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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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Sunset has an estimated 2,205 residents, up from 2,137 at the 2021 Census — a change of 68 people, or 3.2%. That puts 1,070 residents on each 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
As of Aug 2026, the population of the suburb of Sunset stands at approximately 2,205 residents, determined through AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS updates alongside post-Census validated address counts. This represents an addition of 68 people (3.2%) compared to the 2,137 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. These figures stem from AreaSearch examining the latest June 2025 ABS ERP figures combined with subsequent address additions, yielding an estimated 2,205 local residents. The suburb of Sunset maintains a population density of 1,070 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with typical benchmarks recorded across AreaSearch locations.
Furthermore, the 3.2% expansion recorded since the 2021 census positioned the community ahead of the broader SA3 figure (1.9%), establishing it as a regional growth frontrunner. Natural increase served as the primary demographic driver, generating roughly 65.0% of recent population additions. Demographic modeling for the suburb of Sunset relies on 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 releases anchored to a 2022 base year, supplemented by 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 series based on 2021 data for uncovered locations and periods beyond post-2032. Because state projections omit age-specific breakdowns, AreaSearch applies proportional distribution weights derived from 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) across each demographic cohort. Looking ahead, this framework projects an overall demographic contraction of 65 persons by 2041 across the suburb of Sunset. Despite this aggregate reduction, certain age segments are set to expand, most notably the 25 to 34 demographic, which is projected to grow by 44 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity across Sunset remains exceptionally quiet, with annual dwelling approvals averaging less than 1 new home, translating to minimal dwellings across the entire five-year span. Such muted development activity aligns with rural settings characterized by modest residential requirements and constraints tied to local demand and infrastructure capacity. It is worth noting that due to the constrained sample size, single residential schemes can exert an outsized effect on annual progression metrics and comparative standings. Residential building volumes in Sunset trail well behind the levels observed across Rest of Qld, while also falling short of nationwide benchmarks.
Given that demographic projections point toward either population stability or contraction, prospective homebuyers in Sunset are positioned to gain from easing pressure on local housing demand.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Sunset
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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 12 current infrastructure and development projects close to Sunset, worth an estimated $1.09 billion. 2 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, energy and health & medical. 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, planned initiatives, and public investments play a defining role in shaping local growth and community outcomes. AreaSearch has identified a total of 4 projects anticipated to influence Sunset, featuring the Mount Isa Mines - Black Star Open Cut Project, Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap, Mount Isa Police Accommodation and Justice System Resourcing, and Essential Pipeline Works - City Low and high Systems, which are detailed below in order of local significance.
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
Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation
The Residential Activation Fund is a 2 billion dollar program aimed at accelerating housing supply by funding critical trunk infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and transport. At least 1 billion dollars is specifically earmarked for regional areas outside South East Queensland. Round 2 of the fund opened in early 2026, with funding announcements for successful projects expected from July 2026. The program targets construction-ready projects to fast-track the delivery of new homes.
Urban Public Housing - Peko Road
A $3.4 million project, part of a larger program to increase public housing supply. The project saw the construction of six new 1-bedroom units for individuals on the Northern Territory's social housing waitlist.
Venture Housing - Social and Affordable Homes
A $6.9 million partnership between Venture Housing, Housing Australia, the Northern Territory Government and the Australian Government delivered twelve new two-bedroom social and affordable homes across three adjoining sites in Tennant Creek. Venture Housing developed the homes and contributed land plus $1.5 million toward costs, supported by a $3 million Housing Australia grant, a $1.9 million joint Barkly Regional Deal grant, and a $500,000 NT Government capital grant. Habitat (NT) Pty Ltd was the building contractor.The development comprises five social and seven affordable homes, providing housing for older women at risk of homelessness, women and children fleeing domestic violence, and Aboriginal people eligible for social or affordable housing. Construction began in June 2024 and the project was confirmed completed by mid-2025.
Territory Energy Link
A multi-user, multi-asset infrastructure corridor running approximately 670km from near Elliott to the Middle Arm Precinct in Darwin. Formerly known as the Tennant Creek to Darwin Infrastructure Corridor, the project is currently in Stage 2 (feasibility phase) of a four-stage program, following completion of a 2024 prefeasibility study that identified a preliminary alignment within a 530m wide study area. The final corridor is expected to be approximately 130m wide and will support buried services including gas, water, optical fibre and future hydrogen pipelines, connecting the Beetaloo Sub-basin to the Middle Arm Precinct and other strategic infrastructure in Darwin.The NT Government will plan, secure and manage the corridor land, while individual pipelines and utilities will be delivered by industry proponents under separate approvals. In 2025 the government awarded a tender to CNC Project Management Pty Ltd for specialist technical advisory services, targeting a development-ready 670km priority section by 2028.
Tennant Creek Aviation and Accommodation Hub
Airport Development Group (ADG) has released a draft concept plan for a staged $30-35 million upgrade of Tennant Creek Airport to support regional aviation and logistics growth in the Barkly region. The plan proposes extending and strengthening the main runway for regular jet operations, expanding the apron for fixed-wing and rotary FIFO connections, upgrading the terminal and car park, modernising electrical systems and signage, and delivering an Essential Key Worker Accommodation Precinct for up to 100 personnel to support government, defence and industry operations.The project targets capacity growth to 100,000 passengers annually and has the support of the Barkly Regional Council and NT Government agencies.
Longreach Hospital Upgrade
An AUD10 million upgrade of the Longreach Hospital, which included the redevelopment of half the hospital, a full mechanical services upgrade, and a new Aramac Primary Health Centre. The project was completed in 2019.
Longreach Recreational Precinct
A $2.25 million project funded by the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program. The project will include a new fenced dog park, a pump track, a half basketball court, a botanical walkway, and shaded playgrounds with all-abilities elements, complementing the existing skate park.
Longreach Solar Farm
A 17.4 MW solar photovoltaic project developed by Canadian Solar, which began commercial operation in May 2018. The project consists of 51,330 solar panels.
1,251 residents of Sunset are employed, from a labour force of 1,284. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 77.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,600, about 73% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Sunset maintains a well-distributed labour market covering professional and manual vocations, underpinned by prominent industrial and manufacturing sectors and a low jobless rate of 2.6% according to aggregated AreaSearch data. March 2026 records show 1,251 employed residents, with local joblessness tracking 1.3% under the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, alongside an exceptional participation rate of 77.1% against 64.2% regionally. In addition, Census records indicate that merely 1.2% of workers performed their duties from home, though historical Covid-19 containment measures provide relevant background. Resident employment is concentrated primarily across mining, health care & social assistance, as well as education & training.
The local workforce demonstrates pronounced specialization in mining, capturing a market share 9.2 times above the regional standard. Conversely, the construction sector represents a smaller component of the local economy, engaging 4.7% of workers relative to 10.1% across the broader region. Comparing Census counts of resident workers against the local daytime workforce underscores that employment options within the immediate residential area remain restricted. AreaSearch evaluations of broader ABS and SALM metrics indicate that across the 12 months to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 0.8% and total employment dropped by 0.7%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage points reduction in the unemployment rate. Over the identical timeframe, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% rise in employment and a 0.3% increase in labour force participation, alongside a 0.1 percentage points uptick in unemployment. National outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia dated Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future employment conditions in Sunset. Across the country, employment is expected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector trajectories vary widely. When these national industry forecasts are calibrated to Sunset's specific job base, projected local job gains reach 5.0% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighting model that excludes localized demographic projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Sunset is $2,325 a week (about $121,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,184 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $73,052 a year against an average of $83,797. 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
Aggregated postcode data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates that Sunset recorded a median taxpayer earnings figure of $73,052 alongside an average of $83,797. These metrics substantially outpace broader benchmarks, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 recorded across Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from financial year 2023 yields updated March 2026 figures of roughly $81,351 for median income and $93,316 on average. Census findings place local personal, family, and household earnings within the top tiers nationwide, ranking between the 84th and 90th percentiles. Weekly income between $1,500 - 2,999 represents the largest cohort at 37.0% of the population (815 people), mirroring the regional rate of 31.7%.
High-earning households generating upwards of $3,000 per week comprise 33.8% of the community, driving strong consumer spending. Furthermore, households retain 87.8% of their earnings following housing expenses, highlighting considerable disposable resources.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Sunset had 717 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 91% detached houses and 0% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 47% rented and 18% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $349 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,500 a month. Rent absorbs 15.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 14.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential dwellings in Sunset at the latest Census were heavily weighted toward standalone houses at 90.5%, with alternative dwelling formats (comprising semi-detached houses, apartments, and 'other' dwellings) making up 9.5%, in contrast to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Outright home ownership stood at 18.2%, falling behind the wider regional level, while mortgaged properties accounted for 35.1% and rental housing represented 46.6%. Typical monthly mortgage payments were $1,500, under the Regional Qld figure of $1,655, while weekly median rent reached $349, slightly exceeding the regional benchmark of $345.
On a national scale, Sunset home loan repayments sit well below the Australian median of $1,863, and rents remain lower than the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Sunset counted 717 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 35% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the vast majority of local living arrangements at 72.9%, comprising couples with children at 35.1%, childless couples at 23.0%, and single parent families at 14.2%. Non-family domestic arrangements account for 27.1%, consisting of single-occupant homes at 23.8% and group households at 3.1%. The typical local household size is 2.7 people, exceeding the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.4% of adults in Sunset hold a university qualification, including 10.6% with a bachelor degree and 2.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 89% of areas nationally. A further 36.4% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 313 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 750 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment of higher education credentials represents an area for improvement within the locality, as tertiary qualification holders account for 14.4% of residents, trailing the Australian standard of 30.4%. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Conversely, vocational and practical qualifications are widespread, with 43.7% of individuals aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (36.4%). A significant share of the population is actively engaged in study, with 33.0% of residents undertaking formal courses.
This cohort comprises 14.2% attending primary school, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.8% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Sunset means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
77.7% of residents in Sunset report no long-term health condition. 3.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 60.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Demographic health assessments by AreaSearch identify notable health considerations in Sunset, based on local mortality statistics and the incidence of chronic illnesses across both younger and senior cohorts, alongside an exceptionally high private health insurance rate of roughly 60% of residents (1,331 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent reported illnesses locally, diagnosed in 7.1 and 5.6% of the population respectively, while 77.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health indicators among the working-age population are particularly positive with limited long-term conditions.
Furthermore, individuals aged 65 and over represent 9.7% of the community (213 people), tracking well below the 20.3% observed in Regional Qld, with overall national rankings corresponding closely with broader population levels.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Sunset is largely Australian-born, at 82.4% of residents, with 9.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (26.0%) and English (21.9%). 15.2% 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 metrics for Sunset position the area below standard benchmarks, with Australian citizens comprising 84.6% of the community, 82.4% born within Australia, and 90.8% speaking exclusively English in the home. In terms of religious affiliation, Christianity represents the predominant faith, accounting for 50.6% of residents in Sunset compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Assessing parental birthplace and heritage, the leading backgrounds in Sunset include Australian at 26.0%, English at 21.9% (below the regional benchmark of 29.6%), and Australian Aboriginal at 15.2% (considerably higher than the 3.9% recorded across the region).
Distinct differences also appear across other origins, with Filipino ancestry representing 3.1% (compared to 0.9% regionally), Hungarian background at 0.4% (against 0.2%), and New Zealand heritage at 1.1% (versus 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Sunset is 31, younger than 93% of areas nationally. 32.2% 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
Sunset exhibits an exceptionally high concentration of young families, with children and young people aged 0 - 24 representing 38.1% of the community as at August 2026, compared to 29.6% across Regional Qld. In contrast, senior residents aged 65+ comprise 9.7% locally against 20.4% regionally. The estimated median age in Sunset is 31 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure while sitting 10 years younger than the Regional Qld median of 41 from that Census, and below the Australian median of 38 at the same Census. Among age cohorts, residents aged 45 - 64 reduced from 22.1% at the Census to an estimated 20.3%.
Looking toward 2041, individuals aged 25 - 44 are projected to experience the highest growth, increasing by 41 (6%) to reach 744, whereas cohorts comprising children, youth, and mature adults are anticipated to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Sunset
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 May 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. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,137 at the 2021 Census → 2,205 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 (SAL32698). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.