Howard (Qld)

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Drawing on ABS population updates for the wider region and new address data validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Howard has an estimated population of approximately 1,575 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 181 people (13.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,394 people. The figure is derived from the resident population of 1,575, which Districts calculated by analyzing the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and integrating an additional 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the density ratio stands at 34 persons per square kilometer, indicating a setting with extensive space per resident. The 13.0% expansion rate in the suburb of Howard since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (9.0%) and the Rest of Qld, positioning it as a leading growth locality in the region. Recent population gains were mostly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 88.0% of the total growth.

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Based on aggregated statistical area data from Districts, the suburb of Howard possesses a balanced workforce of white and blue collar workers with a strong presence in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 6.1% and an estimated employment growth of 9.1% over the past year. In March 2026542 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate sat 2.2% above the 3.9% rate for Regional Qld, while labor force participation was notably lower at 41.2% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a low 7.8% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown influences should be taken into account.

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According to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Howard has income levels below the national average. The median taxpayer income in the suburb of Howard is $36,981 and the average income is $46,078, compared to Regional Qld figures of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $41,182 for median income and $51,312 for average income as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Howard all sit between the 0th and 1st percentiles on a national scale. The largest earnings segment consists of 35.3% of taxpayers earning $400 - 799 weekly (representing 555 residents), which contrasts with the wider region where the - bracket is largest at . Since of residents earn less than weekly, the area experiences notable income constraints that affect local retail spending. Residents retain of their income after paying for housing, which ranks only in the rd percentile nationally.

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At the time of the latest Census, residential structures in the suburb of Howard consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.0% alternative dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, or other accommodation types, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Home ownership in the suburb of Howard was high at 50.0%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (25.5%) or rented (24.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,062 was lower than the Regional Qld average, while the median weekly rent was $248, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345. Locally, mortgage repayments are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households in the suburb of Howard at 64.9%, consisting of couples with children at 14.4%, couples without children at 35.6%, and single parent families at 11.9%. Non-family households account for 35.1% of the total, with single person households representing 30.7% and group households making up 4.7%. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment is low in the area, with the university qualification rate of 8.5% sitting well below the national average of 30.4%, representing a potential focus area for educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 6.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational skills are common, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 31.5%.

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Public transport options in the suburb of Howard include 4 active stops served by a mix of buses. These stops accommodate 1 individual routes, providing a total of 7 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents living an average of 541 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential profile, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars being the main transport mode at 92%, and 6% of commuters walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars per household, which is below the regional average. A low 7.8% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic context.

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Districts analysis of mortality rates and chronic illness rates highlights significant health challenges in the suburb of Howard affecting both younger and older cohorts, alongside a very low rate of private health insurance coverage at approximately 45% of the population, which represents about 715 people. This coverage rate is lower than the 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Howard shows lower cultural diversity relative to broader benchmarks, with 85.5% of residents born in Australia, 92.5% holding citizenship, and 97.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 51.2% of the local population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.1% of residents compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

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The median age in the suburb of Howard is 56, which is higher than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, the 65 - 74 age bracket is overrepresented at 19.8%, while the 35 - 44 bracket is underrepresented at 7.0%. The local concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national level of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 10.4% to 13.2% of the population, and the 25 to 34 group increased from 6.0% to 7.3%. In contrast, the 45 to cohort fell from to , and the to age group decreased from to . By the age structure is projected to shift, with the + cohort increasing by people () from to . The combined + age groups are expected to account for of all population growth, highlighting the aging profile, while the to cohort is projected to contract by residents.

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Howard currently has an estimated 59 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 34 children aged 0-2 and 22 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 70 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 105. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.