traffic. The project also included pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
1,328 residents of Middlemount are employed, from a labour force of 1,356. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 84.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 3.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,422, about 72% 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
Middlemount has a skilled labor force, featuring strong representation in manufacturing and industrial categories, a jobless rate of only 2.1%, and an estimated 3.9% increase in jobs over the previous year, according to AreaSearch compilations of statistical zone data. In March 2026, 1,328 local citizens were employed, with the jobless rate sitting 1.8% below the rate in Regional Qld of 3.9%, while labor force participation is exceptionally high (84.4% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld). Census details show a low 2.0% of citizens working from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.
The primary employment fields for local citizens are mining, education & training, and construction. The locality displays a heavy employment concentration in mining, with a workforce share that is 15.0 times the regional proportion. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, employing only 2.5% of Middlemount's labor force compared to 16.1% in Regional Qld. Local employment opportunities appear somewhat constrained, as shown by comparing the Census working population count against the resident population count. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from surrounding statistical zones, employment rose by 3.9% while the labor force grew by 4.6% over the 12 months ending March 2026, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld experienced job growth of 0.1%, labor force expansion of 0.3%, and a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia can give further context regarding future demand trends in Middlemount. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been aligned with the local industry profile to project future employment paths. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary greatly across different industry categories. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment distribution of Middlemount indicates local employment is projected to rise by 3.8% over five years and 10.0% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Middlemount is $2,721 a week (about $141,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,667 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $100,279 a year against an average of $116,395. 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
According to the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the median income of taxpayers in the suburb of Middlemount is $100,279, with an average of $116,395. This is exceptionally high on a national scale, comparing to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusting for Wage Price Index expansion of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current projections indicate values of approximately $111,671 (median) and $129,617 (average) as of March 2026. Census records demonstrate that household, family, and individual incomes in Middlemount all sit at high levels, ranking in the 94th to 99th percentiles nationwide.
In terms of income distribution, the weekly wage band of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 36.5% of the population (725 individuals), which mirrors regional patterns where 31.7% fall into the same bracket. Economic capacity is highlighted by 46.6% of households earning high weekly incomes above $3,000, which supports strong local spending. After paying for housing, citizens keep 97.8% of their earnings, indicating strong discretionary spending capacity, and the area ranks in the 4th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Middlemount had 436 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 6% apartments. 4% are owned with a mortgage, 92% rented and 4% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $54 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,135 a month. Rent absorbs 2.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 9.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in Middlemount at the time of the latest Census consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwelling types (semi-detached, apartments, and miscellaneous homes), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership in Middlemount stood at 4.2%, trailing the rate in Regional Qld, with the remaining residences being either mortgaged (4.2%) or rented (91.6%). The median monthly home loan payment in the locality was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,135, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $54, compared to $1,655 and $345 in Regional Qld.
Nationally, mortgage costs in Middlemount are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are far below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Middlemount counted 436 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 77% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households make up the majority at 70.9% of all homes, consisting of 39.1% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.1%, with single-person households representing 26.4% and group homes making up 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 individuals is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
20.3% of adults in Middlemount hold a university qualification, including 16.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 45.2% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 247 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 940 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
The locality faces academic hurdles, with university graduation rates (20.3%) sitting well below the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights both a challenge and an opening for focused learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational and technical capabilities are highly represented, with 55.9% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (45.2%). Educational enrollment is exceptionally high, with 50.1% of citizens currently taking part in formal learning. This comprises 23.2% in primary schools, 11.2% in secondary schools, and 5.5% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Middlemount 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
80.2% of residents in Middlemount report no long-term health condition. 0.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 73.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health measures indicate below-average outcomes in Middlemount, based on AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, although general illness rates are relatively standard, though higher than the national average among older age brackets. The rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 73% of the total population (1,457 people). This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical diagnoses in the locality were asthma and mental health concerns, affecting 7.2% and 6.7% of citizens, respectively, while 80.2% reported being free of any medical conditions compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
The area has 3.9% of residents aged 65 and over (77 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes for older residents present some difficulties, though they rank lower nationally than the general community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Middlemount is largely Australian-born, at 85.9% of residents, with 6.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.1%) and English (28.2%). 5.2% 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
Middlemount ranks below average for cultural diversity, with 61.3% of the population being citizens, 85.9% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 46.8% of individuals in Middlemount. However, the most notable overrepresentation is found in Hinduism, which represents 1.1% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld. In terms of parent country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Middlemount are Australian, representing 32.1% of the population, which is considerably higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English at 28.2%, and Irish at 7.4%.
In addition, there are notable differences in other backgrounds: South Australian is highly overrepresented at 1.9% of Middlemount (vs 0.5% regionally), Maori at 2.1% (vs 0.8%), and Australian Aboriginal at 5.2% (vs 3.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Middlemount is 32, younger than 90% of areas nationally. 33.5% 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
With a median age of 32 years, Middlemount is significantly younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and also below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Middlemount has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (23.8%) but fewer individuals aged 65 - 74 (2.9%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national level of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 17.7% to 19.8% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort grew from 1.8% to 2.9%.
In contrast, the 15 to 24 group dropped from 12.3% to 9.7% and the 45 to 54 group fell from 14.8% to 13.4%. Demographic models suggest Middlemount's age distribution will transform by 2041. The 35 to 44 cohort is projected to grow the most at 13%, adding 51 residents to reach 445. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups will decrease in size.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Middlemount
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 4 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,899 at the 2021 Census → 1,988 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 May 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 (SAL31825). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.