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 (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) population is estimated at around 1,607 as of Nov 2025. 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 43 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 area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. 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 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 saw six new dwelling approvals over the five years from 2015 to 2019. This minimal annual average of one approval reflects typical rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction activity due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Notably, the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national patterns, Stuart's development activity is much lower. With population projections indicating stability or decline, Stuart should experience reduced housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting 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 that may impact the area. Notable projects 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 is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 10.4% as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stood at 6.4%, which was 2.3 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Stuart lagged significantly at 13.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. As per the Census, 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 1% while employment decreased by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.1 percentage points. 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. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Stuart's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes for Stuart would be approximately $49,503 (median) and $58,228 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Stuart all fall between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.2% of residents (597 people), similar to 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluation of dwelling structures in Stuart showed 94.5% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stuart was at 29.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 29.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Stuart was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Stuart's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents 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 account for 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's university qualification rate is 5.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 at 2.4% and certificates at 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

Transport analysis shows 11 active stops in Stuart, served by buses only. These stops are covered by one route, offering 40 weekly trips. Accessibility is moderate, with residents typically 430 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages five trips daily across all routes, equating to three 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 774 people, compared to Queensland's average of 53.9% and Australia's national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 10.4% and 10.2% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 57.9% reported no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. Stuart has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 6.7%, or around 107 people, compared to the 14.9% in the rest of Queensland. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Stuart are better than those of the general population.

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 found to be below average, with 23.6% of its population being citizens born outside Australia, 95.3% having been born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home as of the latest data (2016). Christianity was the predominant religion in Stuart, making up 55.3% of the population. However, there was a notable overrepresentation in the 'Other' religious category, with 3.0% compared to 0.7% across Rest of Qld.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian (31.0%), English (27.5%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to 0.2% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal was 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's median age is 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Stuart at 30.1%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 3.4%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Since 2021, the 55-64 age group has grown from 8.1% to 9.4%, and the 35-44 cohort has increased from 25.2% to 26.3%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group has declined from 11.6% to 10.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Stuart's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to expand by 24 people (6%) from 422 to 447, while both the 45-54 and 25-34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.