Townsville City

Townsville City has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Townsville City suburb is around 3,108 people. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,945 people, a rise of 163 individuals (5.5%). AreaSearch's estimation of resident population in June 2024 was 3,106, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,501 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections until 2032, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Post-2032 and for areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Future population trends suggest a growth of 313 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.4% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Townsville City, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Townsville City averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 37 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26 to date. This averages out to about 2 people moving to the area annually for each new home constructed over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $1,213,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment properties. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled around $36.0 million, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

All new constructions have been detached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and catering to space-seeking buyers. This trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (12.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. Townsville City reflects a highly mature market with around 764 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate the city will gain approximately 292 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Townsville City has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include Defence Housing Australia's Townsville New Builds Volume Leasing Program (400+ Homes), Marina Residences, The Hive - 10-15 The Strand Masterplan, and Mater Private Hospital Townsville Relocation. The following list details those most relevant.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Townsville City faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Townsville City has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.0% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

By June 2025, the unemployment rate had risen to 3.1% above Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Townsville City was fairly standard at 64.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Public administration & safety had an employment share of 3.1 times the regional level, while construction showed lower representation at 5.8% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

As per the Census, there were 3.1 workers for every resident in Townsville City, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In a 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 2.7% while employment decreased by 4.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.1 percentage points in Townsville City. Conversely, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Townsville City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Townsville City's median income among taxpayers is $72,139. The average income in the city is $98,172. Nationally, this is exceptionally high compared to the Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Townsville City would be approximately $82,231 (median) and $111,906 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally are $1,182 weekly. In Townsville City, the income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 36.7% of the community (1,140 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Townsville City features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Townsville City, as per the latest Census data, houses constituted 11.6% of dwellings, with other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings making up the remaining 88.4%. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no recorded houses or other dwellings at the time of evaluation. Home ownership in Townsville City stood at 23.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.8% and rented ones at 57.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,663, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $390, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of $0 for both metrics. Nationally, Townsville City's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Townsville City features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a median household size of 1.8 people

Family households comprise 50.0% of all households, including 10.7% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 5.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 50.0%, with lone person households at 43.2% and group households comprising 6.6%. The median household size is 1.8 people.

Townsville City demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Townsville City is notably high, with 42.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This compares to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.7% across the state. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.8% and certificates for 19.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.2% in tertiary education, 4.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing primary education. As of the given data, educational facilities appear to be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis in Townsville City shows 21 operational transport stops, consisting of both ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes, together facilitating 2,523 weekly passenger journeys. Residential accessibility to public transport is deemed excellent, with residents usually situated 199 metres from the nearest stop.

The average service frequency across all routes is 360 trips daily, equating to approximately 120 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Townsville City is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Townsville City shows above-average health outcomes for both young and elderly age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 66% of its total population of 2,054 has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.5% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.2%, while 71.1% report no medical ailments. This is notably higher than the 0% reported across the rest of Queensland. Townsville City has 17.0% of its population aged 65 and over, comprising 528 people. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

Townsville City was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Townsville City's population showed greater linguistic diversity, with 12.8% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to most local markets. Born overseas, 28.7% of Townsville residents were born abroad. Christianity was the predominant religion in Townsville City, accounting for 49.5%.

Notably, Hinduism, at 1.4%, was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland (None%). In terms of ancestry, English comprised 28.1%, Australian 20.5%, and Irish 9.8% of Townsville's population. Welsh (0.8%), Korean (1.0%), and French (0.7%) groups were overrepresented in Townsville City compared to regional averages (None%).

Townsville City's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Townsville City as of 2021 is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 25.2% of the population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage and significantly above the national average of 14.5%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort makes up 3.8%, lower than Rest of Qld's figure. Post-census data shows Townsville City's median age decreased by 1 year to 38 in 2021 from 39 previously. The 75-84 age group grew from 4.1% to 5.7% during this period, while the 25-34 cohort rose from 23.6% to 25.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.6% to 11.4%, and the 55-64 group fell from 15.0% to 13.2%. By 2041, Townsville City's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 199 people (26%), from 783 to 983. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 45-54 cohorts.