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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
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
The population of West Gladstone is estimated at around 5,199 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 355 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 5,166 following examination of ABS data released in June 2025 and validation of 18 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 733 persons per square kilometer. West Gladstone's growth rate of 7.3% since the census is within 0.1 percentage points of its SA4 region, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using a base year of 2022 for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities, with West Gladstone expected to gain 501 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 9.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within West Gladstone when compared nationally
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows West Gladstone had around 9 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 47 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. This results in an average of 7.3 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.
Supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average value of $407,000. In FY-26, $22.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, West Gladstone has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years.
Recent construction comprises 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% medium to high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 75.0% houses). The estimated count of 352 people per dwelling approval reflects West Gladstone's quiet development environment. Future projections show West Gladstone adding 468 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around West Gladstone
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
West Gladstone has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact the region. Notable ones are 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:.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Santos GLNG Project
A major coal seam gas (CSG) to liquefied natural gas (LNG) project operated by Santos on behalf of the GLNG joint venture (Santos 30%, PETRONAS 27.5%, TotalEnergies 27.5%, KOGAS 15%). The project spans gas field development across the Surat and Bowen Basins (Roma, Fairview, Arcadia and Scotia fields), a 420km underground gas transmission pipeline, and a two-train LNG processing plant on Curtis Island near Gladstone with a combined nameplate capacity of 7.8 Mtpa. The LNG facility delivered its first cargo in October 2015 and both trains have been operational since 2016. Active Gas Field Development (GFD) expansion continues: 104 wells were drilled across GLNG acreage in 2025 despite flood disruptions, with full-year LNG production of 6 Mt delivered. Record daily production was achieved at Roma (223 TJ/day) and Scotia (105 TJ/day average in Q4 2025). Fairview development continued with 116 wells drilled under the SD25 and EE Phase 1 programs. A mid-term LNG supply contract for approximately 0.6 Mtpa was signed for commencement in 2026. Long-term production operations are planned to continue through to approximately 2045.
HPA First Project Stage 2
Stage 2 of the HPA First Project is a full-scale commercial refinery producing over 10,000 tonnes per annum of high-purity alumina (HPA) and related products. It utilizes a proprietary solvent extraction (SX) purification process that operates on 100 percent renewable energy, resulting in roughly 70 percent lower emissions than traditional methods. The facility supports critical high-tech sectors including semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and LED lighting. As of early 2026, construction is progressing with the delivery and installation of large-scale solvent extraction tanks and structural mechanical piping.
Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET)
Privately funded coal export terminal at Golding Point within the Port of Gladstone. Stage 1 delivers 27 Mtpa capacity via rail receival, a 5.6 km covered overland conveyor to stockyards, and an offshore wharf ~2 km from shore with a single berth and shiploader. Terminal aligns with Queensland Ports Strategy and can expand on the existing site when demand supports it. Owned by Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal Pty Ltd (industry consortium).
Harvey Road Sports and Events Precinct
Comprehensive redevelopment of Harvey Road sports facilities including Marley Brown Oval, junior rugby league fields, and touch football fields to create a year-round, multi-purpose precinct with broadcasting capabilities. The upgraded precinct will accommodate up to 10,000 spectators and be suitable for national, state and regional games, carnivals and large outdoor events, while continuing to support grassroots local and regional sports participation and daily community use. The project enhances Central Queensland's rugby league heartland status and provides a large outdoor event venue for the Gladstone Region.
Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
A proposed 200MW/800MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system designed to enhance grid stability and support renewable energy integration in the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone. The project is located near the existing Wurdong Substation and is currently undergoing the planning and environmental assessment process. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2025, with operations expected to commence in 2027.
Gladstone Project
Powerlink Queensland's Gladstone Project (also known as the Gladstone grid reinforcement) is a multi-stage transmission network reinforcement to maintain reliability and security of electricity supply in the Gladstone region following the anticipated retirement of Gladstone Power Station. It supports industrial decarbonisation, electrification of major industries, and integration of renewables from the Central Queensland REZ. Key stages include new 275kV double-circuit lines (Calvale-Calliope River and Bouldercombe-Larcom Creek via new Gladstone West Substation), synchronous condensers, and reactive support equipment. Final Assessment Report submitted June 2025; government review ongoing with construction of Stage 1 expected mid-2026.
Port of Gladstone Gatcombe and Golding Cutting Channel Duplication Project
The project involves duplicating the Gatcombe and Golding Cutting channels in the Port of Gladstone outer harbour by deepening and widening existing channels to a depth of 16.1 meters and width of 200 meters over approximately 15 kilometers to enable safe two-way passage for larger ships under all weather and tidal conditions, increasing cargo throughput and including dredged material placement in reclamation areas and navigational aid relocation.
Clinton Vessel Interaction Project
The Clinton Vessel Interaction Project widened the Clinton Channel by about 100m to reduce vessel interaction risks such as mooring breaks or collisions, involving the dredging of approximately 800,000m3 of material to enhance safe navigation for outbound vessels in the Port of Gladstone.
Employment
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. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 7.2% as of December 2025. Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.
As of December 2025, 2,569 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.1% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that a low 4.4% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction.
Manufacturing employs 2.1 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.1% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. There are 0.6 workers for each resident, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force decreased by 3.3% while employment declined by 0.2%, resulting in a fall of 2.8 percentage points in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Gladstone's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows West Gladstone had a median taxpayer income of $52,149 and an average income of $64,463. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld respectively. As of March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023 suggest median incomes would be approximately $58,073 and average incomes around $71,786. According to Census 2021 income data, West Gladstone's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 21st and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.2% of West Gladstone's population (1,570 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to Regional Qld where 31.7% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
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 compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Gladstone was at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented dwellings at 45.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in West Gladstone was $230, compared to Regional Qld's $345. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
West Gladstone features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 58.7% of all households, consisting of 19.6% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households making up 4.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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%. 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.6%) and certificates (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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Transport analysis indicates 26 operational public transport stops in West Gladstone, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by eight distinct routes, collectively facilitating 585 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 230 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outward, primarily using cars at 88%, while 6% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 4.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 83 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in West Gladstone is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
West Gladstone faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.
Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is more prevalent here than the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (around 2,742 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 10.1% of residents and arthritis impacting 8.1%. Conversely, 65.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (935 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, but national rankings are higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.1% of its population being citizens, 83.3% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 45.9% of West Gladstone's population. Judaism showed notable overrepresentation, making up 0.1% compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.
The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.5%), English (28.4%), and Irish (8.1%). There were also notable divergences in the representation of Russian (0.6% vs regional 0.2%), Australian Aboriginal (5.2% vs 3.9%), and German (4.9% vs 4.7%) ethnic groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
West Gladstone's population is slightly older than the national pattern
West Gladstone's median age is 40, close to Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but slightly higher than the national norm of 38. The percentage of residents aged 15-24 is strong at 13.8%, compared to Regional Queensland, while those aged 5-14 are less prevalent at 11.1%. According to the 2021 Census, West Gladstone's population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.4% to 13.8%, whereas the percentages for ages 45-54 and 5-14 have decreased to 11.8% and 11.1% respectively. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in West Gladstone's age profile. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 23%, reaching 860 from 701. However, population declines are expected for those aged 5-14 and 55-64.