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

West Gladstone's population, as of Nov 2025, is estimated at around 5,151. This figure reflects an increase of 307 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,844. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 5,147 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 726 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Gladstone's 6.3% growth since census positions it within 0.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area 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, 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 adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected. The West Gladstone statistical area (Lv2) 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, West Gladstone has experienced around 9 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 47 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 7.2 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually during this period.

This supply lagging demand indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost of $407,000. In FY-26, $22.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Comparatively, West Gladstone has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against the Rest of Qld. Nationally, it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, suggesting potential planning limitations in the area. Recent construction comprises 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points suitable for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This shift from the existing housing stock (currently 75.0% houses) reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population per dwelling approval in West Gladstone is 352 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show West Gladstone adding 598 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has 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.

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.

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

West Gladstone has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 9.3% as of September 2025.

This is 1.1 percentage points higher than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 8.2%. Employment growth over the past year has been estimated at 0.8%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There are currently 2,560 residents employed in West Gladstone. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction.

Manufacturing, specifically, shows notable concentration with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 0.1% of residents employed in these sectors compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of workers to residents, as recorded in the Census, is 0.6, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. In the past year, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 1.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Queensland experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. At the state level, as of 25-Nov, 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 offer insight into potential future demand within West Gladstone. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Gladstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, West Gladstone had a median income among taxpayers of $52,149. The average income stood at $64,463. This is below the national average which was $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,317 (median) and $70,851 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in West Gladstone all fall between the 21st and 28th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 30.2% of locals (1,555 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, 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). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Gladstone stood 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. 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 make up 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, which is 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 6.6% and certificates at 33.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 26 active public transport stops in West Gladstone, served by a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 8 individual routes, offering 585 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 230 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 83 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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 (~2,717 people), compared to 56.8% across Rest of Qld.

Mental health issues impact 10.1% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.1%. 65.9% of residents 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 showed cultural diversity below average levels, 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 0.0% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (28.5%), English (28.4%), and Irish (8.1%) were the top groups. Notably, Russian (0.6% vs regional 0.3%), Australian Aboriginal (5.2% vs 4.3%), and German (4.9% vs 5.1%) showed significant divergences in representation compared to the rest of Queensland.

West Gladstone's population is slightly older than the national pattern

West Gladstone has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented at 13.7%, compared to Rest of Qld. However, the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 12.4% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.7%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. By 2041, West Gladstone's age profile is projected to change significantly. Leading this shift, 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.