Wandal

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Wandal's population is estimated at around 4,074 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 125 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,949 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,064, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,131 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 208 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wandal had around 6 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 34 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 3.1 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outstripping new supply, which can lead to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $347,000, below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $2.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wandal shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 56.0% fewer approvals per person, which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints or market maturity. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with approximately 1627 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Wandal is projected to grow by 229 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate), with development pace keeping reasonable pace with projected growth despite increasing buyer competition as population expands.

Looking ahead, Wandal is expected to grow by 229 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include the Rockhampton Ring Road, Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, Rocky Stadium at Victoria Park, and Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment. The following list details those expected to be 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.

Employment performance in Wandal has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Wandal has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 2,240 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 61.3%, slightly above Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance employment levels are at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.3% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, and labour force grew by 5.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Wandal. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. Applying these projections to Wandal's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Wandal had a median income among taxpayers of $59,378. The average income stood at $76,996. This was among the highest in Australia compared to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $67,685 for median income and $87,768 for average income as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 50th percentile with a weekly income of $803, while household income sits at the 32nd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 29.5% of the population, which is 1,201 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses.

Wandal is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Wandal, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.3% houses and 11.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wandal was 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 33.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Wandal was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Wandal's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wandal features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.5% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.5%, consisting of 33.2% lone person households and 4.3% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Wandal Trail has educational qualifications that trail regional benchmarks, with 21.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. The most common qualifications are bachelor degrees (15.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (27.9%). Educational participation is high in the area, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (9.1%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (4.4%). The three schools in Wandal Trail have a combined enrollment of 1,937 students and provide balanced educational opportunities, with an ICSEA score of 966. There are two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. The area functions as an education hub, offering 47.5 school places per 100 residents, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 17.6. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Wandal is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Wandal. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 58% (~2,351 people) have private health cover, higher than the Rest of Qld's 53.2%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.5% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Sixty-two percent declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 64.7%. Twenty-one point two percent of residents are aged 65 and over (863 people), higher than the Rest of Qld's 18.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Wandal is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wandal had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.2% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 56.5% of Wandal's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in Judaism, which constituted 0.2% compared to 0.0% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.5%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (9.0%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 5.3% compared to 4.9% regionally, Scottish at 8.9% versus 7.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% against 5.1%.

Wandal's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wandal's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly higher than the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.2% of Wandal's population compared to Rest of Qld's figure. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort makes up only 10.3%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 11.2% to 13.2%, while the 45-54 and 55-64 cohorts declined to 11.1% and 11.2%, respectively. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Wandal's age profile. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 23%, reaching 712 from 578. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.