Willow Vale (Qld)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Willow Vale (Qld)'s population is estimated at around 2,651 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 372 people (16.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,279 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,651, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 124 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of Willow Vale (Qld)'s 16.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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Willow Vale boasts a highly skilled labor pool, with the building industry standing out for its strong presence among local occupations. The area recorded a low unemployment rate of 3.1% and an estimated employment growth of 1.6% during the previous twelve months, according to data compiled by Districts from statistical area sources. By March 2026, there were 1,476 individuals employed in the community, and the local unemployment figure stood at 0.8% lower than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%. Workforce participation also exceeded typical levels, reaching 72.6% relative to the Regional Qld average of 64.3%. Census survey results indicated that 18.9% of residents worked from home at a moderate pace, although the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdown measures should be taken into account when interpreting this trend.

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Taxpayer data indicates that personal earnings in this area are below the national average for the 2023 financial year. The median income among taxpayers is $49,592, and the average income is $58,627, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $55,226 for median income and $65,287 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in the 67th percentile nationally. The largest bracket consists of 39.2% of households earning $1,500 - 2,999 per week, representing 1,039 residents, which is higher than the broader region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing expenses account for of total income, but disposable income remains in the nd percentile, with the overall SEIFA income index placing the area in the th decile.

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The housing stock in this area consists of 91.5% standalone houses and 8.5% alternative dwelling types like townhouses and apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates stand at 16.5%, which is lower than the Regional Qld average, with the remaining properties being mortgaged at 43.5% or rented at 40.0%. The median monthly mortgage cost of $2,000 is higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent of $430 is higher than the regional average of $345. Locally, mortgage payments exceed the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the Australian figure of $375.

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Families make up 87.9% of households in this area, consisting of couples with children at 48.6%, couples without children at 25.5%, and single parents at 12.2%. The remaining 12.1% are non-family households, including single-person households at 10.0% and group housing arrangements at 2.6%. The median household size of 3.2 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Academic qualifications in the locality are lower than regional benchmarks, with 21.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to a national average of 30.4%. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly represented, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 29.0%.

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Public transport services in the locality are limited to a single bus stop. This stop is served by 1 bus route, providing a total of 142 passenger trips per week. Transport access is limited, with the average distance to a stop being 915 meters. As a residential community, most workers commute out of the area, and private vehicle use is high, with 96% of residents traveling by car. Vehicle ownership is high, averaging 2.2 cars per household, which is above the regional average. Additionally, 18.9% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health indicators in this area are generally positive, with mortality rates and medical conditions aligning with national averages across all age categories. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 50% of the population, representing about 1,337 people. This is slightly below the Regional Qld average of 52.5% and the national rate of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity is higher than the regional average, with 25.3% of residents born outside Australia and 8.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The primary religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 45.5% of the population. There is a higher proportion of Jewish residents at 0.2%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

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The median age of 32 years is lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national median of 38. The population shows a high concentration of young adults aged 25 - 34 at 15.2%, but a low proportion of residents aged 75 - 84 at 2.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has increased from 13.2% to 15.2%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.8% to 13.3%, and the 0 to 4 group declined from 8.8% to 7.4%. Demographic models project that the local age profile will shift by with the to cohort expected to grow by , adding residents to reach .

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Willow Vale currently has an estimated 196 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 133 children aged 0-2 and 89 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 2% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 37% by 2041 (to approximately 269 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 290. Birth rates in the area have averaged 15.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).