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

The population of Queanbeyan West is estimated at around 3,125 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 21 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,146. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation using ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,092 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 52% of overall gains.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for covered areas and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for uncovered areas. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas until 2041. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an expected expansion of 178 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 5.7%.

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

Queanbeyan West had minimal construction activity from 2016 to 2020 with only two new dwellings approved annually on average. This low development level reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs drive development rather than broad market demand. Note that the small sample size can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns, Queanbeyan West has much lower development activity. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character and robust demand for family homes, with 71.0% of new construction favouring detached housing. With around 1266 people per approval, Queanbeyan West shows a mature, established area. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 178 residents.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing 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 identified four projects potentially affecting this region: Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Poplars Innovation Precinct, Jerrabomberra High School Upgrade Stage 2, and DCI Poplars Data Centre.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Queanbeyan West significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Queanbeyan West has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,822 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Queanbeyan West is high at 74.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses indicate that only 7.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Queanbeyan West has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 9.7% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.8%, with employment decreasing by 4.5%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Queanbeyan West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Queanbeyan West's median income among taxpayers is $63,392. The average income in this suburb is $77,192. Nationally, the median and average incomes are lower at $54,836 and $75,376 respectively. In Regional NSW, these figures stand at $52,390 and $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Queanbeyan West's median and average incomes would be approximately $69,934 and $85,158 as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Queanbeyan West rank between the 72nd and 85th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 38.4% of locals (1,200 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This pattern is also seen in the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income. Residents rank 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 compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queanbeyan West was at 24.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (41.5%) or rented (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 compared to 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 constitute 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 account for 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 has educational qualifications that trail regional benchmarks. Specifically, 23.8% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap suggests 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 at 10.3% and certificates at 27.3%. Educational participation is notably 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

Queanbeyan West has 28 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 246 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 167 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, only 7.6% of residents work from home, which may be reflective of COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual 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 based on 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 (~1,794 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.5 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 11.4% of residents aged 65 and over (356 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 found to be similar 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 is the main religion in Queanbeyan West, comprising 54.6% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (28.1%), English (25.5%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Macedonian (1.8%), Serbian (0.9%), and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Queanbeyan West compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.2%, and 0.2% respectively.

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 at 17.0%, while the 75-84 cohort is under-represented at 2.9% compared to the Regional NSW average. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Queanbeyan West's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 90 people (17%), from 531 to 622. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.