Stuart (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Stuart are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Stuart (Qld) is around 1,698 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 122 people, representing a growth of 7.7% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,576 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,697 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 29 persons per square kilometer. Stuart's growth of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth of 6.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to shrink by 32 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 new dwelling approvals over the five years from 2016 to 2020. This minimal construction activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited development due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics in Stuart.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national patterns, Stuart has much lower development activity. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in Stuart, potentially benefiting buyers.

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

Stuart has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Queensland Resources Common User Facility, SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, and Iluka, as detailed below.

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's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stood at 10.8% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025181 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 13.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety. The area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.0% versus the regional average of 4.5%. There were 1.7 workers for every resident as per the Census, indicating that the area functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.4%, with employment decreasing by 5.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights 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, but growth rates vary 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.

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

Stuart's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Stuart's median income among taxpayers is $45,037 and average income stands at $52,977, which compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,338 (median) and $60,388 (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. Income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 37.2% of residents (631 people), mirroring metropolitan regions where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

Stuart is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Stuart, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 5.6% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stuart stood at 29.4%, with the rest of the dwellings either mortgaged (41.2%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stuart was $1,213, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Stuart was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. 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.

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

Family households constitute 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 make up 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, which is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 5.0%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 0.8% and graduate diplomas at 0.2%. Technical qualifications represent 11.3% of educational achievements for residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 2.4% and certificates at 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. Enkindle Village School - Sturt Campus provides local educational services within Stuart, but has an enrollment of 0 students as of the latest data. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. With no schools located within Stuart, residents must travel to neighboring areas for educational services. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 10 active stops operating within Stuart, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 1 route, collectively facilitating 40 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically situated 455 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 4 weekly trips per individual 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% (around 818 individuals), lower than Queensland's average of 53.3%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions in Stuart, impacting 10.4% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Around 57.9% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Queensland's rest. Stuart has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 6.7% (around 113 individuals), compared to Queensland's average of 14.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Stuart are better than the general population metrics.

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 cultural diversity was assessed as below average, with 23.6% of its population being citizens born elsewhere, 95.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.3% of Stuart's population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 3.0%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (31.0%), English (27.5%), and Irish (10.2%) were the top three groups represented in Stuart. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.7% versus 0.2% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 5.8% versus 5.0%, and German at 5.1% versus 4.0%.

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. It is also marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Stuart has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (30.1% locally), while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented (3.4%). This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. In the period from 2021 to present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 25.2% to 26.3% of Stuart's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Stuart's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 6 people (47%) from 13 to 20. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 97% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.