West End (Townsville - Qld)

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

As of Nov 2025, West End's population is estimated at around 3980 people, reflecting an increase of 89 individuals since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3891. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population as 3965 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of additional 16 new addresses post-Census date. The current density ratio is 1288 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53% to overall population gains recently. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area; for areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted.

Age category splits are applied proportionally using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 with a base year of 2022. Future projections indicate an overall population decline by 325 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated for specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group projected to expand by 73 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, West End has recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 31 homes were approved, with no approvals yet in FY-26.

On average, about 3.6 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during these five years. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes is $327,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Compared to the Rest of Qld, West End has markedly lower building activity, at 63.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties.

Nationally, this is also below average, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, maintaining West End's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (49.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 1012 people per dwelling approval, West End reflects a highly mature market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, West End may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Weststate Private Hospital, Army Aviation Program of Works at RAAF Base Townsville, Francis Street Roadworks in West End, and Mater Private Hospital Townsville Relocation. 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 drivers in West End are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

West End has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.1% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

This rate is 5.2 percentage points higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in West End is fairly standard at 64.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Public administration & safety shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, West End's labour force decreased by 1.9%, with employment declining by 5.2%, resulting in a rise of 3.1 percentage points in unemployment rate. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within West End. These projections estimate a 6.7% increase in local employment over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific growth rates against West End's current employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

West End's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $66,732. The average income stood at $86,587 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $76,068 (median) and $98,701 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 70th percentile ($921 weekly), while household income sits at the 29th percentile. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.6% of residents (1,217 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile.

West End displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in West End, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 49.0% houses and 51.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in West End was at 19.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 52.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,430, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, West End's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 50.4% of all households, including 15.9% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 49.6%, consisting of 44.4% lone person households and 5.1% group households. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable with university qualification rates at 29.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and Rest of Qld's rate of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also significant, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (26.8%).

Educational participation is high at 27.8%, including primary education (8.4%), tertiary education (7.2%), and secondary education (5.9%). The area has educational provision through Townsville West State School and Townsville Flexible School, serving a total of 309 students with varied conditions (ICSEA: 865). Educational institutions are limited to one primary and one secondary school, with local capacity at 7.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating in West End, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 4 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 370 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 238 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 52 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West End is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

West End faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (2,448 people), compared to 53.3% across Rest of Qld and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues impact 10.7% of residents, while arthritis impacts 7.5%.

Sixty-six point seven percent declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. Seventeen point one percent of residents are aged 65 and over (680 people), higher than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

West End ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

West End's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.1% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in West End, comprising 48.2% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religion category is overrepresented in West End at 0.9%, compared to 0.7% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (27.6%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Spanish is overrepresented at 0.6%, French at 0.6%, and German at 4.5%.

West End's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in West End is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 17.7%, while those aged 5-14 are smaller at 7.7% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group grew from 15.9% to 17.7%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.0% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.2% to 11.7%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 9.2% to 7.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in West End's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 69 people (92%) from 75 to 145. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.