Chart Color Schemes
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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Detail
Based on evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the broader region and new address files verified by AreaSearch since the Census, Murray's resident count is projected to stand at approximately 1,739 as of May 2026. This indicates an addition of no new residents (0.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,739 individuals. The variation is deduced from the local population of 1,739, calculated by AreaSearch following analysis of the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and address verification after the Census date. This population count yields a density ratio of 144 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per inhabitant and scope for subsequent expansion.
Over the previous ten years, Murray has shown stable development trends with a 2.7% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 region. Demographic expansion for the locality was mainly supported by overseas migration, which served as virtually the sole driver of population gains during recent times. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline year. For any SA2 regions lacking coverage in this dataset, and for periods after 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, published in 2023 and utilizing 2021 data, are implemented. These state-level projections omit age group segmentations; consequently, where applied, AreaSearch distributes proportional growth weights matching the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data) for each age bracket. Looking at future demographic shifts, projections suggest a contraction in the overall population, with the local count expected to decrease by 32 persons by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, expansion across particular age brackets is projected, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is expected to rise by 153 people. Reference the age section for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Murray experience minimal residential building activity, recording less than one dwelling approval per year, representing virtually no new dwellings over the five-year timeframe. These low construction volumes reflect the rural character of the locality, where development is generally prompted by specific local housing requirements rather than broad market dynamics. Given the minor quantity of approvals, individual building initiatives can heavily influence annual expansion and comparative statistics. Murray displays substantially less building activity compared to Rest of Qld. Development rates are similarly below nationwide averages. With demographic forecasts pointing to stability or contraction, Murray is anticipated to experience decreased housing demand pressures, aiding prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Murray
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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.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, major construction projects and urban planning policies significantly affect regional performance. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the locality. Key initiatives include the Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, Townsville University Hospital Expansion, Annandale Christian College Master Plan, and the North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK), with the below list highlighting those of highest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Townsville University Hospital Expansion
A major staged expansion of Townsville University Hospital under the Queensland Government's Hospital Rescue Plan, delivering at least 165 new overnight beds, additional operating theatres, an expanded Emergency Department, and a rooftop integrated helipad. Stage 1A features a new two-storey building on the Eastern Campus and a North Block refurbishment, with Stage 1 fast-tracked for completion by 2028. Early works, including a multi-storey carpark delivered by Hutchinson Builders, are progressing alongside campus upgrades.
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.
TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct
A 442-hectare tropical intelligence and health precinct valued at 5.9 billion dollars, developed jointly by James Cook University, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and Townsville City Council. Located adjacent to Townsville University Hospital and Lavarack Barracks, the precinct integrates world-class tropical research, health innovation, and defence simulation. Ongoing components include major expansions to the Townsville University Hospital, the NQ Spark defence simulation facility, a Technology Innovation Complex, and extensive residential and commercial development programs.
Annandale Christian College Master Plan
The Annandale Christian College Master Plan is a 10-stage expansion plan approved by the College Board in 2022, developed with input from students, parents, staff, and the community. In 2023 the college commenced a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application covering all ten stages. Stage 1, approved by Townsville City Council, involves a roof and spectator seating over the existing basketball court, a new maintenance workshop, and a dedicated off-street bus parking and turnaround area, relocated to the south-west corner of the site to allow room for future stages.Proposed completion of Stage 1 was targeted for 2024. As of the most recent update, the college had appointed a new architect to continue developing the master plan and was pursuing Block Grant Authority funding for the next phase.
SunHQ Hydrogen Hub
Renewable hydrogen production and refuelling hub at the Sun Metals Zinc Refinery precinct featuring a 1 MW PEM electrolyser powered by the co-located Sun Metals Solar Farm, with compression, storage and dispensing infrastructure to supply Ark Energy/Townsville Logistics heavy vehicles and third-party users (up to ~155,000 kg p.a.).
Riverway Arts Centre and Library
Modern cultural facility providing community access to arts, library services, and cultural programs along the scenic Ross River precinct.
Iluka
Masterplanned residential community to be delivered over 10 stages in Wulguru, Townsville. Promoted by PointCorp as large, mostly level lots with ocean views in proximity to Townsville CBD, hospital, ADF base, and James Cook University.
Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Upgrade
Upgrade of Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive) to dual lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge, including intersection upgrades at Gartrell Drive, Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive, and Kokoda Street. Aims to improve safety, increase capacity, and reduce congestion.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's compilation of the latest postcode level ATO statistics published for financial year 2023, the suburb of Murray recorded a median taxpayer income of $86,912, while the average stood at $102,735. This is exceptionally high on a national scale and compares to figures of $53,146 and $66,593 throughout Regional Qld respectively. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, contemporary valuations would be around $96,785 (median) and $114,406 (average) as of March 2026. Census statistics indicate individual earnings place in the 94th percentile nationally ($1,302 weekly), although household income sits lower in the 22nd percentile.
Distribution statistics show the biggest cohort consists of 84.6% earning between $800 and $1,499 weekly (1,471 residents), differing from regional patterns where 31.7% fall in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. Housing expenditures are manageable with 91.9% of income retained, though disposable earnings remain below average in the 32nd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Detail
Dwelling configuration in Murray, as assessed at the most recent Census, consisted of 100.0% houses and no other dwellings, compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership in Murray was below that of Regional Qld, at none of the homes, with all remaining residences being rented (100.0%) and none being mortgaged. The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was far below the Regional Qld average at no monthly cost, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $107, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345.
Nationally, Murray's mortgage costs are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Detail
Family households account for none of the homes, which consists of no couples with children, no couples without children, and no single parent families. Non-family households represent the entire 100.0% of residences, with single person households making up 100.0% and group households accounting for none of the total. The median household size of 1.0 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Detail
The locality experiences educational hurdles, with university graduation rates (15.6%) tracking well below the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights both a challenge and an opening for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest cohort at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate credentials (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational and technical training are highly represented, with 59.5% of residents aged 15+ possessing trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (49.5%). Educational enrollment is remarkably elevated, with 60.0% of residents currently undertaking formal studies. This comprises 45.0% in tertiary programs, none in primary schools, and none pursuing secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Detail
Health statistics demonstrate significant difficulties confronting Murray, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and chronic illness prevalence, with occurrences of common conditions visible in both younger and older cohorts, and the rate of private health insurance found to be exceptionally high at roughly 68% of the total population (1,180 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the locality were identified as asthma and mental health struggles, affecting 3.9 and 1.8% of residents, respectively, whereas 95.0% reported having no medical ailments at all, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Health profiles among the working-age population are generally standard. The suburb has 1.0% of residents aged 65 and over (17 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among older residents are above average, with nationwide standings tracking higher than the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Detail
Murray displays below average measures of cultural diversity, with 40.0% of its population holding citizenship, 89.2% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion in Murray is Christianity, accounting for 35.0% of local inhabitants. However, the most notable overrepresentation is found in Other, which accounts for 1.3% of the community, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the top three represented backgrounds in Murray are Australian, representing 28.2% of the population, English, representing 27.9% of the population, and Irish, representing 8.7% of the population.
Furthermore, there are distinct differences in the concentration of other heritages: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.4% of Murray (compared to 0.2% regionally), South Australian at 0.8% (compared to 0.5%) and Serbian at 0.4% (compared to 0.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Detail
The 22-year median age in Murray is substantially below Regional Qld's average of 41 and considerably younger than the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, the 15 - 24 age bracket is heavily over-represented (70.7% locally), whereas 55 - 64 year-olds represent none of the population. This 15 - 24 concentration is far above the national level of 12.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 23.4% to 25.5% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has fallen from 1.6% to none of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort dropped from 71.8% to 70.7%.
Projecting to 2041, demographic models indicate major changes in Murray's age distribution. The 25 to 34 bracket shows the strongest anticipated growth at 28%, adding 122 residents to reach 566. By contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decrease by 166 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Murray
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,739 at the 2021 Census → 1,739 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 (SAL32084). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.