Queanbeyan

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Queanbeyan's population is estimated at around 6,471 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 62 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,409 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,463, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,311 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,835 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.7% in total over the 17 years.

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 allocated from statistical area data shows Queanbeyan averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 54 homes were approved, with a further 50 approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction value of new properties is $427,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. This financial year, $23.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the rest of NSW, Queanbeyan shows substantially reduced construction levels, at 79.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The recent construction mix comprises 55.0% detached houses and 45.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (39.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 645 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections show Queanbeyan adding 1,795 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Spotlight Queanbeyan Retail Redevelopment, Yass Road improvements, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive intersection upgrade, 202 Crawford Street Apartments, and 50 Morisset Street Apartments.

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

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Employment conditions in Queanbeyan demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Queanbeyan has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.3%.

This is lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is higher at 66.2% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include 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 0.7 workers per resident indicates local employment opportunities above the norm. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 3.4%, employment declined by 4.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 12.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to Queanbeyan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

Queanbeyan had a median taxpayer income of $58,766 and an average of $69,187 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since the financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,176 (median) and $77,911 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 79th percentile ($1,010 weekly), while household income sits at the 46th percentile. Distribution data shows that 36.5% of residents (2,361 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, mirroring metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 47th percentile. The area'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

Queanbeyan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.8% houses and 61.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 74.5% houses and 25.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queanbeyan was at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented ones at 45.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,668, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $355. Nationally, Queanbeyan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,668 against 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 comprise 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 making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

Queanbeyan's educational attainment is notably high, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the Rest of NSW average (21.3%) and SA4 region average (24.1%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (21.2%). Educational participation is high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 7.6% in primary, 5.3% in tertiary, and 5.2% in secondary education.

St Gregory's Primary School - Lowe Street Campus and Queanbeyan Public School serve the area, with a total of 370 students. These schools operate under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1007) and offer balanced educational opportunities. Both focus on primary education; secondary options are available in nearby areas. The area has 5.7 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 10.0, indicating some students may attend schools outside Queanbeyan.

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

Queanbeyan has 37 active public transport stops, including both train and bus services. These stops are served by a total of 106 routes, facilitating 3,869 weekly passenger trips in the area. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 168 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 552 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 104 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Queanbeyan is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Queanbeyan faces significant health challenges with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, particularly among older age groups. Approximately 54% (~3,513 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 61.0%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.4% and 9.4% respectively. Around 65.0% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 68.7% in Rest of NSW. The population aged 65 and over stands at 16.0% (1,035 people), higher than the 13.4% state average. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention due to these challenges.

Queanbeyan was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Queanbeyan's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 27.0% born overseas and 22.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 47.5% of Queanbeyan's population. Notably, 2.8% identified as 'Other', compared to 1.6% in the rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, Australian and English were the top groups at 24.3% and 23.9%, respectively, followed by 'Other' at 11.8%. Some ethnic groups had notable representation: Macedonian (2.3% vs regional 1.5%), Serbian (0.7% vs 0.6%), and Maori (1.0% vs 0.4%).

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

The median age in Queanbeyan is 37 years, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and close to the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 22.0%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller at 7.5%. This is higher than the national percentage for the 25-34 age group, which is 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1 year from 38 to 37, suggesting a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the proportion of those aged 25-34 increased from 19.7% to 22.0%, while the 35-44 cohort rose from 14.4% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 8.8% to 7.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Queanbeyan. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 577 people and reaching a total of 2,001 from its current figure of 1,423. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 4 people.