Oakey (Qld)

Detail

Based on demographic assessments by Districts using updated census datasets and newly validated street addresses, the suburb of Oakey has a calculated residency of approximately 4,916 individuals as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 160 residents (3.4%) from the 4,756 citizens documented during the 2021 Census. This adjustment stems from an updated resident count of 4,864, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of estimated resident figures, alongside 22 validated new addresses confirmed post-census. The resulting population density stands at 38 persons per square kilometer, which represents a spacious distribution. The suburb of Oakey registered a post-census expansion rate of 3.4%, trailing the SA4 region (5.0%) by 1.6 percentage points, showcasing a steady local growth trajectory. Natural birth and death patterns served as the principal demographic engine, accounting for roughly 45.0% of the population increase, while interstate relocation, overseas arrivals, and other growth factors also registered positive contributions.

Detail

Oakey maintains a balanced mix of white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial fields being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate stands at 5.6%, and employment has shown relative stability throughout the past year, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,222 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate remains 1.7% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Oakey is significantly lower at 58.8% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%. Census data indicates that only 5.4% of residents work from home, although the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Detail

ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that personal earnings in the suburb of Oakey sit below the national average, with a median of $43,189 and an average of $48,359. These values compare to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Adjusted for a 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated earnings as of March 2026 are approximately $48,095 for the median and $53,853 for the average. 2021 Census data indicates that family, household, and individual earnings in the suburb of Oakey rank between the 14th and 19th percentiles nationwide. A significant cohort representing 30.1% of the population (1,479 individuals) earns weekly wages between $800 and 1,499, differing from regional trends where the to bracket is most common at . Discretionary income remaining after housing costs stands at , placing the area in the th percentile nationally.

Detail

Housing composition at the time of the latest census showed that standalone houses made up 92.6% of local dwellings, with 7.4% consisting of semi-detached, apartment, or other housing formats, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates matched regional averages at 34.4%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 29.0% and rental properties making up 36.5% of homes. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,238, which is lower than the Regional Qld average, while the median weekly rent was $265, compared to regional benchmarks of $1,655 and $345 respectively. Locally, mortgage costs are lower than the national median of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the Australian figure of $375.

Detail

Families comprise the majority of households at 70.1%, consisting of couples with children at 25.4%, couples without children at 27.0%, and single parent households at 16.9%. Non-family households represent the remaining 29.9%, with single-person households at 27.3% and shared group households at 2.6%. The median household occupancy of 2.5 people is identical to the Regional Qld average.

Detail

The region shows lower rates of higher education, with university completion rates at 7.9% compared to the national average of 30.4%. Among university qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 6.2%, graduate diplomas make up 1.1%, and postgraduate degrees account for 0.6%. Technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational certificates or diplomas, split between advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 31.4%.

Detail

Public health metrics indicate notable challenges in Oakey based on mortality statistics and the prevalence of long-term illnesses across age cohorts, alongside an exceptionally low rate of private health insurance coverage at 46% of the population (~2,279 people). This rate sits below the Regional Qld average of 52.5% and the Australian average of 55.7%.

Detail

The local population has low cultural diversity, with citizens making up 89.7% of the community, 90.1% born in Australia, and 93.7% using only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 61.2% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

Detail

With a median age of 40, Oakey is similar to the Regional Qld median of 41 and slightly older than the national median of 38. The 15 to 24 age bracket is well represented at 14.1% compared to Regional Qld, while the 35 to 44 age bracket is lower at 10.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group rose from 10.2% to 12.0%, and the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 10.9% to 12.1%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 age group fell from 14.4% to 12.2%, and the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from to . Projections suggest significant demographic changes by led by a increase in the to cohort (an increase of people), growing from to . Residents aged and over will account for of the projected growth, while the to and to cohorts are expected to shrink.

Detail

Oakey currently has an estimated 299 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 180 children aged 0-2 and 119 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 7% by 2041 (to approximately 321 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 481. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 11.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.