Urban Area · Area profile
Townsville
693 km²
A noticeably younger population defines Townsville, where the typical resident is just 35. This regional hub has seen massive growth, adding over 164,000 people since 2011. It is a diverse community with a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence, well above the national figure. The city's character is shaped by a large proportion of young families and a significant number of Defence Force veterans, creating a dynamic and growing urban center in North Queensland.
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The area is much younger than most, with a typical age of 35 and a population of seniors that is well below the state and national figures. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 8.8% of the community, a figure that has risen since 2011.
Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up 14.1% of the population, which is far below the national figure. English, Australian, and Irish are the most common ancestries.
English is the main language for 83.7% of people, though those using another language at home rose to 8.3% since 2011. This is still far below the national figure.
About 40.2% of residents report having no religion, a figure that has risen by 24 points since 2011. Christianity remains the most common affiliation at 47.6%.
Education levels have climbed since 2011, with 54.9% now having completed Year 12. Those with a bachelor degree or higher make up 18.4% of adults, which is well below the national average.
Typical incomes are much higher than in most similar areas, with the usual family earning $2,095 a week. Weekly personal income has also risen significantly, reaching a typical $872.
The community is generally healthy, with a long-term health condition rate of 28.6%, which is about the same as the state and national figures. Mental health conditions affect 10.4% of residents.
A high 9.2% of residents have served in the Defence Force, among the highest at this level. Participation in volunteering has fallen since 2011, now sitting at 13.2%.
Homes here are larger than usual, with 2.5 people per home. One-parent families are more common here than in most areas, making up 17.9% of households.
Renting is much more common here than elsewhere, with 38.3% of households renting. This helps explain why the proportion of homes owned outright is well below the national figure.
Cars are essential, with 71.1% of people driving to work and only 0.9% using public transport. Very few people work from home at 4.8%, which is far below the national figure.
The population is quite mobile, with 43.7% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas make up 14.3% of the population.
More people are working or looking for work here than in most similar areas, at 64.1%. Full-time employment is also well above the national figure at 63.2%.
Townsville is somewhat walkable, and most homes are within a 10-minute walk of public transport. However, far fewer homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries compared to the state average.