Queanbeyan

Population growth drivers in Queanbeyan are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, Queanbeyan's population was estimated at 6,475 as of Feb 2026. This showed an increase of 66 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,409. The change was inferred from the resident population of 6,467 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 2,312 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 were used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,845 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 27.7% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Queanbeyan is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Queanbeyan averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 57 homes were approved, with a further 52 approved in FY-26 to date. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $427,000, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year, $27.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Queanbeyan shows substantially reduced construction levels (78.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend toward denser development that appeals to various buyer segments. Queanbeyan reflects a highly mature market with around 645 people per dwelling approval.

Future projections estimate Queanbeyan adding 1,792 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Queanbeyan has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to influence the region. Key initiatives include the Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, 202 Crawford Street Apartments, 50 Morisset Street Apartments, and Queanbeyan East Public Preschool. The following list details 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.

Employment conditions in Queanbeyan demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Queanbeyan has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 2.0%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. This is below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Queanbeyan is high at 70.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 8.3% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Public administration & safety has notable concentration with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.8% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The ratio of workers to residents indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 5.4% and employment decreased by 5.4%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate that Queanbeyan's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The median taxpayer income in Queanbeyan suburb is $58,766, with an average of $69,187 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% would be approximately $63,973 (median) and $75,317 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 79th percentile ($1,010 weekly), while household income is at the 46th percentile. The income distribution shows that 36.5% of residents (2,363 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Queanbeyan displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Queanbeyan, as per the latest Census evaluation, 38.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 61.2% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure, which comprised 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queanbeyan stood at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 31.3% and rented ones making up 45.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,668, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Queanbeyan was $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Queanbeyan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Queanbeyan features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 52.7% of all households, including 19.6% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 47.3%, with lone person households at 44.0% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Queanbeyan aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Queanbeyan's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 32.0% have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in the rest of NSW and 24.1% in the SA4 region. This high level of educational attainment positions Queanbeyan favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.0% and certificates for 21.2%. Educational participation is notably high in Queanbeyan, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.6% in primary education, 5.3% in tertiary education, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Queanbeyan has 48 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 102 routes, together facilitating 3,914 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly with residents located an average of 168 metres from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 88%, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 559 trips daily, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Queanbeyan is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Queanbeyan faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively high, at approximately 54% of the total population (around 3,515 people), compared to 51.9% across the rest of NSW. Mental health issues and arthritis were the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.4% and 9.4% of residents respectively. Approximately 65.0% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in the rest of NSW. Working-age residents have a higher than average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,029 people), lower than the 23.4% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Queanbeyan was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Queanbeyan's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.0% born overseas and 22.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Queanbeyan, at 47.5%. The 'Other' religious category had a notably higher percentage in Queanbeyan (2.8%) compared to Rest of NSW (0.8%).

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 24.3%, but lower than the regional average of 30.0%. English ancestry stood at 23.9%, also below the regional average of 30.5%. 'Other' ancestry was significantly higher in Queanbeyan (11.8%) compared to the regional average (4.8%). Notable disparities were seen in Macedonian (2.3% vs 0.4%), Serbian (0.7% vs 0.2%), and Maori (1.0% vs 0.3%) ancestry representation.

Queanbeyan's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Queanbeyan is 37 years, which is lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are prominent at 22.6%, while those aged 65-74 make up a smaller proportion at 7.4%. This is higher than the national figure for the 25-34 age group, which stands at 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1.2 years from 38 to 37, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the percentage of individuals aged 25-34 increased from 19.7% to 22.6%, while those aged 35-44 rose from 14.4% to 16.3%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 5-14 decreased from 8.8% to 7.6%, and those aged 45-54 dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Queanbeyan. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 37% (543 people), reaching a total of 2,007 from its current figure of 1,463. In contrast, the 55-64 age group shows minimal growth of just 5% (33 people).