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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 80% 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
According to ABS population updates for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses recorded by AreaSearch following the Census, the resident population in the suburb of Stuart (Qld) stands at roughly 1,609 as of Aug 2026. Relative to the 2021 Census tally of 1,576 people, this represents a gain of 33 people (2.1%). This updated total of 1,609 residents was calculated by AreaSearch by incorporating the ABS ERP release from June 2025 together with 43 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The suburb of Stuart (Qld) maintains a population density of 28 persons per square kilometer, ensuring considerable personal space for inhabitants.
Over the preceding ten years, the suburb of Stuart (Qld) recorded dependable growth with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the pace of the wider SA3 region. Population gains were primarily underpinned by natural increase, accounting for roughly 47.0% of recent growth, with overseas migration and interstate migration also contributing positively. Population projections applied by AreaSearch utilise the ABS/Geoscience Australia 2024 release based on 2022 benchmarks for each SA2. For periods after 2032 or areas without coverage, AreaSearch incorporates Queensland State Government SA2 projections released in 2023 from 2021 base data. Because state projections lack age-bracket breakdowns, AreaSearch assigns proportional weightings derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region release (using 2022 base data) to each age cohort. Looking ahead under this framework, the suburb of Stuart (Qld) is projected to experience a demographic contraction, dropping by 29 persons by 2041. In contrast to the overarching downward trend, particular cohorts are set to expand, notably the 35 to 44 age bracket with a projected rise of 22 people. <i>See the age section for more details.</i>
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Stuart is highly subdued, recording an average of 1 new dwellings permitted each year, or 6 in total over the preceding five-year span. Such minimal building activity aligns with the rural character of the locality, where construction responds to specific private requirements rather than broad property market demand. Due to the limited overall volume of approvals, individual building schemes can generate substantial shifts in annual percentage metrics and relative comparisons. Building volumes in Stuart track substantially lower than the Rest of Qld benchmark, as well as falling short of national trends.
Recent residential construction has consisted entirely of standalone houses, emphasising family properties that cater to buyers seeking open space and a rural setting. A ratio of 1606 people per approved dwelling highlights the tranquil, low-scale nature of local building activity. Given that demographic forecasts indicate a steady or contracting population base, Stuart is likely to experience subdued housing demand, creating favourable conditions for prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Stuart (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
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
Major infrastructure developments, planning schemes, and capital investments play a decisive role in shaping local economic performance. AreaSearch has pinpointed 6 major projects poised to influence the locality. Notable undertakings include the Queensland Resources Common User Facility, the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub, the Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, and Iluka.
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.
178 residents of Stuart (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 200. Unemployment sits at 11.0%. 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 2,881, 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 labour force divided between blue-collar and white-collar roles, with substantial representation in key essential services and an unemployment rate of 11.0% according to AreaSearch's statistical compilation. As of March 2026, employed residents number 178, while joblessness sits 7.1% higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, highlighting potential for improvement, alongside a labour force participation rate of 13.0% that trails the Regional Qld figure of 64.2%. Census figures indicated that 5.5% of workers operated from home, though prevailing Covid-19 restrictions at the time should be kept in mind.
Local workforce participation is centered predominantly in health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety. Health care & social assistance represents a key area of local specialisation, recording an employment concentration 1.3 times the regional standard. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for no local employment compared to a regional benchmark of 4.5%. With 1.7 workers for every resident as of the Census, Stuart serves as a regional employment centre, containing more workplace roles than resident workers and drawing commuters from surrounding districts. AreaSearch's evaluation of aggregated ABS and SALM figures indicates that across the twelve months to March 2026, the local labour pool contracted by 2.9% while employment dropped by 4.3%, driving a 1.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Over the same timeframe, Regional Qld recorded a 0.1% increase in employment and a 0.3% rise in the labour pool, alongside a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Long-range employment outlooks released by Jobs and Skills Australia in Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future labour demand in Stuart across five- and ten-year horizons. Across Australia, total employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories differ across industry categories. When weighted against Stuart's industry breakdown, local employment is modeled to grow by 6.6% across five years and 13.9% across ten years, representing a baseline extrapolation that excludes local demographic 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
Taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Stuart sit below national benchmarks based on AreaSearch's synthesis of ATO records for financial year 2023. Stuart records a median taxable income of $45,040 and a mean income of $52,978, compared to Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Accounting for an 11.36% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, indexed values reach approximately $50,157 (median) and $58,996 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, individual, family, and household earnings across Stuart tracked between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationwide.
The largest share of residents falls into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, comprising 37.2% of residents (598 people), mirroring metropolitan proportions where 31.7% sit in this range. Housing affordability constraints are pronounced, with residual earnings after housing costs standing at 84.8%, placing the suburb in 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
According to the most recent Census, the residential landscape in Stuart was dominated by standalone houses at 94.5%, while semi-detached dwellings, units, and other formats made up 5.6%, compared with 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Outright home ownership stood at 29.4%, lagging the broader Regional Qld level, with 41.2% of properties held under a mortgage and 29.4% occupied by tenants. Median monthly mortgage commitments were $1,213, well below the Regional Qld benchmark of $1,655, while median weekly rent was recorded at $250, compared to $345 regionally.
Against national benchmarks, Stuart's mortgage payments sit considerably under the Australian average of $1,863, with rental costs trailing the national standard 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 arrangements represent the majority of local living structures at 59.1%, consisting of 21.3% couples without children, 18.9% couples with children, and 16.5% single parent families. Non-family living situations account for the remaining 40.9%, led by single-person households at 36.0% and group households at 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, slightly below 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
Tertiary attainment in the locality presents challenges, with 5.0% of residents holding a higher education qualification compared to 30.4% across Australia, highlighting an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees form the primary credential at 4.0%, followed by postgraduate awards at 0.8% and graduate diplomas at 0.2%. Vocational qualifications account for 11.3% of formal achievements among residents aged 15+, comprising advanced diplomas (2.4%) and certificates (8.9%). A substantial proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 81.6% of residents enrolled in an educational course. Primary schooling accounts for 36.9% of attendees, secondary education represents 19.3%, and tertiary studies comprise 9.6%.
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 transit infrastructure in Stuart encompasses 11 operational bus stops. These locations are connected by 1 routes that deliver a combined 40 weekly passenger trips. Transit accessibility across the suburb is moderate, with typical walking distances of 430 meters to the closest stop. Given its residential orientation, outward commuting is standard, with private vehicles accounting for 89% of journeys and walking representing 7%. Households maintain an average of 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, while 5.5% of workers worked from home according to the 2021 Census under potential pandemic influences. Transit services run at an average frequency of 5 trips per day across the network, providing 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
AreaSearch's evaluation of chronic illness and mortality indicators reveals meaningful health concerns across Stuart affecting both younger cohorts and older demographics, while private health insurance coverage remains low at approximately 48% of the total population (~775 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national rate of 55.7%. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the primary diagnosed medical conditions locally, impacting 10.4 and 10.2% of residents respectively, whereas 57.9% of inhabitants reported no diagnosed chronic conditions compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents face elevated rates of chronic illness.
Residents aged 65 and over account for 7.2% of the local community (115 people), below the Regional Qld figure of 20.3%, with older demographics facing challenging health indicators relative to broader benchmarks.
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
Cultural diversity in Stuart ranks below broader averages, with Australian citizens making up 23.6% of residents, 95.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, encompassing 55.3% of the community. The most notable statistical divergence occurs in the Other religious category, which accounts for 3.0% of residents versus 0.8% across Regional Qld. Regarding ancestral origins based on parental birthplace, the primary backgrounds reported in Stuart are Australian (31.0%), English (27.5%), and Irish (10.2%). Distinct demographic variations appear across other heritage groups, including Hungarian ancestry at 0.7% (compared to 0.2% regionally), Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 5.8% (versus 3.9%), and German ancestry at 5.1% (compared to 4.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Stuart (Qld) is 36. 39.6% 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
Demographically, the suburb of Stuart (Qld) leans heavily toward young adults without dependent children. Based on estimates updated to August 2026, 54.9% of the population consists of young to middle-aged adults aged 25 - 44, compared to 25.5% across Regional Qld, while children and youth aged 0 - 24 comprise 15.1% against 29.6% regionally. The median age estimated by AreaSearch is 36 as at August 2026, mirroring the 2021 Census figure and sitting 5 years below the Regional Qld median of 41 from the same Census. Since the Census, the proportion of retirees and seniors aged 65+ has increased from 5.2% to an estimated 7.2%.
By 2041, senior cohorts are projected to drive net demographic gains, adding 19 residents (17%) to total 135, while children, young adults, middle-aged groups, and younger retirees are projected to contract.
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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 4 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 Aug 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 Aug 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.