Urban Centre · Area profile
Childers
2 km²
A shrinking population has seen Childers become a far older community since 2011. The typical resident is now 50, and over 31% of the people are seniors, which is much higher than the national figure. This ageing trend is reflected in the high number of people living alone and the increased need for daily health support. Despite a small drop in total population, the area has seen a notable rise in overseas arrivals.
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The typical resident is 50, which is far older than the state and national average of 38. Seniors make up 31% of the population, while children under 15 are well below the national figure at 14.3%.
People born overseas make up 16.8% of the community, a figure that has risen since 2011. Most residents claim Australian or English ancestry.
While 80.7% of people speak only English, the proportion using another language at home is much higher than in similar areas. Those who speak little or no English have also increased since 2016.
About 48.6% of residents identify as Christian, though those with no religion have risen sharply by 19 points since 2011 to reach 36.1%.
Education levels are far below the national average, with only 6.7% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Roughly 32.2% of residents completed Year 12.
Incomes are much lower than across Australia, with the typical household earning $778 a week. Only 2.6% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, which is among the lowest for similar areas.
Health challenges are common here, with 38% of people reporting a long-term condition. This is far above the national figure, and 11% of residents need help with daily activities.
Community participation is lower than usual, with few people volunteering or doing unpaid housework. However, the proportion of people who served in the Defence Force is much higher than most areas.
Nearly half of all people (49.1%) live alone, which is far above the state average. One-parent families are also among the highest at this level at 26.5%.
Homes are generally smaller and more affordable, with the typical weekly rent at $265. About 33.4% of homes are owned outright, which is well above the Queensland figure.
Public transport use is among the highest for its level at 12.5%, and 13% of homes have no motor vehicle. This is far above the national average.
The area is quite dynamic, with 43.2% of people moving in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals have risen to 42.1%, far above the national rate.
Fewer people are working or looking for work compared to the state, and the unemployment rate of 7.3% is higher than the national average. Many residents work in food services, administration, or agriculture.
The town is very walkable, with over 90% of homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries, schools, and parks. This makes it far more accessible on foot than the state average.