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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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Stuart (Qld) has an estimated 1,609 residents, up from 1,576 at the 2021 Census — a change of 33 people, or 2.1%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years, slower than 79% of areas nationally. Density is about 28 people per 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
Based on examination of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the population of Stuart is estimated to be approximately 1,609 as of May 2026. This indicates an addition of 33 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,576 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 1,609, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 43 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This volume of population matches a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer, a level offering plenty of space per person. Over the last ten years, Stuart has shown durable growth trends with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was mostly led by natural growth that made up about 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as published 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, published in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are used. It should be noted that these state projections do not supply age category splits; therefore where used, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, Over this period, projections point to a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 23 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is expected, led by the 35 to 44 age group, which is projected to expand by 19 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Stuart has minimal residential development activity with 1 dwelling approvals annually (6 approvals over five years). These low development levels show the rural nature of the area, where development is typically led by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note; given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can greatly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Stuart shows significantly less construction activity than Rest of Qld. Development levels are likewise under national averages. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Stuart should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Stuart (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Stuart (Qld), worth an estimated $100 million. A further 18 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $1.25 billion. 7 are already under construction and 6 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, science & research and transport & logistics. 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
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Queensland Resources Common User Facility, SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, and Iluka, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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
SunHQ Hydrogen Hub
Renewable hydrogen production and refuelling hub at the Sun Metals Zinc Refinery precinct featuring a 1 MW PEM electrolyser powered by the co-located Sun Metals Solar Farm, with compression, storage and dispensing infrastructure to supply Ark Energy/Townsville Logistics heavy vehicles and third-party users (up to ~155,000 kg p.a.).
Queensland Resources Common User Facility
Australian-first critical minerals processing test facility being developed by the Queensland Government at Cleveland Bay Industrial Park, Townsville. The facility will enable demonstration-scale processing trials, initially for vanadium with future capability for cobalt, rare earth elements and other critical minerals. Construction and commissioning are progressing with Sedgman as managing contractor, with opening targeted for late 2026.
Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion
Multi-stage expansion of Wulguru Group's 17 hectare Stuart manufacturing and engineering facility. Stage 1, including an 8,500 sqm heavy fabrication workshop, 2,000 sqm paint and blast facility and new head office, was completed in 2025. Stage 2 has development approval and will deliver rail wagon maintenance, locomotive maintenance, rail wheel workshop and rolling stock paint and blast facilities. The balance of the site is currently being developed with operations targeted during 2027.
Iluka
Masterplanned residential community to be delivered over 10 stages in Wulguru, Townsville. Promoted by PointCorp as large, mostly level lots with ocean views in proximity to Townsville CBD, hospital, ADF base, and James Cook University.
GEON Build-to-Rent at Fairfield & Co
Large-scale Build-To-Rent (BTR) project at Fairfield & Co, comprising two 12-storey apartment towers with 294 apartments and ground floor retail/commercial spaces. GEON plans North Queensland's first build-to-rent development featuring two towers, 294 apartments, and retail spaces at Fairfield & Co site. Part of the $125 million mixed-use Fairfield & Co precinct. Has received formal development approval from Townsville City Council.
Fairfield Business Precinct
Built business park within the Fairfield Precinct at Idalia, Townsville. Offers freehold and lease opportunities adjacent to major retailers including Bunnings and the Fairfield Central shopping centre. Tenants in the precinct include Liberty Fuel, Reece Plumbing, Bridgestone and Containers for Change. Ingenta indicates one prime allotment (Lot 2, 2/67 Lakeside Drive) remains for sale.
Riverway Arts Centre and Library
Modern cultural facility providing community access to arts, library services, and cultural programs along the scenic Ross River precinct.
Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Upgrade
Upgrade of Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive) to dual lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge, including intersection upgrades at Gartrell Drive, Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive, and Kokoda Street. Aims to improve safety, increase capacity, and reduce congestion.
186 residents of Stuart (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 208. Unemployment sits at 10.6%. 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. The working-day population is estimated at 2,877, about 179% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Stuart features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 10.6%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026186 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 6.7% above Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (13.5% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety.
The area has particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with no workers in Stuart's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. With 1.7 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, the labour force decreased by 1.4% while employment declined by 2.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.1%, the labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Stuart. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Stuart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Stuart (Qld) is $1,239 a week (about $64,000 a year), with median personal income at $702 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,040 a year against an average of $52,978. 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
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Stuart is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $45,040 while the average income stands at $52,978. This contrasts to Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,157 (median) and $58,996 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Stuart all fall between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationally.
Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.2% of residents (598 people), mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Stuart (Qld) had 164 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 0% apartments. 41% are owned with a mortgage, 29% rented and 29% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,213 a month. Rent absorbs 20.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within Stuart, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.5% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Stuart was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 29.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.2%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,213, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345.
Nationally, Stuart's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Stuart (Qld) counted 164 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 89% of areas nationally, against 21% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households dominate at 59.1% of all households, comprising 18.9% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 16.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.9%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
5.0% of adults in Stuart (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 4.0% with a bachelor degree and 0.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 8.9% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (5.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 4.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.2%). Technical qualifications represent 11.3% of educational achievements for residents aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (2.4%) and certificates (8.9%). Educational participation is notably high, with 81.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 36.9% in primary education, 19.3% in secondary education, and 9.6% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Stuart (Qld) means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis reveals 11 active transport stops operating within Stuart comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual routes, collectively providing 40 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 430 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
57.9% of residents in Stuart (Qld) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 94% of areas nationally. 2.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 9.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Critical health challenges are evident across Stuart, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~775 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.4 and 10.2% of residents, respectively, while 57.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 7.2% of residents aged 65 and over (115 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Stuart (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 95.3% of residents, with 2.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (31.0%) and English (27.5%). 5.8% 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
Stuart was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.6% of its population being citizens, 95.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Stuart was found to be Christianity, which makes up 55.3% of people in Stuart. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 3.0% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld. In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Stuart are Australian, comprising 31.0% of the population, English, comprising 27.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.2% of the population.
Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Stuart (vs 0.2% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 5.8% (vs 3.9%) and German at 5.1% (vs 4.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Stuart (Qld) is 36. 39.1% 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
With a median age of 36, Stuart is considerably lower than the Regional Qld figure of 41 similarly marginally lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (28.7% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (3.4%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. In the period since 2021, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 8.1% to 9.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 30.3% to 28.7% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.4%.
Demographic modeling suggests Stuart's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by 11 people (3%) from 419 to 431. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Stuart (Qld)
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 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 Jun 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 — 43 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,576 at the 2021 Census → 1,609 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 (SAL32683). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.