West End (Townsville - Qld)

West End 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, the West End (Townsville - Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 4,074 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 183 people (4.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,891 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,024 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,318 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The West End (Townsville - Qld) (SA2)'s 4.7% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to shrink by 325 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is 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 of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, West End recorded around 7 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 36 homes were approved, with an additional 3 so far in FY-26. On average, 3.1 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

This demand significantly exceeded new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes were being built at an average construction cost of $327,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, West End recorded $8.7 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, West End had markedly lower building activity, 57.0% below the regional average per person, indicating scarcity of new dwellings and strengthening demand for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

This level was also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity showed 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining West End's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers were building more traditional houses than the current mix suggested at Census (49.0%), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 450 people per dwelling approval, West End showed a developed 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could affect 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates West End faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

West End has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 8.8% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, West End had 2,091 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 4.7% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation was 64.0%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major employment sectors were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Public administration & safety showed strong specialization with an employment share twice the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.3% compared to region's 4.5%. From September 2021 to September 2022, West End's labour force increased by 0.2%, but employment declined by 2.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 showed 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 indicate overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West End's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of West End's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in West End is $66,732 and the average income stands at $86,587. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $73,345 (median) and $95,168 (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 (1,246 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

In West End, as per the latest Census evaluation, 49.0% of dwellings were houses while 51.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in West End stood at 19.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.2% and rented ones at 52.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in West End 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 49.6%, with lone person households at 44.4% and group households making up 5.1%. 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 regionally, with university qualification rates of 29.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and the Rest of Qld figure of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.6% while certificates make up 26.8%.

Educational participation is high at 27.8%, including 8.4% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 20 active stops operating within West End, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 370 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 238 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 52 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per 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 (2,505 people), compared to 53.9% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues impact 10.7% of residents, while arthritis affects 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 (696 people), higher than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present 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 citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 48.2% of West End's population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.6%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Spanish (0.6%) and French (0.6%) groups were overrepresented in West End compared to regional averages of 0.4% each. Additionally, German ancestry was slightly higher at 4.5% versus the region's 4.0%.

West End's population is slightly older than 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 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 years are prominent at 17.7%, while those aged 5-14 years are comparatively smaller at 7.7% compared to Rest of Qld. From 2021 to present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.9% to 17.7%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 12.0% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 15.2% to 11.7%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 9.2% to 7.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in West End's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 67 people (an increase of 87%) from 77 to 145. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.