South Gladstone

An assessment of population growth drivers in South Gladstone reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of South Gladstone's population is estimated at around 3,744 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 268 people (7.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,476 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,722, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,134 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Gladstone's 7.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 6.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 499 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 14.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in South Gladstone according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

South Gladstone has had minimal residential development activity, with an average of 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 10. This low level is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

South Gladstone has much lower development activity compared to the rest of Queensland and national averages. All new construction in the area since 2017 has been attached dwellings, totalling 35 units. This shift from detached houses (currently 64.0%) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. South Gladstone has an established market with approximately 1242 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate the area will gain 525 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Population forecasts indicate South Gladstone will gain 525 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

South Gladstone has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include HPA First Project Stage 2, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Toowoomba to Gladstone Inland Rail Extension, and Port of Gladstone Gatcombe and Golding Cutting Channel Duplication Project. The following details those most relevant.

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Employment drivers in South Gladstone are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

South Gladstone has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 12.8% as of September 2025, compared to the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 68.3%, slightly higher than the regional average of 65.7%.

A total of 1,803 residents are currently employed. According to Census responses, a low 4.3% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Manufacturing employs 2.3 times the regional average in South Gladstone, while health care & social assistance employs only 11.2% of local workers, below the Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, the labour force increased by 1.4%, but employment declined by 0.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Gladstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though these figures are based on simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

South Gladstone's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $53,195 and the average income stands at $65,756, compared to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for South Gladstone would be approximately $58,467 (median) and $72,272 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in South Gladstone all fall between the 19th and 30th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 25.8% of locals (965 people) predominantly earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South Gladstone, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile.

South Gladstone displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Gladstone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.5% houses and 35.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Gladstone was at 22.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 49.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in South Gladstone was $240, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, South Gladstone's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,430 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

South Gladstone features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 59.0% of all households, including 22.5% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.0%, with lone person households at 36.6% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

South Gladstone faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (35.2%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, comprising primary education (10.4%), secondary education (9.8%), and tertiary education (3.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

South Gladstone has 14 active public transport stops operating, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three routes in total, offering 100 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 257 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature, and cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 90%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Gladstone is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

South Gladstone faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial in both younger and older age groups. The area has approximately 53% private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 11.0% and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 65.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. South Gladstone has 14.4% residents aged 65 and over (539 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, with national rankings higher than the general population.

South Gladstone ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

South Gladstone's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 82.2% born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Gladstone, comprising 47.7% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was observed in the 'Other' category, which accounted for 0.8% of South Gladstone's population compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English at 29.2%, Australian at 29.1%, and Scottish at 7.3%. Notably, Filipino (3.5% vs 0.9%), Australian Aboriginal (5.0% vs 3.9%), and Maori (0.9% vs 0.8%) ethnic groups were overrepresented in South Gladstone compared to the regional averages.

South Gladstone's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in South Gladstone is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.4% of South Gladstone's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 4.4%, lower than Rest of Qld's figure. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.6% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 12.6%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 14.1% to 13.0%. Population forecasts for South Gladstone in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching a total of 717 people from the current 539. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort is expected to decline by 29 people.