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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
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Norman Gardens has an estimated 11,120 residents, up from 10,534 at the 2021 Census — a change of 586 people, or 5.6%. Growth has averaged 1.0% a year over five years. 129 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Natural increase accounts for 46.0% of that increase. That puts 839 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to evaluations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region alongside newly verified residential locations from AreaSearch post-Census, the suburb of Norman Gardens has an estimated population of 11,120 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 586 residents (5.6%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 10,534 individuals. The figure is derived from the resident population of 11,111 calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP data and 129 newly confirmed residential addresses since the Census. This count places the density at 839 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages across AreaSearch benchmarked locations.
Over the preceding ten years, the suburb of Norman Gardens has shown steady expansion with a 1.1% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 region. Population increases in the area were mostly fueled by natural growth, which accounted for approximately 46.0% of the overall gains in recent times, though interstate, overseas, and all other migration streams also contributed positively. Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage and for periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Because these state-level projections lack age breakdowns, AreaSearch scales cohort growth weightings using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data. Future demographic patterns indicate that the suburb of Norman Gardens will experience growth slightly below the median of non-metropolitan Australian localities, with regional projections suggesting a rise of 998 residents by 2041, representing a total expansion of 8.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
129 new dwellings have been approved in Norman Gardens over the past five years, an average of 25 a year. That places the area in the 56th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 2 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 22 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 82% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 49, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area records indicates that Norman Gardens averages about 25 residential approvals annually, with 129 residences approved over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 45 approvals recorded during the current FY-26. Because approximately 4 new residents have moved to the area for every finished dwelling over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is outstripping local supply, which tends to elevate prices and intensify buyer competition, while new housing builds carry an average construction cost of $363,000.
In addition, commercial approvals registered at $120,000 for this financial year, showing very quiet commercial construction activity. Compared against the Rest of Qld, Norman Gardens registers roughly two-thirds of the new home approval rate per resident, ranking in the 39th percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, which translates to fewer options for buyers while bolstering demand for pre-existing houses. This rate falls below the national average, highlighting the suburb's established nature and hinting at potential planning constraints. Recent construction trends consist of 82.0% separate houses and 18.0% multi-unit dwellings, preserving the traditional low-density profile focused on spacious family properties. The ratio of 434 residents for every single approved dwelling underscores the low-key, quiet building environment in the locality. Projecting forward, the suburb is expected to add 989 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. While construction activity is matching projected expansion reasonably well, buyers might face stiffer competition as the local population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Norman Gardens
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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.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Norman Gardens, worth an estimated $541 million. A further 48 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.65 billion. 17 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects and planning decisions play a major role in regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 25 projects expected to influence this locality. Primary developments include the Capricorn Square Neighbourhood Centre, The Gardens Estate Norman Gardens, the Central Queensland University Norman Gardens Campus, and the Central Queensland University (CQU) Rockhampton Priority Development Area (PDA), with key projects detailed below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Capricorn Square Neighbourhood Centre
Capricorn Square is a development-approved neighbourhood essential service centre on a 16,381 square metre corner site at Nagle Drive and Norman Road. Plans cover 3,123 square metres of specialty retail across four low-set buildings, with approvals for food and liquor, health, fitness and medical tenancies and a drive-thru convenience fuel and food enterprise. A separately titled 3,620 square metre lot holds approval for a 1,014 square metre early learning centre catering for 130 children across seven classrooms.The combined site provides 169 retail car spaces and 33 childcare car spaces, with frontage to Norman Road carrying around 11,500 to 15,000 vehicles per day. The two lots were offered at public auction in February 2024 by Next Commercial and have since transacted, with construction yet to commence as of the latest checks.
The Gardens Estate Norman Gardens
A residential housing development in Norman Gardens featuring modern family homes and community facilities. The development includes landscaped parklands, walking trails, and sustainable design principles.
Former Bunnings Site Redevelopment
Multi-staged mixed-use redevelopment of the former Bunnings Warehouse site (2.66 ha) at 452-488 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens. The project features a full-line Coles supermarket, Liquorland, specialty retail stores, outdoor dining, showroom space, and twelve four-bedroom townhouses accessed via Potts Street. The existing 8000 sqm warehouse will be demolished. The development is expected to create approximately 100 jobs during operation.
Anaconda Large Format Retail Development Rockhampton
Spotlight Group large format retail development beside the existing Spotlight store near Moores Creek Road and Yaamba Road. The current approved scheme includes a 2500 sqm stand-alone Anaconda anchor store, additional large format retail tenancies, loading areas, signage, landscaping, bicycle parking and more than 230 car spaces. Rockhampton Regional Council approved amended plans in 2025, tenders were called in mid-2025, and Paynters was reported as the builder with construction expected to commence in early 2026.
Central Queensland University Norman Gardens Campus
The main campus of Central Queensland University featuring modern teaching facilities, research centers, student accommodation, and recreational facilities. The campus serves as the administrative and academic hub for the university system.
Edenbrook
A master-planned residential community located in Parkhurst, near Rockhampton. The development offers house and land packages and is designed to include significant green spaces and community facilities.
Central Queensland University (CQU) Rockhampton Priority Development Area (PDA)
A 189-hectare Priority Development Area (PDA) on surplus Central Queensland University land, facilitating urban development with a range of housing options and infrastructure. Located within Rockhampton's northern growth corridor, it supports residential expansion and community development.
Ninja-Themed Playground Springfield Drive
A unique ninja-themed playground featuring a timed obstacle course with climbing net, balance pommels, curved climbing bars, mini rock-climbing wall, timber balance beams, ramp with rope pull, and slide. Includes all-abilities inclusive play unit, bird's nest swing, junior balance beams, shaded seating, and picnic facilities. Designed for children aged 3-12 years with varying skill levels.
6,006 residents of Norman Gardens are employed, from a labour force of 6,162. Unemployment sits at 2.5%, with participation at 67.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 8,389, about 75% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Norman Gardens has a qualified workforce with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.5%, according to statistical area data compiled by AreaSearch. As of March 2026, there are 6,006 working residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.4% below the 3.9% rate for Regional Qld, and participation rates are standard at 67.8% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a small 4.7% of the working population operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind. The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.
The suburb displays a high concentration of health care & social assistance workers, representing 1.2 times the proportion seen across the wider region. Conversely, construction workers are underrepresented, accounting for 6.0% of the local workforce compared to 10.1% across Regional Qld. The highly residential nature of the area means local job openings are relatively scarce, as shown by comparing the count of Census workers against resident workers. Based on SALM and ABS statistical data aggregated by AreaSearch for the 12 months ending March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 5.0% and overall employment fell by 4.1%, which caused the unemployment rate to drop by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labor force expand by 0.3%, with its unemployment rate rising by 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia starting May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective employment needs. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates vary widely by industry. Weighting these projections against the employment profile of Norman Gardens suggests a local workforce expansion of 6.4% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, noting this is a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate specific local demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Norman Gardens is $1,770 a week (about $92,000 a year), with median personal income at $836 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,583 a year against an average of $67,962. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode data for the financial year 2023 shows that personal incomes align with national benchmarks, showing a median of $57,583 and an average of $67,962. These figures compare to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would stand around $64,124 for the median and $75,682 for the average. Census records place household, family, and individual incomes around the 53rd percentile nationally. In terms of earnings brackets, the $1,500 - 2,999 range includes 33.8% of the local population (3,758 people), which is similar to the regional average of 31.7%.
Residents retain 87.1% of their income once housing costs are paid, indicating solid disposable income, and the suburb ranks in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Norman Gardens had 3,748 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 2% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 29% rented and 33% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,625 a month. Rent absorbs 16.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing in the area at the time of the last Census consisted of 86.9% detached houses and 13.0% alternative housing types (townhouses, apartments, or other dwellings), compared to 76.4% detached houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates matched the regional average at 33.3%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (37.7%) or occupied by tenants (29.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,625 was slightly below the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to the regional median of $345.
Locally, mortgage payments are notably lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent levels are well below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Norman Gardens counted 3,748 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,956 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households make up the majority at 74.4% of homes, including 32.9% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent households. The remaining 25.6% are non-family households, consisting of lone person households at 23.0% and group housing arrangements at 2.6%. The median household occupancy of 2.6 people is slightly higher than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
22.4% of adults in Norman Gardens hold a university qualification, including 15.7% with a bachelor degree and 4.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 26.8% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,104 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 990 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels fall behind national baselines, with 22.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference points to opportunities for training and educational advancement. Bachelor degrees represent the largest cohort at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 35.6% of the population aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 26.8%. Enrolment in education is quite strong, with 31.6% of residents actively participating in formal study.
This cohort includes 11.3% in primary schools, 9.4% in secondary schools, and 6.1% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Norman Gardens means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.8% of residents in Norman Gardens report no long-term health condition. 7.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
The locality presents notable health difficulties based on mortality and chronic illness assessments by AreaSearch, with common medical concerns observed across all age brackets, showing a higher concentration among older cohorts, while private health insurance coverage is relatively high at approximately 54% of the population (~6,019 people). The primary medical diagnoses in the region are mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 9.0% and 7.6% of the population respectively, while 67.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health profiles among working-age individuals are standard.
Seniors aged 65 and over make up 18.1% of the population (2,012 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld level of 20.4%. Health profiles for this senior cohort indicate some difficulties, though they rank lower nationally compared to the overall population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Norman Gardens is largely Australian-born, at 83.1% of residents, with 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (29.6%) and English (28.1%). 4.9% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The area aligns closely with regional averages for cultural metrics, with citizens comprising 87.3% of the population, 83.1% born in Australia, and 85.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, representing 59.3% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding family heritage (birthplace of parents), the primary ancestries recorded are Australian at 29.6%, English at 28.1%, and Other at 7.6%. Distinct variations appear in other groups, with Australian Aboriginal residents making up 4.9% of the population (compared to 3.9% regionally), German backgrounds at 4.7% (compared to 4.7%), and Filipino heritage at 2.2% (compared to 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Norman Gardens is 37. 27.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 37 years is notably lower than the Regional Qld median of 41 and closely matches the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher concentration of residents in the 25 - 34 age bracket (14.0% locally), while the 55 - 64 bracket is underrepresented (10.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 grew from 8.5% to 9.9%, whereas the cohort aged 5 to 14 declined from 14.5% to 12.4%. Projections indicate significant shifts in the age structure by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow the most by 24%, adding 379 residents to reach 1,936, while the 55 - 64 and 5 - 14 groups are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Norman Gardens
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 6 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 — 129 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (10,534 at the 2021 Census → 11,120 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 (SAL32163). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.