Sunset

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Sunset, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Sunset's population is estimated at around 2,237 as of Feb 2026. 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 on Jun 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 suburb of Sunset's 4.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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, 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 70 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 December 2020. 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 yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects due to such low approval numbers.

Sunset has substantially lower development levels than the rest of Queensland, with this activity level also below national patterns. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Sunset, which should result in reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting the region: Mount Isa Mines' Black Star Open Cut Project, Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap, Mount Isa Police Accommodation and Justice System Resourcing, Essential Pipeline Works - City Low and High Systems. The following details projects most relevant to the area.

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 Sunset demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Sunset's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with strong representation from manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 2.7%. Over the past year, employment remained relatively stable.

As of September 2025, 1,268 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Sunset was 77.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 1.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment were mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Mining had particularly high concentration with employment levels at 9.2 times the regional average. Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, with employment decreasing by 0.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that Sunset's employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Sunset's employment mix.

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

Sunset suburb's median income among taxpayers was $73,052 in financial year 2023, with an average income of $83,797. This compares to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $80,291 (median) and $92,101 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Sunset's household, family, and personal incomes highly nationally, between the 84th and 90th percentiles. The earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 37.0% of Sunset residents (827 individuals), slightly higher than the 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Sunset's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.5% houses and 9.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunset was at 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 46.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Sunset was $349, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Sunset's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.1%, with lone person households at 23.8% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.3% and certificates at 36.4%.

Educational participation is 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.

Health performance in Sunset is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Sunset faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among younger and older age cohorts alike.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,351 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.1 and 5.6% of residents respectively. However, 77.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.5% of residents aged 65 and over (212 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

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

Sunset's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.6% of its population being citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 50.6% of Sunset's population, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (26.0%), English (21.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (15.2%).

Notably, Filipino representation was higher at 3.1%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and New Zealand at 1.1%.

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 age group of 25-34 represents a strong 19.3% in Sunset compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 5.0%. Between 2021 and the present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 17.7% to 19.3%, whereas the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 10.0% and the 5-14 group has dropped from 17.2% to 15.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Sunset, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to increase by 36 people (8%), from 431 to 468. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.