Norman Gardens

Population growth drivers in Norman Gardens are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Norman Gardens' population is estimated at around 11,098. This reflects an increase of 564 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,534. AreaSearch's estimation of 11,023 residents, based on ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validated new addresses, supports this growth. This results in a density ratio of 837 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Norman Gardens has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas and interstate migration also positive factors.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest a median increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Norman Gardens is expected to grow by 1,127 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 9.4% over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Norman Gardens when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Norman Gardens had approximately 25 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 129 homes were approved, with an additional 26 in FY-26. This results in about 4.1 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over those years.

Demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $363,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $38.9 million, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Rest of Qld, Norman Gardens has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 39th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings.

New development consists of 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 430 people. Looking ahead, Norman Gardens is projected to grow by 1,048 residents through to 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Norman Gardens has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The influence of local infrastructure changes on an area's performance is significant. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Capricorn Square Essential Service Centre, The Gardens Estate Norman Gardens, Central Queensland University Norman Gardens Campus, and Central Queensland University (CQU) Rockhampton Priority Development Area (PDA). Below is a list of those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Norman Gardens maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Norman Gardens has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, lower than the Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%. As of June 2025, 6197 residents are employed. Workforce participation is 63.3%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Construction has limited presence at 6.0% compared to the regional 10.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, labour force by 5.3%, raising unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Norman Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Norman Gardens' median income among taxpayers was $57,583 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $67,962 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for the Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $65,639 as of September 2025, with average income projected to reach around $77,470 by the same date. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Norman Gardens cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 33.8% of residents (3,751 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, Norman Gardens residents retain 87.1% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Norman Gardens, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 86.9% houses and 13.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Norman Gardens was similar to that of Non-Metro Qld at 33.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (37.7%) or rented (29.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, which is higher than the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, matching the Non-Metro Qld figure. Nationally, Norman Gardens's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Norman Gardens has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.4% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.6%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Norman Gardens fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Norman Gardens trail Australian benchmarks. 22.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (26.8%). Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education. Norman Gardens has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 1,104 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 990) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (9.9) fall below the regional average (17.6), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Norman Gardens is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Norman Gardens faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but particularly high among older adults.

Approximately 54% (~6,007 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.0%) and arthritis (7.6%). 67.8% of residents report no medical ailments compared to 64.7% in the rest of Queensland. 17.3% (~1,919 people) of residents are aged 65 or over, lower than the 18.5% in the rest of Queensland but still requiring additional health attention due to specific challenges faced by seniors.

In terms of cultural diversity, Norman Gardens records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Norman Gardens, surveyed in June 2016, had cultural diversity similar to its wider region. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (87.3%), born in Australia (83.1%), and speaking English at home (85.4%). Christianity was the major religion, with 59.3% adherents, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 56.3%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (29.6%), English (28.1%), and Other (7.6%). However, Norman Gardens had notable differences in certain ethnic group representations: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 4.9% (vs regional 5.1%), German at 4.7% (vs 4.9%), and Filipino at 2.2% (vs 1.0%).

Norman Gardens's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Norman Gardens's median age is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.8% locally, while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 10.7%. Following the Census conducted in 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.6% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Norman Gardens's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 29%, adding 460 residents to reach 2,036. On the other hand, both the 55-64 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.