Queanbeyan East

Population growth drivers in Queanbeyan East 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, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Queanbeyan East is around 4,350. This reflects an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,240 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,306, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,033 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Queanbeyan East's growth rate of 2.6% since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 59.0% 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with Queanbeyan East expected to increase by 701 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 15.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Queanbeyan East recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Queanbeyan East has experienced around 21 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 105 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional two approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.2 new residents arrive per new home built annually over these five years, suggesting supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond projections.

The average construction value of new homes is $459,000. In the current financial year, commercial development approvals totalled $13.1 million, indicating moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Rest of NSW, Queanbeyan East has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, but it ranks among the 86th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Building activity has increased in recent years, with a trend towards denser development: 25.0% detached dwellings and 75.0% townhouses or apartments.

This shift caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers seeking affordable options. The current population density is approximately 103 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Future projections estimate Queanbeyan East will add 659 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction pace appears reasonable given projected growth; however, buyers may face increased competition as population grows.

Queanbeyan East 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 nine projects that could affect the region. Notable ones are Celesse Apartments, Queanbeyan East Public Preschool, Yass Road and Bungendore Road intersection upgrade, Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, and 50 Morisset Street Apartments. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Queanbeyan East has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

By June 2025, 2,662 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate stands at 1.5% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Queanbeyan East is notably higher at 72.3%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries for employment among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, public administration & safety has an employment concentration 3.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.4% versus the regional average of 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population counts. In a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, labour force decreased by 3.5%, and employment declined by 4.2% in Queanbeyan East, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Queanbeyan East. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Queanbeyan East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Queanbeyan East has a high national income level according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers is $62,781 and the average income is $73,913. These figures compare to 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 financial year 2022, current estimates for Queanbeyan East would be approximately $70,698 (median) and $83,233 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Queanbeyan East rank at the 84th percentile nationally ($1,079 weekly), while household income ranks lower at the 46th percentile. The largest segment comprises 38.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,670 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Queanbeyan East's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 28.3% houses and 71.7% 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 East was at 18.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented dwellings at 50.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Queanbeyan East was $310, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $355. Nationally, Queanbeyan East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,647 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 50.8% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 49.2%, with lone person households at 44.8% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Queanbeyan East exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Queanbeyan East is notable, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 24.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 34.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas being 10.9% and certificates 23.7%. Educational participation is high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.0% in primary education, 5.5% in tertiary education, and 4.3% pursuing secondary education. The area has two schools - St Gregory's Primary School and Queanbeyan East Public School - serving a total of 947 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area functions as an educational hub, offering 21.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 10.0.

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

Analysis of public transport in Queanbeyan East shows 22 active transport stops operating, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 36 individual routes, offering a total of 281 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 164 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 40 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Queanbeyan East are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Queanbeyan East shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions typical but higher than national averages among older residents. Private health cover is very high at approximately 56%, compared to 61% across Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 10.9 and 8.5% respectively. Around 68.5% report no medical ailments, similar to the 68.7% in Rest of NSW. The area has 10.6% residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 13.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention.

Queanbeyan East 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 East had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.8% of its population born overseas and 24.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Queanbeyan East, accounting for 45.6%. The 'Other' religious category showed an overrepresentation at 3.4%, compared to 1.6% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.6%), Australian (23.8%), and Other (12.7%). Notably, Macedonian (1.7%) was slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.5%. Serbian and Croatian populations also showed minor overrepresentations at 0.6% each, compared to their respective regional averages of 0.6% and 0.9%.

Queanbeyan East hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Queanbeyan East is 33 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years, and substantially below the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented locally at 26.7%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 6.1%. This concentration of young adults is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, Queanbeyan East has become younger, with its median age dropping by 1.1 years to 33 years from 34 years between 2016 and 2021. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 grew from 23.9% to 26.7%, while those aged 55-64 declined from 10.7% to 8.8% and those aged 45-54 dropped from 12.5% to 10.9%. By the year 2041, Queanbeyan East is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching a population of 1,454 from 1,161, while the 65-74 and 15-24 cohorts are anticipated to see population declines.