Runcorn

Runcorn 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 Nov 2025, Runcorn's population is estimated at around 15,796, reflecting an increase of 1,597 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 14,199. This growth of 11.2% was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024. The estimated resident population of 15,633, combined with an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date, resulted in this population figure. This places Runcorn in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch, with a density ratio of 2,378 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth exceeded the national average (8.9%), primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering these projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 490 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 2.1% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Runcorn shows around 60 residential properties granted approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 304 homes were approved, with another 33 so far in FY-26. On average, over the past five financial years, each dwelling is estimated to accommodate two new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $463,000. This year has seen $11.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. New building activity comprises 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 69.0% houses. The location has an established population density of approximately 428 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Runcorn is projected to grow by 331 residents, with current construction levels expected to meet demand and create favourable buying conditions while potentially exceeding current growth forecasts.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 35 such projects that may impact the area. Notable ones include Holmview Estate Development, Kuraby Special School New Administration, Library and Learning Centre, Eight Mile Plains Development Site, and Runcorn State School Facilities Upgrade. The following list details those considered 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.

Runcorn has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Runcorn has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 2.1%. The unemployment rate in Runcorn is 0.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Runcorn shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has lower representation at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, while unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in Sep-22, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Runcorn's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Runcorn's median income is $46,018 and average income is $57,290. This is below Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, after a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,456 (median) and $65,305 (average). Census data reveals Runcorn's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 39.1% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999, with a total of 6,176 people in this bracket. This is consistent with broader trends across the area, where 33.3% fall into the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Runcorn displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Runcorn, as per the latest Census evaluation, 69.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 30.5% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Brisbane metro had no recorded houses or other dwellings at that time. Home ownership in Runcorn stood at 27.9%, with mortgaged properties making up 33.3% and rented dwellings accounting for 38.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, aligning with the Brisbane metro average. The median weekly rent was $400 in Runcorn, whereas Brisbane metro had no recorded rents at that time. Nationally, Runcorn's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Runcorn features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.9 people

Family households constitute 76.5% of all households, including 37.8% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.5%, with lone person households at 17.3% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people.

Runcorn performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational attainment in Runcorn is notably high, with 37.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally as of the latest data points (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census 2016). Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 24.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.0% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (16.4%). Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 7.2% in tertiary, and 6.4% in secondary education as of the latest available data.

Runcorn State High School and Runcorn Heights State School serve a total of 1,450 students, with the area demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1005) and balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and one secondary institution.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Runcorn shows that there are currently 54 active transport stops operating within the town. These include a mix of train stations and bus stops. The services are provided by 28 individual routes, which together facilitate 1,921 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 224 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 274 trips made per day across all routes, resulting in about 35 weekly trips for each individual stop.

Runcorn's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Runcorn, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,883 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.0% and 6.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 78.0%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, contrasting with 0% across Greater Brisbane. As of August 2021, 13.3% of Runcorn's residents are aged 65 and over (2,100 people). Health outcomes among seniors align closely with the general population's health profile.

Runcorn is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Runcorn has a culturally diverse population, with 57.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 55.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, accounting for 36.5%. The 'Other' religious category comprises 8.3%, compared to None% in Greater Brisbane.

In ancestry, Chinese (20.2%), Other (18.9%), and English (14.6%) are the top groups. Korean (4.6%), Samoan (1.0%), and Serbian (0.6%) are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of None%.

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

Runcorn's median age is 34, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Runcorn has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.4%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.1%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.0% to 4.1% of Runcorn's population. Conversely, the 35-44 age cohort has decreased from 16.4% to 15.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Runcorn. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 94%, adding 610 residents to reach a total of 1,258. This growth contributes to the overall aging of the population, with residents aged 65 and older representing 66% of anticipated growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.