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

South Gladstone's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 3,725 people. This figure reflects a growth of 249 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,476. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,718, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,128 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Gladstone's growth rate of 7.2% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA4 region's growth rate of 6.6%, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration showing positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 utilized. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with South Gladstone expected to expand by 494 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.7% over the 17-year period.

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

South Gladstone had 10 dwelling approvals over five years ending in December 2020. This results in an average of two new dwellings approved annually, reflecting the minimal construction activity typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited demand-driven infrastructure capacity. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Comparing this to Rest of Qld shows South Gladstone has significantly less construction activity, which is also below national patterns. All recent development in South Gladstone comprised medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current 64.0% houses, suggesting decreasing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. As of December 2020, there are approximately 1242 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South Gladstone is projected to gain 546 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Population forecasts indicate South Gladstone will gain 546 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

South Gladstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Six projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance: HPA First Project Stage 2, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Toowoomba to Gladstone Inland Rail Extension, Port of Gladstone Gatcombe and Golding Cutting Channel Duplication Project. These are considered key initiatives likely to have significant relevance.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates South Gladstone faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

South Gladstone has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 13.8% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment grew by 2.5% in the year ending June 2025. As of this date, there were 1,796 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors included manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Manufacturing had a particularly strong representation at 2.3 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 11.2% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, labour force increased by 4.9%, and unemployment rose by 2.0 percentage points in South Gladstone. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% 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.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in South Gladstone was $53,195 and average income stood at $65,756. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in South Gladstone would be approximately $60,637 and average income $74,955 by that date. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in South Gladstone fall between the 19th and 30th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 25.8% of residents (961 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South Gladstone, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

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), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.7% houses and 14.3% 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, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in South Gladstone was $240, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, South Gladstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,430 versus 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 account for 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 constitute 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%, substantially 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 prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (35.2%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, including 10.4% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

The area has educational institutions such as Gladstone South State School and Toolooa State High School serving a total of 1,610 students. The Index for Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) score is 927. Educational provision follows conventional lines with one primary and one secondary institution. The area functions as an education hub with 43.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 18.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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. These are mixed-use bus stops serviced by three routes. The total weekly passenger trips across these routes is 100.

Residents' accessibility to transport is rated good, with an average distance of 257 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 14 trips per day, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Gladstone is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

South Gladstone faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,983 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lagging behind Rest of Qld's 55.6%. Mental health issues impact 11.0% of residents, while asthma affects 8.6%. A total of 65.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.4% across Rest of Qld. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (532 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 was found to have a cultural diversity index below the 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, making up 47.7% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the category 'Other', which comprises 0.8% of South Gladstone's population compared to 0.4% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (29.2%), Australian (29.1%), and Scottish (7.3%). Notably, Filipino representation is higher in South Gladstone at 3.5%, compared to 1.4% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal and Maori representations also show slight increases from their regional averages of 4.3% and 0.8% respectively.

South Gladstone's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in South Gladstone is 38 years, which is slightly lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matches Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 13.8% of the population in South Gladstone, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 4.3%, 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 13.8% of South Gladstone's population, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.1%. By 2041, South Gladstone's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 38%, adding 196 people and reaching a total of 711 from the current 514. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort is expected to decrease by 26 people.