Murgon

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the population of Murgon is estimated at around 2,355 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 135 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,220. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,315 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of two new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 36 persons per square kilometer. Murgon's growth rate of 6.1% since the census is within 0.2 percentage points of its SA3 area, demonstrating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities. The suburb is expected to expand by 190 persons to reach around 2,545 by 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 7.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Murgon recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Murgon had approximately 4 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 20 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 5.5 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates supply is lagging demand, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $422,000. In FY-26, $242,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Murgon records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 49th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options while demand for established properties strengthens. Building activity has accelerated recently but remains below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent development has been entirely detached houses, maintaining low density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 334 people per dwelling approval, confirming its low density market status. Future projections estimate Murgon will add 184 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are predicted to impact this area. Notable projects include South Burnett Renewable Energy Hub, Borumba Pumped Hydro Transmission Connections, Queensland Supergrid South, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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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 was 7.3% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 9.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 951 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.2 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Murgon lagged significantly at 53.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Based on Census responses, only 6.3% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training had employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 1.4% of Murgon's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 5.1%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.4%, while labour force increased by 10.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This compared to Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Murgon. These projections estimated that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Murgon's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

Murgon suburb's median taxpayer income was $45,053 and average was $51,512 in financial year ended June 2023. This was lower than Queensland's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $49,518 and average $56,617, based on a 9.91% increase since June 2023. Census data shows incomes in Murgon are between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally. Most residents (31.9%) earn between $400 and $799 annually, unlike regional areas where earnings of $1,500 to $2,999 prevail at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 87.5% of income, disposable income ranks at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

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

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

Family households comprise 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 make up 35.4%, consisting of 31.3% lone person households and 3.2% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 38.6% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.7% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 1.8% in 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 assessed by AreaSearch through 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 (around 1,121 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.0% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 56.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges with high chronic condition rates. Murgon has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.7% (675 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. 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 in Murgon, comprising 59.3% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.8%), English (28.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (11.5%), which was substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%.

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented in Murgon at 9.4% compared to 4.7% regionally, while Samoan remained similar at 0.2%, and Maori was slightly lower at 0.4% versus 0.8%.

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

Murgon has a median age of 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.8% of Murgon's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 35-44 cohort makes up only 8.3%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.5% to 10.8%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has risen from 4.7% to 5.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 11.3%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.4% to 10.1%. By 2041, Murgon's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 82%, reaching 201 people from 110. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 63% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups.