# Western Downs

Council (LGA) · Area profile

Located in: Queensland › Rest of Qld

Area: 37,923 km²

More than 70% of similar areas are smaller than Western Downs, which has grown by 7.1% since 2011. This is a young-leaning community where 21.4% of the population are children, and families often live in large, detached homes. The area is largely Australian-born and English-speaking, with a strong tradition of volunteering. It is a regional hub where agriculture is a major employer and a significant First Nations population resides.

## Demographics & Identity

The population is relatively young, with 21.4% being children under 15, which is well above the national figure. First Nations people make up 7.6% of the community, a proportion that has risen by 3.2 percentage points since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 33,843 | +7.1% since 2011 |
| Median age | 38 yrs | +2.7% since 2011 |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 7.6% | +70.3% since 2011 |
| People aged 65 and over | 17.1% | +21.2% since 2011 |
| Children under 15 | 21.4% | -8.4% since 2011 |
| People in a de facto relationship | 12.8% | +20.6% since 2011 |

**Age structure** — Older adults (45–64) 25.1%, Young adults (25–44) 24.7%, Children (0–14) 21.4%, Seniors (65+) 17.1%, Youth (15–24) 11.7%

**Marital status** — Married 46.2%, Never married 35.0%, Divorced 8.8%, Widowed 5.6%, Separated 4.3%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

This is a predominantly Australian-born community, with only 7.9% of people born overseas, which is far below both the state and national figures. English, Irish, and Scottish are the most common ancestries after Australian.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 7.9% | +24.3% since 2011 |

**Country of birth** — Australia 81.9%, Philippines 1.5%, New Zealand 1.4%, England 1.2%, South Africa 0.5%, India 0.3%, China 0.1%, Vietnam 0.1%, Nepal 0.1%, Italy 0.0%

**Ancestry** — Australian 42.9%, English 37.8%, Irish 10.4%, Scottish 9.5%, German 8.8%, Filipino 1.7%, Italian 1.1%, Dutch 1.0%, Chinese 0.5%, Indian 0.4%, Greek 0.1%, Vietnamese 0.1%

## Language

English is the primary language for 86.1% of residents. Only 4.1% of people use another language at home, far lower than the 22.3% seen across Australia.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 4.1% | +78.4% since 2011 |
| People who speak little or no English | 0.3% | +15.1% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 86.1%, Tagalog 0.6%, Punjabi 0.1%, Hindi 0.1%, Mandarin 0.1%, Vietnamese 0.1%, Cantonese 0.1%, Italian 0.0%, Greek 0.0%, Arabic 0.0%

## Religion

Over half the population identifies as Christian, and 30.6% have no religion. This lack of religious affiliation is much lower than in most other similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 30.6% | +120.6% since 2011 |

**Religious affiliation** — Christianity 56.9%, No religion 30.6%, Not stated 11.3%, Other religions 0.3%, Hinduism 0.3%, Buddhism 0.3%, Islam 0.2%, Judaism 0.0%

## Education & Qualifications

Education levels are lower than most areas, with only 10.8% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. The region has a high number of schools, with 32 serving the community.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 41.2% | +21.8% since 2011 |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 10.8% | +30.0% since 2011 |
| Schools | 32 | — |
| Schools per 1,000 children | 4.42 | — |
| School enrolments | 6,357 | — |
| Average school size | 205 | — |
| Average school ICSEA | 948 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 41.2%, Year 10 27.8%, Year 9 or below 12.9%, Year 11 6.4%

**Highest qualification level** — Certificate III / IV 37.9%, Bachelor degree 15.7%, Advanced diploma / diploma 12.4%, Certificate I / II 3.7%, Graduate diploma / certificate 2.0%, Postgraduate degree 1.8%

**Field of qualification** — Engineering & related 17.1%, Management & commerce 14.0%, Education 8.6%, Society & culture 8.2%, Health 8.1%, Agriculture & environment 6.3%, Food, hospitality & personal services 5.6%, Architecture & building 4.5%, Creative arts 1.1%, Natural & physical sciences 1.0%, Information technology 0.9%

## Income

Typical weekly household income is $1,374, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. However, the number of households earning $3,000 or more per week rose by 7.3 percentage points since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $716 | +32.3% since 2011 |
| Median household income (weekly) | $1,374 | +28.8% since 2011 |
| Median family income (weekly) | $1,713 | +32.4% since 2011 |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 8.1% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 13.1% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $650–$1,499 30.0%, $1,500–$2,999 28.0%, Under $650 18.7%, $3,000–$3,999 6.9%, $4,000 or more 6.3%

**Personal income distribution** — Under $650 40.9%, $650–$1,499 30.2%, $1,500–$2,999 14.2%, $3,000 or more 2.8%

## Health & Disability

Daily living needs are higher than in most areas, with 6.4% of people requiring help. Mental health conditions are also more common here than in most other similar places.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 30.2% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 9.8% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 6.4% | +33.6% since 2011 |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Asthma 10.2%, Mental health 9.8%, Arthritis 9.5%, Other condition 7.2%, Diabetes 5.4%, Heart disease 4.4%, Cancer 3.0%, Lung condition 2.1%, Stroke 1.1%, Dementia 0.6%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 57.3%, One condition 19.4%, Two conditions 6.7%, Three or more 4.1%

## Community Participation

Volunteering is very strong, with 19.5% of residents giving their time, well above the national average of 14.1%. About a quarter of the community also provide unpaid childcare.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 19.5% | -24.4% since 2011 |
| People providing unpaid care | 11.4% | +6.5% since 2011 |
| People caring for children unpaid | 25.9% | -12.6% since 2011 |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 3.0% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 22.1% | -16.4% since 2011 |

## First Nations

First Nations people in Western Downs are noticeably younger than those in the rest of the state, with a typical age of 20. Unemployment for this group is 13.3%, which is a little above the national figure.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 2,585 | — |
| First Nations median age | 20 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 34.2% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 13.3% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $528 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,339 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 3.0% | — |

## Family & Households

Families tend to be larger here, with 2.5 people per home. One-parent families make up 16.3% of the community, which is higher than in most similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.5 | -3.8% since 2011 |
| One-parent families | 16.3% | +34.5% since 2011 |
| People living alone | 27.2% | +10.4% since 2011 |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 53.9%, Couples without children 28.6%, One-parent families 16.3%, Other families 1.2%

**Household size** — 2 people 35.8%, 1 person 27.2%, 3 people 13.5%, 4 people 12.5%, 5 people 6.7%, 6 or more 4.2%

## Housing & Dwellings

The area is dominated by separate houses, which make up 90.2% of all dwellings. Homes are typically large, with 81.1% having three or more bedrooms.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $240 | +20.0% since 2011 |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $1,300 | +0.0% since 2011 |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.80 | -27.3% since 2011 |
| Households renting | 32.1% | +3.9% since 2011 |
| Homes owned outright | 33.9% | -5.7% since 2011 |
| Separate (detached) houses | 90.2% | -3.6% since 2011 |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 81.1% | +3.2% since 2011 |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Owned outright 33.9%, Rented 32.1%, Owned with a mortgage 27.5%, Other tenure 4.6%, Not stated 2.0%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 90.2%, Townhouse / semi-detached 7.5%, Other dwelling 1.1%, Flat or apartment 0.8%

**Bedrooms per home** — 3 bedrooms 41.1%, 4 bedrooms 32.5%, 2 bedrooms 12.8%, 5 or more 7.5%, 1 bedroom 3.5%, Studio / none 0.7%

**Weekly rent distribution** — $200–$349 61.2%, Under $200 25.8%, $350–$549 6.1%, $550–$749 0.2%, $750 or more 0.1%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — $1,000–$1,799 37.9%, Under $1,000 32.4%, $1,800–$2,999 16.3%, $3,000 or more 6.6%

## Transport & Vehicles

Residents are heavily reliant on cars, as 61.7% drive to work and there are no public transport stops or routes available in the area.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 4.5% | -16.1% since 2011 |
| People working from home | 12.5% | +13.4% since 2011 |
| Commuting by public transport | 1.4% | +39.3% since 2011 |
| Public transport stops | 0 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 0.00 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 0.0 | — |
| Public transport routes | 0 | — |

**How people get to work** — Car (driver) 61.7%, Worked at home 12.5%, Car (passenger) 5.5%, Walked 5.2%, Bus 1.3%, Bicycle 0.5%, Train 0.0%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 2 vehicles 36.6%, 1 vehicle 32.7%, 3 vehicles 16.3%, 4 or more 10.0%, No vehicle 4.5%

## Migration & Movement

The community has seen a significant influx of people from overseas, with recent arrivals making up 19.7% of the population, which is well above the national average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 38.6% | -6.7% since 2011 |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 19.7% | -27.1% since 2011 |

## Jobs & Industry

Full-time employment is much higher here than in most areas at 64.5%. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the biggest industries, employing 18.4% of the workforce.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | +29.4% since 2011 |
| Labour-force participation | 59.6% | -4.4% since 2011 |
| Employed full-time | 64.5% | -4.7% since 2011 |

**Industries people work in** — Agriculture, forestry & fishing 18.4%, Retail trade 9.5%, Health care & social assistance 8.9%, Construction 8.6%, Education & training 8.1%, Accommodation & food 5.9%, Public administration & safety 5.2%, Manufacturing 4.8%, Transport & warehousing 4.1%, Mining 3.8%, Other services 3.8%, Electricity, gas & water 3.0%, Professional & technical 3.0%, Wholesale trade 2.6%, Administrative & support 2.5%, Rental & real estate 1.1%, Finance & insurance 0.9%, Arts & recreation 0.5%, Media & telecommunications 0.2%

**Occupations people work in** — Managers 19.2%, Technicians & trades 15.4%, Labourers 14.9%, Professionals 11.5%, Clerical & administrative 10.8%, Machinery operators & drivers 9.5%, Community & personal service 9.2%, Sales workers 7.7%

## Economy & Advantage

The region hosts 5,214 businesses, making it larger than about 75% of similar areas. However, its overall advantage score is lower than about 74% of other areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile) | 3 | — |
| Socio-economic disadvantage (IRSD decile) | 3 | — |
| Economic resources (IER decile) | 4 | — |
| Education & occupation (IEO decile) | 3 | — |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD score) | 922 | — |
| Population estimate | 35,452 | — |
| Population growth since 2021 | 3.2% | — |
| Businesses | 5,214 | — |
| Dwellings approved | 64 | — |

## Environment & Climate

The area is warmer than most, with an average maximum temperature of 28.4 degrees. Annual rainfall is 551mm, which is well above the Queensland average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average annual rainfall | 551 | — |
| Average maximum temperature | 28.4 | — |
| Average minimum temperature | 12.5 | — |

## Crime & Safety

The recorded offence rate is much higher than in most areas. Drug offences are among the highest at this level, and theft is the most common crime.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Recorded offences per 100,000 | 16,249 | — |
| Assault & related rate | 1,149 | — |
| Sexual offences rate | 352 | — |
| Robbery rate | 18 | — |
| Burglary (unlawful entry) rate | 881 | — |
| Theft rate | 2,621 | — |
| Motor vehicle theft rate | 423 | — |
| Property damage rate | 1,043 | — |
| Drug offences rate | 2,278 | — |
| Crime rate change (5 yr) | 3.1% | — |

## Walkability

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 2.2. Very few residents can walk to public transport, health services, or groceries within 15 minutes.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 2.2 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 2.4 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 31.3% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 31.9% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 0.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 37.5% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 43.2% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 28.0% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 13.4 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 0 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 3.9% | — |

## Schools serving Western Downs

32 schools, 6,357 students, average ICSEA 948.

By sector: Government 27, Catholic 3, Independent 2

By type: Primary 22, Combined 7, Secondary 3

Nearest 10 shown:

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dalby State High School | Government | Secondary | — | 1,090 |
| Our Lady of the Southern Cross College | Catholic | Combined | — | 681 |
| Chinchilla State High School | Government | Secondary | — | 572 |
| Dalby State School | Government | Primary | — | 505 |
| Dalby South State School | Government | Primary | — | 487 |
| Chinchilla Christian College | Independent | Combined | — | 462 |
| Chinchilla State School | Government | Primary | — | 453 |
| Dalby Christian College | Independent | Combined | — | 419 |
| Tara Shire State College | Government | Combined | — | 353 |
| St Joseph's School | Catholic | Primary | — | 288 |

## Areas within Western Downs

[Chinchilla](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/307011172/chinchilla) · [Miles - Wandoan](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/307011175/miles-wandoan) · [Tara](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/307011178/tara) · [Wambo](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/307021183/wambo)

## Nearby areas

[South Burnett](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA36630/south-burnett) · [Goondiwindi](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA33610/goondiwindi) · [Toowoomba](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA36910/toowoomba) · [Cherbourg](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA32330/cherbourg) · [North Burnett](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA35760/north-burnett) · [Banana](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA30370/banana) · [Lockyer Valley](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA34580/lockyer-valley) · [Somerset](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA36580/somerset)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA37310/western-downs