Stuart (Qld)

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Based on examination of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the population of Stuart is estimated to be approximately 1,609 as of May 2026. This indicates an addition of 33 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,576 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 1,609, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This volume of population matches a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer, a level offering plenty of space per person. Over the last ten years, Stuart has shown durable growth trends with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was mostly led by natural growth that made up about 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

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Stuart features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 10.6%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026186 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 6.7% above Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (13.5% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Stuart is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $45,040 while the average income stands at $52,978. This contrasts to Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,157 (median) and $58,996 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Stuart all fall between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.2% of residents (598 people), mirroring the region where occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within Stuart, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.5% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Stuart was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 29.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.2%) or rented (29.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,213, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Stuart's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 59.1% of all households, comprising 18.9% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 16.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.9%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (5.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 4.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.2%). Technical qualifications represent 11.3% of educational achievements for residents aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (2.4%) and certificates (8.9%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 11 active transport stops operating within Stuart comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual routes, collectively providing 40 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 430 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Critical health challenges are evident across Stuart, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~775 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

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Stuart was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.6% of its population being citizens, 95.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Stuart was found to be Christianity, which makes up 55.3% of people in Stuart. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 3.0% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

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With a median age of 36, Stuart is considerably lower than the Regional Qld figure of 41 similarly marginally lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (28.7% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (3.4%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. In the period since 2021, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 8.1% to 9.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 30.3% to 28.7% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from to . Demographic modeling suggests Stuart's age profile will evolve significantly by . The to age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by people () from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Stuart currently has an estimated 14 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 41 children aged 0-2 and 27 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 18% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 15 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 115. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.