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, the estimated population for the Runcorn statistical area is around 15,805. This shows an increase of 1,606 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,199. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 15,637 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,380 persons per square kilometer, placing Runcorn in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (9.7%) and state averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Runcorn.

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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Runcorn statistical area is expected to increase by 489 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 2.0% 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 indicates that Runcorn has recorded around 60 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 304 homes have been approved, with an additional 36 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodates about two new residents annually over these five years, suggesting solid demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $463,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year has seen $11.8 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. New developments consist of 42.0% detached dwellings and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift is notable compared to the current housing mix, which is 69.0% houses.

With around 428 people per dwelling approval, Runcorn shows a developed market. Future projections estimate that Runcorn will add approximately 321 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Runcorn has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% 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 could impact this area. Notable among them are 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 projects likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Runcorn remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Runcorn has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of September 2025, 8,529 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Runcorn specializes in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Construction has a limited presence at 7.3%, compared to the regional average of 9.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9% while labour force grew by 1.0%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 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, assuming no changes in population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Runcorn had a median taxpayer income of $46,019 and an average income of $57,291. Nationally, the averages were $58,236 and $72,799 respectively in Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,579 (median) and $62,969 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. In 2021 Census figures, Runcorn's household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. The data indicates 39.1% of residents (6,179 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 33.3%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 5th decile.

Runcorn displays a diverse mix of dwelling types

The dwelling structure in Runcorn, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Runcorn stood at 27.9%, with 33.3% of dwellings being mortgaged and 38.8% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded as $400. Nationally, Runcorn's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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%. 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 higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016 data, 37.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.6% and certificates for 16.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2016 census. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Runcorn's public transport analysis shows 54 active stops operating within the town. These include a mix of train and bus services, totaling 30 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,928 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically situated 224 meters from their nearest stop. On average, there are 275 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 35 weekly trips per 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 throughout Runcorn, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 50% (~7,888 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.0% and 6.0% of residents respectively. 78.0% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Brisbane. Runcorn has 13.3% (2,102 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with seniors' health outcomes closely mirroring those of the general population.

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 high level of cultural diversity, with 57.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Runcorn, comprising 36.5% of the population. The category 'Other' comprises 8.3%, which is higher compared to None% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese at 20.2%, Other at 18.9%, and English at 14.6%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Korean at 4.6% (vs None%), Samoan at 1.0% (vs None%), and Serbian at 0.6% (vs None%).

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

Runcorn's median age is 34 years, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 36 years and Australia's 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 the present, the age group 75-84 has increased from 3.0% to 4.1% of Runcorn's population. Conversely, the age group 35-44 has decreased from 16.4% to 15.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Runcorn. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 94%, adding 609 residents to reach a total of 1,258. This growth is part of an overall trend towards demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 66% of the anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the age groups 0-4 and 5-14 are expected to experience population declines.