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, Wandal's population is estimated at around 4081 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 132 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3949 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4075, 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 1133 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, 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 a base year of 2022. 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated. The Wandal statistical area (Lv2) is expected to expand by 209 persons to reach a total population of 4280 by the year 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of approximately 5.5% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wandal according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data shows Wandal had approximately 5 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 26 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $347,000, consistent with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $414,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Wandal shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 67.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, the area's building activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving Wandal's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 1356 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wandal is expected to grow by 223 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wandal has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. 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 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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.1%.

Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,194 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar at 61.3% versus Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Notably, health care & social assistance has employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.3% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment remained stable (0.0%) while labour force increased by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wandal. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wandal's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Wandal had a median income among taxpayers of $59,378 with the average level standing at $76,996. This is above national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,262 (median) and $84,626 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, personal income ranks at the 50th percentile ($803 weekly), while household income sits at the 32nd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 29.5% of Wandal's population (1,203 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional trends 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

Wandal's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.3% houses and 11.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wandal was at 29.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (33.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Wandal was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Wandal's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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

Educational qualifications in Wandal Trail differ from national benchmarks. 21.1% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 36.2% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (27.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.9% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.1%), secondary (7.9%), and tertiary (4.4%).

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, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 58% (~2,355 people), compared to 53.7% in the rest of Queensland.

Mental health issues affect 10.5% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.0%. 62.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the rest of Queensland. Wandal has 21.2% (865 people) aged 65 and over, higher than the 18.5% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly inline 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.2% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wandal, making up 56.5% of its population. However, Judaism, comprising 0.2%, is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland where it makes up 0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.5%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, German (5.3%) and Scottish (8.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Wandal compared to regional averages of 4.9% and 7.6%, respectively. Additionally, the representation of Australian Aboriginal people is lower at 4.4% compared to the regional average of 5.1%.

Wandal's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Wandal has a median age of 40 years, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly higher than the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 14.2%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.2% of Wandal's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.1%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that by 2041, Wandal's age profile will significantly evolve. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 134 people and reaching a total of 714 from the current figure of 579. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.