Central Queensland

The population of Central Queensland SA4 in 2021 was 231,104. Forecast to grow by 33,525, the population is set to reach 264,629 persons by 2046, accounting for 1.6% of Queensland's population growth over the forecast period.

• The number of dwellings in Central Queensland SA4 is forecast to grow from 104,896 in 2021 to 121,545 in 2046, an additional 16,649 dwellings.
• Yeppoon SA2 (8,761), Clinton - New Auckland SA2 (3,017), and Parkhurst - Kawana SA2 (2,920) are forecast to contribute the largest share of population growth combined, accounting for 43.8% of Central Queensland SA4's total population growth to 2046, or 26.1%, 9% and 8.7% respectively.
• The majority of the region's dwelling growth is attributed also to Yeppoon SA2 (4,325), Clifton - New Auckland SA2 (1,262), and Parkhurst - Kawana SA2 (1,224), with a combined contribution of 41% or 26%, 7.6%, and 7.4% respectively.
• No SA2s of significant population are forecast to decline in population over the forecast period, with the smallest growth forecast in Mount Morgan SA2 (2 additional persons to 2046).

Read on below for charts, maps and tables sharing the forecast results at SA2 geography. 

The Central Queensland SA4 is made up of 34 SA2s and is situated directly above the Wide Bay SA4 region. Its most populous city is Rockhampton, with an estimated residential population of 83.700 persons, located 640km from Brisbane CBD. A leading industrial and agricultural centre of Queensland, Central Queensland SA4 is expected to contribute significant population growth through its abundant greenfield land supply.

A very limited population resides in the most northern sector of the SA4, with small peripheral towns surrounding Shoalwater Bay. Immediately south of the Shoalwater Bay region is Yeppoon SA2, forecast to receive the largest share of the regions' population growth resultant of its abundant land supply and active residential estates. Travelling south west down Yeppoon Road leads to the Rockhampton region, a historic town built on the Fitzroy River. Its proximity to the river and low-lying nature results in the frequent flooding of the area, combatted with the famous vernacular architecture of the 'Queenslander' home. Rockhampton and its surrounds are forecast to experience notable growth throughout the forecast period, concentrated in Parkhurst - Kawana SA2, forecast to contribute 8.7% of Central Queensland's population growth to 2046. South east of Rockhampton down the Bruce Highway lies Gladstone, Central Queensland's second largest city. Only 500km from Brisbane CBD, Gladstone will experience population growth resultant of its greenfield residential growth.

In terms of transport, the capital centres, Rockhampton and Gladstone, benefit from a passenger bus service in and around town. It is possible to travel to and from Brisbane by public transport, however the travel times are in the double-digit hours. Peripheral and rural towns of Central Queensland rely on private transportation.

The following forecast information presents the numbers for Central Queensland SA4

Learn more about the different options to access these forecasts for Local Government Areas (LGAs), suburbs, custom catchments or the entire state or nation here.

We set the context for our local area forecasts with a presentation of our state- and regional-level forecasts for Queensland.

Access the presentation slides (including our forecast data for each region), and a short recap or the full webinar presentation on-demand. Learn what's driving change and how much growth will go to each region of the state over the 25 years to 2046.

The population forecast for Queensland