Wandal

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wandal is around 4,086. This figure reflects an increase of 137 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,949. The current resident population estimate of 4,075 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of additional 19 new addresses since the Census date, indicates this increase. This results in a density ratio of 1,135 persons per square kilometer, roughly inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings inline with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort where utilised. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is anticipated for the suburb of Wandal, with an expected growth of 206 persons to reach a total population of 4,292 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.4% 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 in Wandal shows approximately 5 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 26 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY26. On average, this results in about 4.1 new residents per year for every home built during these years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $347,000, consistent with regional patterns. In FY26, $414,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland. Wandal has significantly less development activity, 67.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Compared to national averages, Wandal's development activity is also lower, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development in Wandal has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. As of now, there are approximately 1356 people per approval in Wandal, indicating a mature, established area. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest that Wandal will add around 222 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Wandal recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Wandal's workforce comprises skilled individuals with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of September 2025, showing relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data. There were 2,196 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 1.0% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicated that a low 4.2% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance had employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 1.3% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force increased by 1.0%, while employment decreased by 0.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered insights into potential future demand within Wandal. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wandal's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Wandal had a median taxpayer income of $59,378 and an average income of $76,996. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $65,262 (median) and $84,626 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 50th percentile ($803 weekly), while household income is at the 32nd percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.5% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with surrounding region's 31.7%. After housing costs, 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

In Wandal, according to the latest Census evaluation, 88.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.7% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wandal stood at 29.3%, with mortgaged properties making up 37.3% and rented dwellings comprising 33.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, which is lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Wandal was recorded at $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Wandal's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 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

Wandal Trail has educational qualifications that trail regional benchmarks, with 21.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 15.6% of residents in this age group. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 3.3%, and graduate diplomas by 2.2%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

This includes advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (27.9%). Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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 issues in Wandal based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high health condition prevalence.

Private health cover is notably high at approximately 58% (~2,358 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Qld. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.5% and 10.0% respectively. However, 62.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Qld. Working-age residents face substantial health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (858 people). Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 its population comprising 91.2% citizens, 91.0% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wandal, accounting for 56.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation in Wandal with 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestral groups were English (30.5%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (9.0%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 5.3% (vs regional 4.7%), Scottish at 8.9% (vs 7.8%), and Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% (vs 3.9%).

Wandal's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Wandal is 39 years, which is lower than the average for Rest of Qld at 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.7%, while those aged 5-14 are smaller at 10.1% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.6% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 19%, from 600 to 715 people. However, both the 65-74 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.