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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
Sales Activity
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Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in Murray are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Murray's population is estimated at around 1,739 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 0 people (0.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,739 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,739, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 144 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Murray has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 14 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, projected to grow by 197 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Murray is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Murray has had minimal residential development activity with fewer than one dwelling approval annually over the past five years. This low level of development reflects Murray's rural nature, where housing needs drive development rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics for individual projects.
Murray shows considerably less construction activity compared to Rest of Qld. Development levels are also below national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Murray has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Annandale Christian College Master Plan, Townsville University Hospital Expansion, and Riverway Arts Centre and Library. The following list details those most relevant:.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct
A multi-billion dollar tropical intelligence and health precinct being developed as a joint initiative of James Cook University, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and Townsville City Council. The precinct is a world-leading hub for tropical research, innovation, and health. Key components include a $1 billion expansion of the Townsville University Hospital (fast-tracked Stage 1 due 2028), the $32 million NQ Spark defence simulation facility, a $94 million Technology Innovation Complex, and a residential program planned to deliver approximately 10,000 dwellings. The precinct also includes private hospital developments, university-linked schools, and aged care facilities.
Townsville University Hospital Expansion
A major expansion of Townsville University Hospital under the Queensland Government's Hospital Rescue Plan. The project delivers at least 165 new overnight beds (up from the original 143), new operating theatres including a hybrid theatre, an expanded Emergency Department, medical imaging, and a rooftop helipad. Stage 1A includes a new two-storey building on the Eastern Campus for sub-acute beds and a three-storey refurbishment of the North Block. Following the removal of Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) in late 2024 to improve value for money, Stage 2 was retendered. As of February 2026, construction is active with Stage 1A works progressing and a revised completion for the full expansion now targeted for 2029.
Weststate Private Hospital
Development of a new five-storey short-stay private hospital and the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Townsville West State School. The facility will include four operating theatres, one procedure room, 19 day-surgery beds, and 26 overnight beds. Following legal disputes between Centuria Healthcare and the developer, a commercial settlement was reached in late 2025, allowing works to resume under a novated building contract. The project is currently progressing with structural framing and facade installation as of February 2026.
North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK)
The North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK) is a high-tech simulation innovation hub and technology-oriented collaborative precinct. It features the Advanced Environmental Simulation Facility (AESF) designed to support defence, health, medical, science, and emergency response industries with immersive training, research, and operational test and evaluation capabilities. Stage 1 includes an agile command and control laboratory and high-performance computing systems.
Douglas Water Treatment Plant Clarifiers Upgrade
The project involved the installation of two new clarifiers at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant to double the number of clarifiers, enhancing water treatment capacity during tropical weather events and providing additional water security for Townsvilles growing population. The new infrastructure treats 950 litres per second through Module 3 and 1100 litres per second through Module 4.
Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal
Renewal and duplication of a 9.5km pipeline connecting Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant, enhancing resilience and water security for Townsville, which supplies approximately 85% of the city's water.
Kirwan Health Campus Expansion
Major expansion of healthcare facilities to meet growing demand in Townsville's northern suburbs and surrounding regions.
Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program
Concurrent upgrades to improve safety and efficiency on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham. Current scope includes a new northbound overtaking lane between Leichhardt Creek and Lilypond Creek, wide centre line treatments, pavement strengthening near Hencamp Creek, and upgrades to the Christmas Creek rest area (ablutions, turn lanes, heavy vehicle improvements).
Employment
Error processing employment analysis
Income
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment
In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Murray's median income among taxpayers was $86,912. The average income was $102,735. This places Murray in the top percentile nationally. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from July 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Murray's median income would be approximately $95,525 and the average would be around $112,916 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 data, individual earnings in Murray stood at the 94th percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,302. However, household income ranked lower at the 22nd percentile. In terms of income distribution, 84.6% of locals (1,471 people) fell within the $800 - 1,499 weekly earnings category. This is unlike regional trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs in Murray are manageable with 91.9% of income retained after housing expenses. However, disposable income sits below average at the 32nd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Murray is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
The dwelling structure in Murray, as per the latest Census, was entirely houses with 0.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes or apartments. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's structure of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murray stood at 0.0%, indicating all dwellings were either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (100.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, significantly lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863 and the national figure of $2,759. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Murray was $107, notably below Non-Metro Qld's $305 and the Australian average of $468.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Murray features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 0.0% of all households, including 0.0% couples with children, 0.0% couples without children, and 0.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 100.0%, with lone person households at 100.0% and group households making up 0.0%. The median household size is 1.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Murray shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 59.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (49.5%). Educational participation is high at 60.0%, comprising tertiary education (45.0%), primary education (0.0%), and secondary education (0.0%).
Educational participation is notably high, with 60.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 45.0% in tertiary education, 0.0% in primary education, and 0.0% pursuing secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Murray's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
Murray's health outcomes show excellent results with common health conditions evenly distributed across young and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 68% (1,180 people), higher than Queensland's rest at 53.9%, and the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 3.9 and 1.8% respectively, while 95.0% report no medical ailments compared to 67.8% in Queensland's rest.
Only 0.9% (15 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, lower than the state's 14.9%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Murray is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Murray had a cultural diversity level below average, with 40.0% of its population being citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Murray, accounting for 35.0% of the population. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which constituted 1.3% of Murray's population compared to the regional average of 0.7%.
In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (28.2%), English (27.9%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, Hungarian (0.4%) was overrepresented in Murray compared to the regional figure of 0.2%, as were South African (0.8% vs 0.3%) and Serbian (0.4% vs 0.1%) populations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Murray hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
Murray has a median age of 25, which is significantly younger than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Murray has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (67.5%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (0%). This concentration of young residents is well above the national figure of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age in Murray has increased by 2.6 years from 22 to 25, indicating an aging population. Key changes during this period include the growth of the 25-34 age group from 23.4% to 25.2% of the population, while the 15-24 cohort has declined from 71.8% to 67.5%. The 45-54 age group has also decreased from 1.6% to 0%. Population forecasts for Murray in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow strongly at 44%, adding 191 residents to reach a total of 630. Conversely, the number of residents aged 15-24 is projected to fall by 117.