Queanbeyan West

Queanbeyan West is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Queanbeyan West is around 3,168, reflecting an increase of 22 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 0.7%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,166 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,107 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation. By 2041, the suburb of Queanbeyan West is projected to grow by 214 persons, reflecting a total increase of approximately 6.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Queanbeyan West has averaged two dwelling approvals per year over the past five years, totalling ten. This low development activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures may vary significantly due to individual projects.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Queanbeyan West has shown significantly less construction activity. All new constructions have been detached houses, mainly family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyle and space. Despite density pressures, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (71.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes. With around 1266 people per dwelling approval, Queanbeyan West reflects a mature market.

Population forecasts indicate an increase of 212 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Queanbeyan West 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 four projects expected to influence the area: Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Poplars Innovation Precinct, Jerrabomberra High School Upgrade Stage 2, and DCI Poplars Data Centre. 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.

Queanbeyan West ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Queanbeyan West has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 is 2.0%, lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in the area is high at 74.4% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%.

According to Census responses, only 7.6% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Public administration & safety has a notable concentration with employment levels at 3.8 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance employs only 9.7% of local workers, lower than Regional NSW's 16.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.5%, with employment decreasing by 4.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Queanbeyan West's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Queanbeyan West has a median taxpayer income of $63,392 and an average income of $77,192 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national averages, which are $52,390 median and $65,215 average in Regional NSW. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%, estimated incomes would be approximately $69,009 (median) and $84,031 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Queanbeyan West rank between the 72nd and 85th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 38.4% of residents (1,216 people) in this range, which is similar to the regional level at 29.9%. Housing expenses consume 14.8% of income. Residents have strong earnings, ranking them within the 74th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Queanbeyan West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Queanbeyan West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.4% houses and 28.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queanbeyan West stood at 24.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.5% and rented dwellings at 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $350, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Queanbeyan West's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Queanbeyan West has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.1% of all households, including 30.2% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Queanbeyan West shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Queanbeyan West's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 23.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (27.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education; this includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 28 active transport stops operating in Queanbeyan West, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by 25 individual routes, collectively offering 246 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Queanbeyan West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Queanbeyan West faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,819 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.5%) and mental health issues (9.0%). 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 10.5% of residents aged 65 and over (332 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Queanbeyan West's cultural diversity was comparable to the wider region, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 82.5% born in Australia, and 86.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Queanbeyan West, accounting for 54.6%, slightly lower than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.1%), English (25.5%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Macedonian (1.8%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.4%, as were Serbian (0.9% vs 0.2%) and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.2%).

Queanbeyan West's population is younger than the national pattern

Queanbeyan West has a median age of 34, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Queanbeyan West at 17.6%, compared to the Regional NSW average. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 7.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.8% of the population. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Queanbeyan West's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 99 people (18%), growing from 557 to 657. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.