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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Railway Estate has an estimated 3,034 residents, up from 2,871 at the 2021 Census — a change of 163 people, or 5.7%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 62.0% of that increase. That puts 735 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to assessments of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Railway Estate has an estimated population of approximately 3,034 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 163 people (5.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,871 people. The variance is calculated from a resident population of 3,027, estimated by AreaSearch analyzing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) coupled with 11 validated new addresses since the Census. This count translates to a density of 734 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages across locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
The 5.7% growth since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.1%), showing competitive expansion. Population growth was mostly fueled by overseas migration, which made up about 62.0% of total gains in recent times. Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 area. For SA2 areas without this coverage, or periods following 2032, Queensland State Government projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used. Because these state-level projections lack age breakdowns, AreaSearch scales age groups proportionally based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 baseline data). Looking forward, the suburb of Railway Estate is projected to experience population growth slightly below the median of national non-metropolitan areas, increasing by 299 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2 projections, representing an expansion of 9.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Railway Estate has very limited residential building activity, registering 2 dwelling approvals annually (amounting to 12 dwellings over the five-year period). This minimal volume of building is typical of rural areas, where housing requirements are modest and construction is constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. With such a low number of approvals, individual projects can exert a significant influence on annual growth figures and relative benchmarks. Development activity is naturally far lower than in Rest of Qld, and stands below national averages. Furthermore, recent construction consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the rural character of the area and its focus on spacious living.
Interestingly, builders are focusing on traditional houses at a higher rate than the current mix (71.0% at Census), indicating ongoing demand for family homes despite density pressures. The average of 1005 people per dwelling approval reflects a quiet, low-activity building market. Looking ahead, Railway Estate is projected to add 292 residents by 2041 based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, housing additions may fall behind population growth, potentially heightening competition for properties and encouraging faster price appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Railway Estate
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 29 current infrastructure and development projects close to Railway Estate, worth an estimated $4.07 billion. 9 are already under construction and 6 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure, major projects, and planning changes have a significant impact on performance. AreaSearch has identified 4 key projects likely to affect the area. Notable developments include Weststate Private Hospital, Mater Private Hospital Townsville Relocation, Defence Housing Australia - Townsville New Builds Volume Leasing Program (400+ Homes), and Oxley Street Residences.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Weststate Private Hospital
A $60 million short-stay private hospital development transforming the heritage-listed former Townsville West State School into specialist consulting suites, with a new five-storey purpose-built hospital next door. The project includes four operating theatres, one procedure room, a HDU/ICU, 19 day beds, 26 overnight rooms, consulting rooms, cafe and 24/7 kitchen. Official project sources indicate construction has commenced and Centuria schedules completion for 2026.
Defence Housing Australia - Townsville New Builds Volume Leasing Program (400+ Homes)
Large-scale residential development by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) to deliver more than 400 new, high-quality homes for Australian Defence Force personnel and their families in Townsville. The homes are being built across approximately seven suburbs within 30km of Lavarack Barracks as part of the New Builds Volume Leasing Program, in partnership with local builders and developers. The first homes are expected to be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year.
The Hive - 10-15 The Strand Masterplan
The Hive is a $450 million masterplanned mixed-use waterfront precinct spanning approximately 1.73 hectares in central Townsville, occupying almost an entire city block bounded by The Strand, Flinders Street, King Street and Wickham Street. The development approval, current to June 2030, permits buildings up to 20 storeys. The staged scheme includes a five-star hotel tower, 10,000 square metres of premium office space, retail and dining, residential apartments, research and technology facilities, and a concert hall component.The site incorporates the heritage-listed Queens Hotel and the former Criterion Hotel site, which has separate approval for a residential tower. The project was originally developed and master planned by the Gleeson Group with architect Conrad Gargett. In 2023, Centurion Global Developments acquired the site from the Gleeson Group and assumed responsibility for delivering the project. As of mid-2024 the project remains in the pre-construction phase with no active works commenced, though Centurion Global has indicated plans for a five-star hotel and a verbal agreement with an international hotel brand.
Marina Residences
A $65 million luxury waterfront apartment tower by Maidment Group, comprising 18 residences (15 three-bedroom apartments and 3 sky homes) in a 10-storey building. Features include a rooftop pool and sundeck, gym, private dining/meeting room, and panoramic views over Breakwater Marina, The Strand, and Magnetic Island. Construction commenced in 2025 with completion expected late 2026.
Eden Park Estate
Premium acreage estate in Townsville's Northern Beaches offering large blocks ranging from 2000sqm to over 4000sqm. This master-planned park residential development provides a rural lifestyle combined with modern comfort, featuring town water and fully sewered lots.
Francis Street Roadworks, West End
Townsville City Council is delivering roadworks on Francis Street between Henry Street and Leigh Street, West End. Works form part of Council's annual roadworks program and include removing and replacing the kerb and channel, upgrading identified driveway crossovers, and renewing sections of concrete medians.
Oxley Street Residences
A development of 19 units with associated office and food and drink facilities in the neighbouring suburb of North Ward, approved by Townsville City Council.
Townsville Breakwater Master-Planned Precinct
A $1 billion master-planned expansion of the Townsville Breakwater precinct by Morris Group. Located on vacant land adjacent to The Ville Resort-Casino and the 5-star Ardo hotel, the development is designed as a mixed-use hub. Key features include residential apartments to address local housing shortages, short-term hotel accommodation, conference and function spaces, retail outlets, and expansive public open areas with views of Magnetic Island. The project is expected to inject significant economic benefit into North Queensland over the next decade.As of early 2025, Morris Group had commenced a master planning and feasibility process; no development application has been lodged.
1,562 residents of Railway Estate are employed, from a labour force of 1,630. Unemployment sits at 4.2%, with participation at 63.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Railway Estate has a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.2% based on aggregated statistical area data from AreaSearch. As of March 2026, 1,562 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.3% above the Regional Qld level of 3.9%, and participation levels matching the Regional Qld figure of 64.3%. Census data indicates a low 5.0% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 restrictions during that period should be noted. The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training.
The area has a particularly high concentration in public administration & safety, employing 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.4% of local employment, well below the 4.5% seen in Regional Qld. Local job opportunities appear limited when comparing the working population at the Census to the resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from broader areas, the labor force shrank by 1.9% and employment declined by 1.1% over the 12 months ending March 2026, leading to a drop of 0.7 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This differs from Regional Qld, which recorded a 0.1% rise in employment, a 0.3% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) provide additional context on prospective local demand. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates vary widely by industry. Mapping these trends to the local employment mix suggests Railway Estate jobs should rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, representing a basic weighting extrapolation that does not account for specific local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Railway Estate is $1,529 a week (about $80,000 a year), with median personal income at $877 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,524 a year against an average of $72,840. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode ATO statistics for financial year 2023 indicate that incomes in Railway Estate exceed the national average, with a median of $53,524 and an average of $72,840. This is higher than the Regional Qld median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $59,604 (median) and $81,115 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census places individual income at the 63rd percentile ($877 weekly), while household income ranks at the 37th percentile.
The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for 34.0% of the population (1,031 individuals), which aligns with the broader region where 31.7% fall into this group. Housing costs cause significant pressure, leaving only 84.6% of income disposable, placing the area in the 38th percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the community in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Railway Estate had 1,216 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 71% detached houses and 6% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 42% rented and 25% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,430 a month. Rent absorbs 19.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structures in Railway Estate at the latest Census consisted of 70.9% standalone houses and 29.2% other types of housing (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Railway Estate trailed the regional benchmark at 24.7%, with the remaining properties either under mortgage (33.2%) or rented (42.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,430 was lower than the Regional Qld average, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to $1,655 and $345 in Regional Qld.
Nationally, Railway Estate's mortgage costs are far lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are similarly well below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Railway Estate counted 1,216 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,285 today, averaging 2.2 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 89% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 35% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 59.2% of households, consisting of 19.1% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.8%, with single-person households at 35.0% and group households representing 5.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
23.8% of adults in Railway Estate hold a university qualification, including 16.9% with a bachelor degree and 4.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 27.8% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 1,013 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 913 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in Railway Estate is lower than regional averages, with 23.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference suggests scope for further educational growth. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (27.8%). Enrolment in education is high, with 30.8% of residents participating in formal learning. This group includes 9.4% in primary schools, 8.2% in secondary schools, and 7.3% in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Railway Estate reaches 18 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 150 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis identifies 18 active stops within Railway Estate, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 2 separate routes, providing a total of 145 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 192 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most residents commute elsewhere, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A low 5.0% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data that may reflect pandemic conditions.
Service frequency averages 20 runs per day across all routes, which equals approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.7% of residents in Railway Estate report no long-term health condition. 4.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 56.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality rates and chronic disease rates, Railway Estate faces notable health issues, with common conditions present across both younger and older cohorts. However, private health insurance uptake is very high at roughly 56% of the population (~1,700 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most prevalent medical concerns in the area are mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 10.8% and 7.8% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 68.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable challenges due to elevated chronic disease rates.
Residents aged 65 and over represent 15.1% of the population (458 people), which is lower than the 20.4% average for Regional Qld. Health outcomes for seniors are above average, ranking higher nationally than the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Railway Estate is largely Australian-born, at 86.2% of residents, with 6.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (28.6%) and Australian (26.2%). 5.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Railway Estate is below average, with citizens making up 87.5% of the population, 86.2% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 47.7% of the community. The most distinct overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% recorded across Regional Qld. Looking at ancestry, the three most common backgrounds in Railway Estate are English (28.6%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (8.7%). Notable variations in other backgrounds include Australian Aboriginal at 5.4% of the population (compared to 3.9% regionally), German at 4.4% (compared to 4.7% regionally), and Maori at 0.7% (compared to 0.8% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Railway Estate is 35. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 34.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 35 years in Railway Estate is below the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, the 25 - 34 age bracket is over-represented at 19.1% of the local population, while the 5 - 14 group is under-represented at 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data reveals the 25 to 34 cohort expanded from 16.0% to 19.1%, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 3.0% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.2% to 10.9%, and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.7% to 9.8%.
Forecasts for 2041 project significant demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 group expanding by 25% (145 people) to reach 725 from 579, while both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 groups are expected to decline in numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Railway Estate
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 11 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,871 at the 2021 Census → 3,034 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL32384). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.