Stuart (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Stuart are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Stuart's population is estimated at around 1,607 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 31 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,576 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,607, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb of Stuart (Qld) was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration 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. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 29 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 35 to 44 age group, which is projected to expand by 38 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Stuart, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Stuart had six dwelling approvals over the five years from 2015 to 2019, averaging one new dwelling approved annually. This low level of construction activity is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and development is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that with such a small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Stuart's development activity is notably lower than the Rest of Qld and also below national patterns. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Stuart, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures which may benefit potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Stuart should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects are Queensland Resources Common User Facility, SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, and Iluka. The following details those 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 Stuart face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Stuart has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 10.3%.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. There are 183 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 6.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags significantly, at 13.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 5.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety. Stuart has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.0% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. There are 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.5% while employment decreased by 2.7%, resulting in a rise of 2.0 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Stuart. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Stuart's median income among taxpayers was $45,040 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $52,978 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $49,503 (median) and $58,228 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Stuart all fall between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationally. The income distribution in Stuart is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket with 37.2% of residents (597 people). This mirrors the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Stuart, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

Stuart is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census evaluation of dwelling structures in Stuart showed 94.5% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stuart was at 29.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.2%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Stuart was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Stuart's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,213 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Stuart were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stuart features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 59.1% of all households, including 18.9% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 16.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.9%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Stuart exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 5.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 4.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.2%). Technical qualifications make up 11.3% of educational achievements for residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas accounting for 2.4% and certificates for 8.9%. Educational participation is 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.

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

Stuart has 11 active public transport stops, all serving buses. There is one route operating, offering 40 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average 430 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Car use dominates at 89%, while 7% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

Only 5.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency is 5 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Stuart is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Stuart faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across a range of health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~774 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and 55.7% nationally.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.4% and 10.2% of residents respectively. However, 57.9% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 7.3% of residents aged 65 and over (117 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

The latest Census data sees Stuart placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Stuart's population had low cultural diversity, with 23.6% being citizens born elsewhere, 95.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 55.3%. The most significant overrepresentation was 'Other', at 3.0%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.0%), English (27.5%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Hungarian (0.7%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.8%) groups were overrepresented in Stuart versus regional averages of 0.2% and 3.9%, respectively.

Stuart's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Stuart has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 years and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Stuart at 30.0%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 3.3%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national figure of 14.4%. From 2021 to present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 25.2% to 26.8% of Stuart's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Stuart's age profile will evolve significantly. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to expand by 12 people (3%), from 430 to 443. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 56% 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.