South Gladstone (Qld)

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Based on demographic assessments of ABS regional updates and newly registered addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of South Gladstone is projected to be approximately 3,791 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 315 residents (9.1%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 3,476 residents. This shift is calculated from the estimated resident count of 3,791, formulated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP data release combined with 10 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 1,148 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with typical benchmarks recorded by Districts. The 9.1% population expansion of the suburb of South Gladstone since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA4 region (7.4%), positioning it as a local growth leader. The primary driver of these gains was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 61.0% of the overall population growth, though other sources such as natural increase and interstate migration also registered positive trends.

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The local workforce exhibits a strong profile in industrial and manufacturing fields, with an unemployment rate of 8.5% and steady job numbers over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. In March 2026, there were 1,782 residents employed, while the local unemployment rate stood 4.6% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, highlighting potential for labor market improvements. Workforce participation is virtually identical to the Regional Qld rate of 64.3%. Census data indicates that a minor 4.3% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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The suburb of South Gladstone has income levels that sit slightly below the national average, based on financial year 2023 ATO statistics aggregated by Districts. The median taxpayer income in the suburb of South Gladstone is $53,195, while the average income is $65,756, comparing to Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at approximately $59,238 for the median and $73,226 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank between the 19th and 30th percentiles nationwide. In terms of income brackets, 25.8% of residents (978 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the wider regional pattern of in this bracket. Financial pressures related to housing are significant, with residents retaining only of their income, placing the area in the th percentile.

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The mix of housing types in South Gladstone at the time of the latest Census stood at 64.5% houses and 35.5% alternative dwellings like apartments, townhouses, and other formats, compared to Regional Qld averages of 76.4% houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings. The home ownership rate was lower than the regional benchmark, sitting at 22.1%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (28.3%) or occupied by tenants (49.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,430 was lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent of $240 was below the regional figure of $345. On a national level, mortgage costs in South Gladstone are considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rental costs are well below the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 59.0%, which includes couples with children at 22.5%, couples without children at 21.9%, and single-parent households at 13.7%. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.0%, consisting of lone-person households at 36.6% and group housing at 4.3%. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is slightly smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment levels present some hurdles, as the proportion of residents with university qualifications (17.0%) is significantly below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted education programs. Among tertiary qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational and technical training is very common, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these fields, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (35.2%).

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Public transit options in South Gladstone include 14 active stops served by local buses. These connections are linked to 3 separate routes, which combine to support 100 passenger trips per week. Transit access is classified as good, with residents living an average of 257 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the area, most commuters travel elsewhere, with cars remaining the main transport choice for 90% of workers. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per home, which is below the regional average. A minor 4.3% of the population work from home, based on 2021 Census figures which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health assessments point to notable challenges for South Gladstone, based on Districts evaluations of mortality rates and chronic health issues, which are prominent across both older and younger age brackets. Meanwhile, the rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area, representing approximately 53% of the population (~2,019 people).

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South Gladstone has lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 85.0% of the population, 82.2% of residents born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.7% of the population. The most distinct variance is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.8% of the population, matching the 0.8% figure for Regional Qld.

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The median age of 38 years in the suburb of South Gladstone is slightly younger than the Regional Qld average of 41, while matching the national average of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age bracket is well represented at 14.2% compared to the regional profile, whereas the 65 - 74 bracket is less common at 8.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 12.6% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 12.7%, and the 15 to 24 group has dropped from 13.2% to 12.0%. Future projections for point to notable demographic shifts in the suburb of South Gladstone. The to cohort is expected to lead these changes, growing by ( people) to reach from . In contrast, the to cohort is projected to decrease by people.

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South Gladstone currently has an estimated 235 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 136 children aged 0-2 and 90 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 23% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 280 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 343. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.