Murgon

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Murgon as of May 2026 is around 2,320. This reflects an increase of 100 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,220 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,318, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 35 persons per square kilometer. Murgon's 4.5% growth since census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 177 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.5% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Murgon shows an average of around 4 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 20 homes were approved, with a further 2 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 1.2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

The market maintains a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $422,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $242,000, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Murgon records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally for development activity.

However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. All new construction since FY-21 has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 307 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Murgon is forecasted to gain 175 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Murgon has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting the area. Notable projects include South Burnett Renewable Energy Hub, Borumba Pumped Hydro Transmission Connections, Queensland Supergrid South, and South East Queensland Level Crossing Program 2024. Relevant details are listed below.

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 performance in Murgon has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Murgon has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in Murgon is 6.9%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 8.7% over the past year, as per AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025945 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.9%, which is 2.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4%.

Workforce participation in Murgon is lower at 52.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data shows that only 6.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among Murgon residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, the area has a high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 1.4% of employment compared to Regional Qld's 5.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the lower count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment in Murgon increased by 8.7%, while labour force grew by 8.9%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 6.9%. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose to 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murgon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Murgon suburb is $45,053. Average income stands at $51,512. This is below Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $50,171 and average income $57,364, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Murgon fall between 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest earnings segment comprises 31.9% earning $400-$799 weekly (740 residents), unlike Regional Qld where $1,500-$2,999 dominates at 31.7%. Housing costs are modest with 87.5% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.

Murgon is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Murgon, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murgon stood at 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.3% and rented ones at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Murgon was $220, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Murgon's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Murgon features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.6% of all households, including 15.7% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 15.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Murgon faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are common, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.4%). Educational participation is high at 27.8%, with 12.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Murgon is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Murgon faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of Murgon's total population (~1,104 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (9.9%). Conversely, 56.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Murgon has a higher proportion of seniors, with 29.4% aged 65 and over (682 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

Murgon is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Murgon's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.2%), and speaking English only at home (96.0%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 59.3% of Murgon's population compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld as of 2016 census data. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.8%), English (28.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (11.5%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 3.9%.

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 9.4% in Murgon compared to 4.7% regionally, while Samoan and Maori groups were present at 0.2% each, differing slightly from the regional averages of 0.2% and 0.8%, respectively.

Murgon hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Murgon's median age is 48, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 11.3% of Murgon's population, compared to Regional Qld's figure and well above the national average of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, this age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.3%, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. By 2041, Murgon's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 82%, reaching 198 people from 109. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 63% of the projected population growth, while declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.