Sunset

Sunset has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Sunset statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the 2021 Census, the population is estimated at around 2,237 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 100 people (4.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,137 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,236, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,085 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Sunset's 4.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.5%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Sunset's population expected to reduce by 78 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 56 people.

The level of residential development activity in Sunset is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Sunset has minimal residential development activity with less than 1 dwelling approval annually over the five-year period ending in 2021. This low level of development is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Sunset has substantially lower development levels compared to the Rest of Qld. This activity level is also below national patterns.

Population projections indicate stability or decline in Sunset, which should result in reduced housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting buyers.

Sunset has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact the area's performance due to changes in local infrastructure. These include Mount Isa Mines' Black Star Open Cut Project, the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap, Mount Isa Police Accommodation and Justice System Resourcing, and Essential Pipeline Works - City Low and High Systems. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Sunset demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Sunset has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.

Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of September 2025, 1,269 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 71.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Mining employment is notably concentrated, at 9.2 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, with employment decreasing by 0.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Sunset's employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Sunset suburb's income level is extremely high nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers is $73,052, average income stands at $83,797. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $80,291 (median) and $92,101 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Sunset's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 90th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.0% of Sunset community (827 individuals), consistent with surrounding region's 31.7%. A substantial proportion, 33.8%, earns above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

In Sunset, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 9.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 77.3% houses and 22.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunset stood at 18.2%, with mortgaged properties at 35.1% and rented ones at 46.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $349 compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of $220. Nationally, Sunset's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Sunset has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.9% of all households, including 35.1% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.1%, consisting of 23.8% lone person households and 3.1% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Sunset faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (36.4%). Educational participation is high at 33.0%, with 14.2% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.2% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Sunset's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Sunset's health outcomes show notable results, with younger age groups having a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 60% of Sunset's total population (1,351 people) has private health cover, compared to 57.5% in the rest of Queensland.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.1% and 5.6% of residents respectively. A total of 77.7% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 76.2% in the rest of Queensland. Sunset has 9.1% of its population aged 65 and over (203 people).

Sunset ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Sunset has a below-average cultural diversity, with 84.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (82.4%), and speaking English only at home (90.8%). Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 50.6%, compared to 52.2% across the Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (26.0%), English (21.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (15.2%).

Notably, Filipino representation is higher at 3.1% in Sunset than regionally (2.0%), as is Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.1%) and New Zealand (1.1% vs 0.7%).

Sunset hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Sunset's median age of 31 years is significantly younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 25-34 in Sunset is strong at 18.9%, compared to Rest of Qld, while those aged 65-74 are less prevalent at 5.0%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of people aged 25-34 has increased from 17.7% to 18.9%, while the percentage of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.5% to 10.4%. The proportion of people aged 5-14 has also dropped, from 17.2% to 15.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Sunset. The number of people aged 25-34 is projected to increase by 48 (an 11% rise) from 422 to 471. Conversely, population declines are expected for those aged 45-54 and 55-64.