Gilston (Qld)

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Based on reviews of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new address entries validated by Districts since the Census, the resident population in the suburb of Gilston is calculated at approximately 3,008 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 339 individuals (12.7%) since the 2021 Census, when the head count stood at 2,669 people. The adjustment is derived from a resident figure of 2,998, calculated by Districts after analysing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) along with 79 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 233 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial personal space and capacity for future expansion. The suburb of Gilston's 12.7% rate of expansion since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and national benchmarks, positioning it as a local growth frontrunner. Growth in the locality was mostly propelled by net overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 60.0% of the total demographic gains in recent times.

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The local workforce exhibits a high level of skills, with the building and construction sector particularly prominent, alongside an unemployment rate of only 2.0% and an estimated 4.1% annual increase in jobs, according to Districts regional aggregations. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,737, while the local unemployment rate sat 1.9% below the Regional Qld figure of 3.9%, and labor force participation stood exceptionally high at 77.2% compared to the Regional Qld benchmark of 64.3%. Census details show a moderate 15.9% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related movement restrictions.

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According to the most recent postcode ATO data released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the area earn a median income of $63,877 and an average of $77,850. This represents a solid premium over national statistics, and compares to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusting these figures for the 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $71,133 for the median and $86,694 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed local household incomes in the high 89th percentile, with a weekly median of $2,446. A substantial 43.3% of the community (representing 1,302 individuals) fall into the weekly bracket of $1,500 - mirroring the wider metropolitan distribution where this cohort accounts for . Local affluence is further highlighted by the of households earning more than weekly, which helps sustain high-end retail and commercial services. Residential housing costs demand of total income, yet strong local earnings ensure disposable income remains high at the th percentile, while the SEIFA index places local incomes in the th decile.

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The mix of housing in the area at the time of the last Census consisted of 96.8% separate houses and 3.2% other housing types like townhouses and apartments, differing from the Regional Qld breakdown of 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings. Home ownership rates lagged the wider region at 20.6%, with mortgaged households making up the bulk at 62.5% and rental properties accounting for 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment was significantly above the Regional Qld average, sitting at $2,172, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $540, compared to regional averages of $1,655 and $345 respectively. On a national level, mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and local weekly rents sit comfortably above the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 90.8%, consisting of couples with children at 53.1%, childless couples at 25.8%, and single parents at 11.0%. The remaining 9.2% are non-family households, with single-person living arrangements making up 7.3% and shared houses representing 2.1%. The average household occupancy stands at 3.2 people, which is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Formal qualifications locally are below regional benchmarks, with 22.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia, pointing to opportunities for educational growth. Bachelor degrees make up the largest share of higher education at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 44.3% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 31.2%.

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Public transport services in the area include 7 active transit stops serviced by buses. These stops accommodate 1 individual routes, providing a combined total of 80 weekly passenger services. Transport connections are rated as moderate, with residents living an average of 478 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential character, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 97%. Household vehicle ownership averages 2.2 cars, which is higher than the regional average. Around 15.9% of residents worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic conditions.

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Based on Districts reviews of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, health outcomes are strong across the area, showing a very low incidence of common medical conditions across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is notably high, with approximately 58% of the community (~1,746 people) holding private policies, compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

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Indicators of cultural diversity in the local population are below average, with citizens representing 86.8% of residents, 79.1% born in Australia, and 93.7% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, claimed by 46.7% of the community. However, the most distinct religious concentration relative to wider benchmarks is Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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The median age of 35 years is lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and slightly below the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a high concentration of residents in the 35 - 44 cohort (17.4%), while the 65 - 74 age group is underrepresented (7.0%). Post-2021 Census adjustments show the 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 10.4% to 11.3% of the population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort contracted from 18.3% to 16.3%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 14.4% to 13.2%. Demographic projections to 2041 indicate significant changes, led by a increase ( people) in the to group, growing from to while the to cohort is projected to shrink by residents.

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Gilston currently has an estimated 213 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 107 children aged 0-2 and 71 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 32% by 2041 (to approximately 282 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 280. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.6 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.