Wandal

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

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Wandal is estimated at around 4,098 people. This figure reflects an increase of 149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,949 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population using the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and validation of 19 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,138 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. 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 adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings inline with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated. The suburb is expected to expand by 169 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.1% in total over the 16 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 in Wandal shows around 5 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 27 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. This translates to approximately 2.7 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $347,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

In the current financial year, there have been $414,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wandal shows substantially reduced construction, with 65.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties due to limited new supply. The area's building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 1349 people per dwelling approval, Wandal demonstrates an established market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wandal is expected to grow by 169 residents through to 2041. Development activity is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be anticipated as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact this region. Major initiatives include the Rockhampton Ring Road, Rocky Stadium at Victoria Park, Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment, and Ski Gardens Master Plan Development. The following 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 4.0%, Wandal has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Wandal has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 2,172 residents employed, and the unemployment rate aligns with Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's at 64.5%. Census responses indicate that only 4.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.4 times regional average), education & training, and construction. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.3% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, with employment decreasing by 2.5%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 30 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 higher than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $66,123 (median) and $85,743 (average) as of March 2026. 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 (1,208 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.7%. After accounting for 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

Dwelling structure in Wandal, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, comprised 88.3% houses and 11.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The level of 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, as of 2016 data, was $1,300, which is below Regional Queensland's average of $1,655 and Australia's national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Wandal was recorded at $270, substantially lower than Regional Queensland's $345 and Australia's 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 account for 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, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 region show that 21.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 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 challenges for Wandal, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 58% of the total population (around 2,364 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.5% and 10.0% of residents respectively. About 62.0% of residents reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of a specific date in 20XX (exact date format preserved), the area had 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 864 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with those of the broader population.

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 spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.5% of Wandal's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Wandal at 0.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.5%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (9.0%). However, certain ethnic groups showed notable divergences: German was overrepresented at 5.3% in Wandal versus the regional average of 4.7%, Scottish at 8.9% compared to 7.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% against Regional Qld's 3.9%.

Wandal's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Wandal is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.7%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 10.8% compared to Regional Queensland. Since 2021, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Wandal's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 96 people (16%) from 602 to 699. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.