West Gladstone

West Gladstone is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of West Gladstone is around 5,150. This reflects an increase of 306 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,844 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,146 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 726 persons per square kilometer. West Gladstone's 6.3% growth since census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.6%). Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected. The suburb is expected to increase by 602 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within West Gladstone when compared nationally

West Gladstone has seen approximately 9 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 47 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. This results in an average of 7.2 new residents arriving annually per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average cost of $407,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. This year has seen $87,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, West Gladstone records about 57% of building activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options while demand for established homes strengthens. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing mix of 75.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The area has an estimated 352 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate West Gladstone will gain 599 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

West Gladstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include HPA First Project Stage 2, Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), West Gladstone Social Homes, and Gladstone Project. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market performance in West Gladstone lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

West Gladstone has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 10.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5%.

As of June 2025, there are 2,559 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 6.2%, higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is at par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing has a particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 0.1% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of workers per resident is 0.6, indicating higher local employment opportunities than usual. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced lower growth rates for employment and labour force, with a smaller increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in Sep-22, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Gladstone's current employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In financial year 2022, West Gladstone had a median taxpayer income of $52,149 and an average income of $64,463. Nationally, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844 for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $59,445 and an average of $73,481 in West Gladstone, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in West Gladstone fall between the 21st and 28th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income cohort spans 30.2% of locals (1,555 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 annually, consistent with surrounding regions at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains in West Gladstone, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

West Gladstone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

West Gladstone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.9% houses and 25.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Gladstone was at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented ones at 45.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in West Gladstone was $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, West Gladstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.7% of all households, including 19.6% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (6.6%) and certificates (33.5%). Educational participation is high at 26.4%, including 9.7% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

West Gladstone's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,818 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 962) and balanced educational opportunities. The area has one primary, two secondary, and one K-12 school, functioning as an education hub with 54.7 school places per 100 residents, above the regional average of 18.2.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Gladstone indicates that there are currently 26 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 8 individual routes providing service to the region. Each week, these routes facilitate 585 passenger trips collectively.

The accessibility of transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 230 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 83 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

West Gladstone faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~2,716 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Rest of Qld's 55.6%.

Mental health issues impact 10.1% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.1%. Despite this, 65.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.4% across Rest of Qld. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (916 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Rest of Qld.

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

West Gladstone had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 87.1% citizens, 83.3% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.9%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.5%), English (28.4%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, Russian (0.6%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.2%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 4.3%, respectively. German ancestry was slightly underrepresented at 4.9%.

West Gladstone's median age exceeds the national pattern

West Gladstone's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group constitutes 13.7% of West Gladstone's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 10.9%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 12.4% to 13.7%, and the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.7%. The 5-14 group decreased from 12.2% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant shifts in West Gladstone's age profile. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 922 from 710. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.