Gaven (Qld)

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According to ABS population updates analysed for the wider region and address validation by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Gaven has a population estimated at approximately 1,702 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 64 people (3.9%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,638 residents. This change is calculated from the resident population of 1,702, which Districts estimated after evaluating the ABS June 2025 ERP data release and verifying addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 237 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per resident and potential capacity for subsequent development. The 3.9% growth rate of the suburb of Gaven post-Census is within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.6%), showing competitive growth indicators. Population expansion in the area was mostly driven by overseas migration, which comprised about 52.0% of total population increases during recent periods.

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Gaven possesses a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector particularly well-represented, an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, and 2.9% in estimated job growth over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,015 residents are employed, which is 1.1% below the 3.9% rate of Regional Qld, and workforce participation is exceptionally high (69.8% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.6% of residents worked from home, though the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to the latest postcode level ATO data released by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Gaven's median income among taxpayers is $43,540, with an average of $52,946. This sits below the national average, and compares to a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,486 (median) and $58,961 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household income is in the 66th percentile ($2,015 weekly), while personal income is in the 31st percentile. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 32.2% of residents (548 people), which reflects the broader area where are in this bracket. Economic strength is indicated by of households earning high weekly incomes above which supports elevated consumer spending. High housing costs absorb of income, yet strong earnings still position disposable income at the th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Gaven, as measured at the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate within Gaven matched Regional Qld at 34.4%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (52.7%) or rented (12.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Regional Qld average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $455, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Gaven's mortgage repayments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 84.8% of all households, consisting of 39.7% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.2%, with lone person households at 11.8% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The area experiences educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.8%) significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (33.1%).

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Public transport analysis shows two active transport stops operating within Gaven, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by two individual routes, collectively providing 200 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as limited, with residents typically situated 736 meters from the closest transport stop. As a mostly residential area, most residents commute out for work, and the car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 16.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Gaven shows above-average health outcomes, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, with the rate of common health conditions being low in the general population, though higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health insurance is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~820 people). This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

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Gaven is roughly consistent with the wider region's average regarding cultural diversity, with 75.7% of its population born in Australia, 86.3% holding citizenship, and 93.4% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion in Gaven is Christianity, representing 48.9% of the population, which compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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With a median age of 45, Gaven is older than the Regional Qld median of 41 and also well above the national average of 38. The age distribution reveals that 55 - 64 year-olds are highly represented (17.4%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (8.2%) than in Regional Qld. This concentration of 55 - 64 year-olds is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 10.3% to 8.2% and the 45 to group declined from to . Looking forward to demographic projections indicate major changes in Gaven's age structure. Leading this shift, the to group will expand by ( people), rising to from . Notably, the combined + age categories will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging profile. In contrast, the to and to cohorts are projected to experience population decreases.

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Gaven currently has an estimated 69 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 61 children aged 0-2 and 41 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 72 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 195. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.