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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.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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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 ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, Murray's population is estimated at around 1,739 people. 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 2025 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 2.7%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 32 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, projected to grow by 153 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 less than 1 dwelling approval annually since 2017. Over the five-year period from 2017 to 2021, there were minimal dwellings approved. This low development activity reflects Murray's rural nature and its housing needs-driven development approach, which differs from broader market demand.
The small number of annual approvals can significantly impact growth statistics. Compared to Rest of Qld, Murray has significantly less construction activity.
Nationally, development levels are also below average. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Murray, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Murray
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Murray has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones are Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Townsville University Hospital Expansion, Annandale Christian College Master Plan, and North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Townsville University Hospital Expansion
A major staged expansion of Townsville University Hospital under the Queensland Government's Hospital Rescue Plan. The expansion will deliver at least 165 new overnight beds, additional operating theatres including a hybrid theatre, an expanded Emergency Department, satellite imaging facilities, an upgraded coronary care unit, a new rehab therapy unit and a rooftop integrated helipad. Stage 1A scope includes a new two-storey building on the Eastern Campus with 112 sub-acute beds, medical imaging and outpatient services, plus a three-storey refurbishment of the North Block adding 28 intensive and critical care beds and increased emergency capacity. Following the removal of Best Practice Industry Conditions in late 2024, Stage 2 was returned to market. The masterplan was finalised in December 2025 with Stage 1 now fast-tracked for completion in 2028. Registrations of Interest opened in November 2025 and a managing contractor for the next stage is expected to be appointed in 2026. Early works including a temporary helipad, additional staff parking and a new multi-storey carpark (more than 1,000 spaces, delivered by Hutchinson Builders, due 2029) are progressing alongside an eastern campus carpark expansion by Shamrock Civil.
TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct
A 442-hectare tropical intelligence and health precinct, valued at approximately 5.9 billion dollars, being developed as a joint initiative of James Cook University, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and Townsville City Council. Located 13km from the Townsville CBD adjacent to Townsville University Hospital and bordering Lavarack Barracks (Australia's largest Army base), TropiQ aims to be a global hub for tropical research, health innovation and defence simulation. Key components include the Townsville University Hospital expansion (originally 530 million dollars but now exceeding 1 billion dollars after cost escalations, with Stage 1 site works complete and Stage 2 retendered by the Crisafulli Government in late 2024), the 32 million dollar NQ Spark defence simulation facility, a Technology Innovation Complex, a proposed 100-bed private hospital, hotel accommodation, university-linked high school, aged care, childcare, multi-deck carparks and a residential development program on 100 hectares of JCU land. JCU's Stage 1 residential program is scheduled to deliver 250 to 300 dwellings on 16 hectares at the north-west entry, with the precinct ultimately accommodating around 10,000 residents. The precinct currently houses about 70 organisations and contributes 3.5 billion dollars to the regional economy annually, with output projected to grow to over 4.4 billion dollars by 2035.
Weststate Private Hospital
A $60 million short-stay private hospital development transforming the heritage-listed former Townsville West State School into specialist consulting suites, with a new five-storey purpose-built hospital next door. The project includes four operating theatres, one procedure room, a HDU/ICU, 19 day beds, 26 overnight rooms, consulting rooms, cafe and 24/7 kitchen. Official project sources indicate construction has commenced and Centuria schedules completion for 2026.
North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK)
The North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK) is northern Australia's first collaborative defence industry hub, delivering world-class simulation training and research for the defence, science, health, emergency response and knowledge sectors. The not-for-profit precinct will house an Advanced Environmental Simulation Facility (AESF), a Clinical Simulation Centre, an agile Command and Control (C2) team performance research laboratory, and high-performance computing infrastructure. Stage 1 is funded by a 32.2 million dollar Federal Government grant under the Townsville City Deal, with a further 35 million dollars in private sector investment expected for the broader precinct. In 2025, NQ SPARK signed a lease with James Cook University for a permanent home on the ground floor of the Clinical Practice Building at JCU's Bebegu Yumba campus in Douglas, with fitout works now underway. The site sits within the tropical innovation precinct adjacent to Townsville University Hospital and Lavarack Army Barracks. An interim facility continues to operate at Vickers Road North, Condon, where simulation experiments and capability development are being conducted to inform the permanent build. The project is forecast to generate up to 800 jobs and inject more than 200 million dollars into the local economy.
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
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Income
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment
AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Murray suburb had a median taxpayer income of $86,912 and an average of $102,735. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Regional Qld's $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since FY 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $96,785 (median) and $114,406 (average). Census data reveals individual earnings at the 94th percentile nationally ($1,302 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 22nd percentile. Distribution shows 84.6% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (1,471 residents), unlike regional trends where 31.7% fall within $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs allow for retention of 91.9%, but disposable income ranks 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
In Murray, as per the latest Census, all dwellings were houses (100.0%), with none being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murray was 0.0%, with all dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (100.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, below Regional Qld's average of $1,857 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Murray was $107, significantly lower than Regional Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Murray features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 100.0%, with lone person households making up 100.0% and group households at 0.0%. The median household size is 1.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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%, with 45.0% enrolled in tertiary education, none in primary or secondary education.
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
Health performance in Murray is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Murray faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 68% of Murray's total population (1,180 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 3.9% and 1.8% of residents respectively. Ninety-five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Murray has 1.0% of residents aged 65 and over (17 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general 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 lower cultural diversity, with 40.0% citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 35.0%. The 'Other' religious group was overrepresented at 1.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.
Top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.2%), English (27.9%), and Irish (8.7%). Hungarian, South Australian, and Serbian ethnicities showed notable divergences: Hungarian at 0.4% (vs regional 0.2%), South Australian at 0.8% (vs 0.5%), and Serbian at 0.4% (vs 0.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Murray hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
The median age in Murray is 22 years, which is notably lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and younger than Australia's median age of 38. The proportion of people aged 15-24 is significantly higher in Murray at 70.7%, compared to Regional Queensland's average and the national figure of 12.7%. Conversely, those aged 55-64 are under-represented with a percentage of 0.0% in Murray. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the age group of 25 to 34 has increased from 23.4% to 25.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 1.6% to 0.0%. The 15-24 age group also decreased slightly, from 71.8% to 70.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Murray's age structure. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 122 residents for a total of 566. Meanwhile, the 15-24 group is expected to decrease by 166 residents.