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 May 2026, the estimated population is approximately 2,205 people. This reflects an increase of 68 individuals (3.2%) compared to the 2021 Census figure of 2,137 people. The change was inferred from the resident population estimate of 2,205 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,070 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Sunset's growth rate of 3.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average of 1.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing 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. However, 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Sunset's population expected to reduce by 61 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 50 people.

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

Sunset has had minimal residential development activity with fewer than one dwelling approval annually over the past five years. This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It is important to note that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary significantly based on individual projects.

Sunset has substantially lower development levels than the rest of Queensland. This activity level is also below national averages.

Population projections indicate stability or decline in Sunset, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures, which may benefit 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 has identified four projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are 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 most relevant.

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.

The labour market in Sunset shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Sunset's workforce is balanced across various sectors. Manufacturing and industrial jobs are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% as per AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,239 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is high at 76.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data shows that only 1.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 impacts should be considered. Key industries include mining, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Mining employment is notable, at 9.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction has lower representation at 4.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0%, with employment down by 1.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. This contrasts with Regional Qld's employment rise of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sunset's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though these are simplified extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Sunset's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Sunset is $73,052 and the average income stands at $83,797. These figures compare to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $81,351 (median) and $93,316 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Sunset rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 90th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.0% of Sunset's community (815 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners (33.8%) are above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the locality. 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

Dwelling structure in Sunset, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.5% houses and 9.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunset was 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented dwellings at 46.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $349, compared to Regional 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 at 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 - advanced diplomas account for 7.3% and certificates for 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,331 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.1 and 5.6% of residents respectively. 77.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (213 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional 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 and 82.4% born in Australia. The majority, 90.8%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sunset, comprising 50.6% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 26.0% of Sunset's population, while English and Australian Aboriginal comprised 21.9% and 15.2%, respectively. Notably, Filipino representation was higher at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 0.9%. Hungarian and New Zealand representations were also notably divergent at 0.4% and 1.1%, respectively.

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

Sunset's median age of 31 years is notably younger than Regional Queensland's 41 years and significantly younger than the national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation at 19.1% compared to Regional Queensland, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 5.2%. From 2021 to present, the percentage of the population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 17.7% to 19.1%, while the age groups of 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 have decreased from 12.5% to 10.1% and 17.2% to 15.9%, respectively. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Sunset, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to increase by 37 people (9%), from 421 to 459. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 45-54 age cohorts.