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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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Miles has an estimated 1,972 residents, up from 1,874 at the 2021 Census — a change of 98 people, or 5.2%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 60.0% of that increase. 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 the latest ABS population statistics and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Miles has an estimated population of 1,972 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 98 people (5.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 1,874 residents. The estimate was calculated from a resident population of 1,967, determined by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 79 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. Based on these numbers, the population density stands at 4.6 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment.
The growth rate of 5.2% since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (3.5%) and the SA4 region, making the suburb a leading growth area. Natural growth was the primary driver of this expansion, accounting for approximately 60.0% of the overall population increase, though interstate migration, overseas migration, and all other growth factors also remained positive. Projections for each SA2 area are sourced from the 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia release, using 2022 as the base year. In cases where SA2 areas are not covered, or for projections beyond 2032, Queensland State Government projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are used. Because the state-level projections do not segment by age, AreaSearch applies age cohort distribution weightings from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 baseline data). Looking at these forecasted demographic patterns, the suburb of Miles is expected to align with lower quartile growth rates for regional Australia, adding 76 residents by 2041 according to collective SA2 projections, which represents a total increase of 3.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development in Miles is highly constrained, with approvals averaging 2 per year, totaling 13 approvals over five years. This minimal level of building activity is typical for rural communities with low housing demand and infrastructure that naturally limits new construction. Because the volume of approvals is so small, individual projects can have a disproportionate effect on annual growth rates and comparative metrics. Miles registers far less construction activity than the Rest of Qld, with development rates falling well below national averages. Newly approved properties consist of 60.0% detached homes and 40.0% townhouses or units, representing an increasing availability of medium-density housing that provides a range of options across different price points, from standard family homes to compact, low-cost options.
This trend is a notable shift from the current housing stock, which is 81.0% houses, indicating a decline in developable land and a response to changing lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. The quiet nature of the local building sector is highlighted by an estimated ratio of 783 people for every single dwelling approval. Future forecasts indicate that Miles will add 71 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Construction activity is currently matching these growth expectations, though prospective buyers could face increased competition as the population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Miles
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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 one current infrastructure or development project inside Miles, worth an estimated $1.8 billion. A further 42 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $7.52 billion. 11 are already under construction and 14 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, residential development and health & medical. 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 infrastructure projects and planning changes are major drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified a single project expected to influence the local area. Relevant projects include the Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project North, Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project, Arrow Energy Surat Pipeline Project, and the Nathan Dam and Pipelines Project, with details provided on the most significant initiatives.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Arrow Energy Surat Gas Project North
Arrow Energy's Surat Gas Project North is the northern expansion of its 27-year Surat Gas Project near Miles. The development includes up to 450 coal seam gas wells over two stages, a field compression station, a 26 to 27 km infrastructure corridor, gas and water gathering pipelines, road and intersection upgrades, and a hybrid power station with gas generation, solar and battery storage. First gas was delivered in late 2025 and the project is scaling toward about 130 TJ/day at peak capacity, with field compression station, accommodation and hybrid power works continuing.
Chinchilla Weir Revitalisation
Revitalisation of the Chinchilla Weir under Western Downs Regional Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package. Works completed 3 July 2021 improved amenities and the natural landscape including day use upgrades, landscaping, fire pits, shelters, BBQs, bin enclosures, vehicle barriers, camp kitchen, interpretation signage, and upgrades to overnight camping areas.
Chinchilla Cultural Precinct Revitalisation
Revitalisation of the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct to create a modern, vibrant and welcoming community hub for residents and visitors to enjoy, home to the Customer Contact Centre, Library, Cinema, Cultural Centre and Lapunyah Art Gallery. The project includes a central lawn area for community events, revitalized library with multimedia and reading areas, art gallery with new layout and workshops, street arbours, communal workshop, landscaping, amphitheatre, and enhanced lighting.
Southern Cross Care Chinchilla - Illoura Village Redevelopment
A new, state-of-the-art residential aged care home that opened in February 2025, replacing the previous 40-year-old building. The $36 million facility provides 81 private rooms with ensuites, replacing the previous facility that accommodated 66 residents. The project is part of a broader vision for a 'Chinchilla Wellness Hub' which includes an 'Age Well' community centre and an education and training hub in partnership with Southern Queensland Rural Health. The redevelopment also includes staff housing and aims to provide comprehensive aged care expansion for the Western Downs region.
Warrego Highway Chinchilla Heavy Vehicle Route Strategy
A $1 million planning project to investigate the need for a future heavy vehicle route for Chinchilla, identifying a potential bypass or alternative route to improve safety, local amenity, and flood immunity as part of the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program.
Chinchilla Aquatic Precinct
Council-led replacement of the ageing Chinchilla Aquatic and Fitness Centre with a modern aquatic precinct at 35-41 Villiers Street. The new precinct will feature an eight-lane 50-metre pool, a 25-metre indoor lap pool, and a dedicated learn-to-swim and toddler pool. The plan also features flexible spaces for aquatic support areas, allied health and rehabilitation gym areas, cafe/kiosk, amenities, change areas, outdoor recreation areas, and administration spaces.
Chinchilla Christian College Extensions
Multi-stage expansion and refurbishment of Chinchilla Christian College including Stage 3 and Stage 4 extensions to the main school building, new general learning areas, technologies building, library hub, staff facilities, toilet amenities and refurbishment of the multipurpose court. The expanded facilities support enrolment growth from Kindergarten to Year 12 across the Western Downs region.
New Tara Hospital
Part of the Queensland Government's Building Rural and Remote Health Program, the new Tara Hospital replaces a 60-year-old facility. The modern development includes a 12-bed inpatient unit, an expanded emergency department, palliative care, and adult mental health services. It features single inpatient rooms and enhanced digital connectivity to improve healthcare delivery for the Tara community.
960 residents of Miles are employed, from a labour force of 1,017. Unemployment sits at 5.6%, with participation at 63.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,554, about 79% 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
The local workforce is evenly distributed between blue-collar and white-collar occupations, with a notable presence of industrial and manufacturing jobs, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and stable employment trends over the preceding year based on aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026960 residents are employed. The local unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than the Regional Qld average of 3.9%, while overall workforce participation remains comparable to the Regional Qld level of 64.3%. Census data indicates that only 7.3% of the working population worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic lockdown measures.
Most working residents are employed in retail trade, health care & social assistance, and construction. The community has a highly concentrated workforce in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which is 2.0 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 11.0% of local jobs compared to 16.1% across the wider region. Comparing the number of working residents to the local Census workforce suggests that the area provides few local job opportunities. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics across the broader region indicates that over the 12-month period, local employment grew by 0.2% and the labor force expanded by 1.9%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, the labor force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide context for future employment demand. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential employment trends. Across Australia, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these industry projections to the local employment mix suggests that employment in Miles could increase by 5.5% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Miles is $1,263 a week (about $66,000 a year), with median personal income at $716 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $43,638 a year against an average of $47,610. 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
Tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 shows that taxpayers in Miles earn below the national average. The median income for local taxpayers is $43,638, and the average income is $47,610, compared to Regional Qld averages of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $48,595 for the median and $53,018 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb between the 17th and 31st percentiles nationally.
The largest income bracket consists of 28.9% of residents earning between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (representing 569 residents), which is in line with the wider region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Although residents retain 88.5% of their income due to low housing costs, total disposable income sits in the 22nd percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Miles had 690 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 81% detached houses and 2% apartments. 20% are owned with a mortgage, 50% rented and 31% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,020 a month. Rent absorbs 15.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data shows that the housing stock in Miles is comprised of 80.7% standalone houses and 19.2% other housing types, such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative dwellings, compared to Regional Qld averages of 76.4% and 23.6% respectively. The home ownership rate of 30.7% is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (19.6%) or renters (49.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,020 is significantly lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent of $200 compares to $345 regionally.
Compared to national benchmarks, mortgage payments are far below the Australian average of $1,863, and rent is substantially lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Miles counted 690 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 726 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 79% of areas nationally, against 27% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 63.5% of local households, consisting of couples with children (22.5%), couples without children (26.6%), and single-parent households (12.1%). Non-family households account for the remaining 36.5% of the total, with single-person households at 34.1% and group houses making up 3.0%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.4% of adults in Miles hold a university qualification, including 13.1% with a bachelor degree and 0.7% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 86% of areas nationally. A further 33.4% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 352 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 911 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
Educational attainment in the area is lower than average, with university graduation rates of 14.4% falling well short of the national figure of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (0.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Practical and vocational skills are prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (33.4%). A high proportion of the population is engaged in studies, with 33.4% of residents currently enrolled in an educational program. This student cohort includes 13.5% in primary schools, 10.3% in secondary schools, and 2.4% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Miles means driving: households keep an average of 1.3 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
62.4% of residents in Miles report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 93% of areas nationally. 6.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Miles show significant challenges based on mortality statistics and the prevalence of long-term conditions across multiple age brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is particularly low at approximately 46% of the population, representing about 908 people. This compares to a private coverage rate of 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent health conditions among residents are asthma and mental health concerns, affecting 10.0 and 9.5% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 62.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Chronic health issues are elevated among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and over make up 23.4% of the population, which represents 461 people and is higher than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, though national health rankings for this group are generally consistent with the rest of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Miles is largely Australian-born, at 88.5% of residents, with 6.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.1%) and English (27.5%). 6.8% 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
The community has lower levels of cultural diversity than the national average, with citizens making up 81.9% of the population, 88.5% of residents born in Australia, and 93.5% of households speaking only English. The dominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 63.6% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at parent birthplaces, the three most common ancestries are Australian at 34.1% of the population (higher than the regional average of 26.5%), English at 27.5%, and Scottish at 7.3%. There are also notable differences in other groups: Welsh ancestry is higher at 0.8% of the population compared to 0.5% regionally, Australian Aboriginal representation is 6.8% compared to 3.9% regionally, and South Australian ancestry is 0.8% compared to 0.5% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Miles is 38. 25.6% 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
The median age of 38 years is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 41, matching the national median of 38 years. The population has a high proportion of residents aged 85 and over at 4.6% compared to Regional Qld, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 10.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.2% of the population, and the 85+ bracket rose from 3.1% to 4.6%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.5% to 10.1%, and the 15 to 24 age bracket dropped from 12.2% to 10.8%.
Projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 17% (adding 49 people) to reach 341 from a starting point of 291, while the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Miles
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 1 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 — 79 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,874 at the 2021 Census → 1,972 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 (SAL31833). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.