South Gladstone
South Gladstone sits in the bottom decile nationally on three of four SEIFA indexes, yet household income at the 29.7th percentile is only part of the story. The suburb of 3,476 residents carries a 49.4% renter share, a 15.1% vacancy rate, and a median house price estimated at $342,000, all well below Queensland and national medians. Unemployment at 11.3% is roughly double the national average, and the population has fallen 2.2% over the decade, reflecting the resource sector cycles that shape Gladstone's broader economy. The population is aging, with the senior share up 3.2 points, while affordable housing costs keep rent-to-income at just 18.7%.
Population
3,476
Median Age
39.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,283/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
0
Median House
$342K
Estimated from rent (2025)
The median house price of $342,000 positions South Gladstone among the more affordable entry points in Queensland, significantly lower than the state median. Separate houses make up 64.5% of the stock, with semi-detached dwellings at 23.1% and apartments at 10.7%. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 38.6%, followed by four-plus bedrooms at 29.5%. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,430, giving a mortgage-to-income ratio of 25.7%, below the 30% stress threshold despite household income sitting at the 29.7th percentile nationally. Outright owners account for 22.4% of households, while 28.2% carry a mortgage. The affordability trend is improving, with the affordability ratio falling from 39.9% in 2011 to 33.4% in 2021.
For Buyers
The median house price of $342,000 positions South Gladstone among the more affordable entry points in Queensland, significantly lower than the state median. Separate houses make up 64.5% of the stock, with semi-detached dwellings at 23.1% and apartments at 10.7%. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 38.6%, followed by four-plus bedrooms at 29.5%. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,430, giving a mortgage-to-income ratio of 25.7%, below the 30% stress threshold despite household income sitting at the 29.7th percentile nationally. Outright owners account for 22.4% of households, while 28.2% carry a mortgage. The affordability trend is improving, with the affordability ratio falling from 39.9% in 2011 to 33.4% in 2021.
For Investors
South Gladstone's rental market is large but carries structural risks. The 49.4% renter share is well above the national average, and weekly rent of $240 against a $342,000 median implies a gross yield near 3.6%. However, the 15.1% vacancy rate is a clear warning sign, indicating more supply than current demand can absorb. Rent growth over the decade was negative at minus 17.9%, and real income growth fell 20.3%, compressing rental pricing power. Net overseas migration averages 98 residents per year, the primary population driver, while internal migration adds just 16 annually. The gentrification score of 15 confirms no repositioning pressure. Investors should weigh affordable entry prices against a high vacancy rate and declining real rents.
Development Activity
Total DAs
52
Last 12 Months
0
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
—
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
Schools in South Gladstone iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
Toolooa State High School
7-12 · 1165 students
Gladstone South State School
Prep-6 · 458 students
Demographics
The median age of 39 is 1 year below the national figure, though the demographic trajectory is aging, with the senior share rising 3.2 points and the working-age share falling 0.9 points over the decade. Overseas-born residents make up 17.8% of the population, which is 3.8 points below national. Ancestry is predominantly Anglo-Celtic, led by English (1,355), Scottish (337) and Irish (307). The average household size of 2.2 is 0.3 below national, consistent with a mix of renters, couples without children (26.8% of families), and single-occupant households. University qualifications at 20.9% are 9.2 points below the national figure, reflecting the suburb's blue-collar employment base in manufacturing and construction.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
64.5%
Houses
23.1%
Townhouse
10.7%
Apartment
Tenure
South Gladstone's tenure structure is skewed heavily toward renters at 49.4%, compared to the national average closer to 31%. Outright owners account for 22.4% and mortgage holders 28.2%. The 15.1% vacancy rate is elevated, nearly double what a balanced rental market would show, meaning landlords face real competition for tenants. Separate houses at 64.5% dominate the stock, with semi-detached at 23.1% and apartments at 10.7%. Three-bedroom homes are the most common at 38.6%, followed by four-plus at 29.5% and two-bedroom at 27.6%. The $342,000 median sits well below Queensland's broader market, and mortgage stress is below threshold at 25.7% of income. Rent-to-income at 18.7% leaves tenants with capacity, but the downward rent trend limits upside.
Mortgage / mo
$1,430
Rent / wk
$240
HH Size
2.2
Personal Income / wk
$712
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
15.1%
Unoccupied
255
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
18.7%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
25.7%
Community Profile
Ancestry
Household Composition
26.8%
Couples, no children
2,365
Total families
Economy & Employment
Manufacturing leads local employment at 13.6% (139 workers), with Healthcare at 13.3% (136) and Education at 11.1% (114) close behind. Construction at 10.0% and Transport at 8.2% round out the top five industries, reflecting Gladstone's broader port and industrial base. Labourers (204) and Machinery/Drivers (171) together represent significant blue-collar employment alongside Professionals (248). The unemployment rate of 11.3% is roughly double the national rate, and the participation rate of 56.2% is low, with 892 residents not in the labour force. The suburb scores decile 1 on IRSD and IRSAD, the lowest tier nationally for relative disadvantage and advantage. Full-time employment among those working runs at 67.9%, indicating that those who are employed tend to hold stable full-time roles.
Unemployment
10.2%
Labour Force
3,632
Unemployed
371
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
67.9%
Part-time
20.8%
Participation
56.2%
Employed
1,422
Occupations
Top Industries
University
20.9%
Postgraduate
4.0%
Born Overseas
17.8%
Dwellings
1,436
Transport to Work
Car dependency is high: 87.5% of residents drive to work, while only 0.7% use public transport and 4.0% walk or cycle. This reflects a lack of transit infrastructure typical of regional Queensland. The suburb scores decile 1 on IRSAD, the lowest advantage tier nationally, and decile 2 on IEO, indicating significant socioeconomic constraints on residents. No schools are recorded within the suburb boundary, so families rely on schools in adjacent Gladstone suburbs. The volunteering rate of 17.0% is modest but present. Housing stress is contained, with rent-to-income at 18.7% and mortgage-to-income at 25.7%, both below stress thresholds. About 7.5% of residents (238 people) need daily assistance, somewhat above average, consistent with the aging trajectory and lower-decile socioeconomic profile.
Drive
87.5%
Public Transport
0.7%
Walk / Cycle
4.0%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+0.56%/yr
(+38 people/yr)
EstablishedPopulation growth is slow at 0.56% annually, adding roughly 38 persons per year, and the 10-year trend shows a 2.2% decline, placing South Gladstone in contraction territory compared to Queensland's broader growth. Medium forecasts project the broader local area population rising from around 6,699 in 2024 to approximately 6,840 by 2031. Overseas migration is the primary driver at an average of 98 net arrivals per year, compared to just 16 from internal migration. The gentrification score of 15 and stage of not gentrifying indicate no capital repositioning underway. With declining real incomes of minus 20.3% and negative rent growth of minus 17.9% over the decade, the suburb's trajectory depends heavily on recovery in the Gladstone resource and industrial economy.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+98
Net Internal / yr
+16
Gentrification Signal
Not gentrifying
Accelerating: -5% → 11%
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How South Gladstone compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Gladstone a good suburb to live in?
South Gladstone offers affordable housing with a $342,000 median house price and low housing stress, with rent-to-income at 18.7% and mortgage-to-income at 25.7%. However, the suburb ranks in decile 1 on IRSD and IRSAD nationally, unemployment is 11.3%, and the 15.1% vacancy rate signals weak demand. It suits buyers prioritising affordability over capital growth.
What is the median house price in South Gladstone?
The median house price is estimated at $342,000, well below Queensland's broader state median. Weekly rent averages $240, and monthly mortgage repayments run approximately $1,430. The affordability ratio improved from 39.9% in 2011 to 33.4% in 2021, reflecting improving relative affordability over the decade.
What schools are in South Gladstone?
No schools are recorded within the South Gladstone suburb boundary in this dataset. Families rely on schools in adjacent Gladstone suburbs. The local population has university qualifications at 20.9%, which is 9.2 points below the national average, consistent with a predominantly trade and blue-collar employment base.
Is South Gladstone safe?
Detailed crime statistics are not available for South Gladstone in this dataset. As an indirect indicator, the suburb scores decile 1 on the IRSD index of relative disadvantage, the lowest tier nationally, and unemployment of 11.3% is roughly double the national average. These factors are associated with higher crime risk than lower-disadvantage areas.
Is South Gladstone good for property investment?
Entry prices are affordable at a $342,000 median, and the 49.4% renter share is significantly above the national average. However, the 15.1% vacancy rate is elevated, rent growth over the decade was negative at minus 17.9%, and real income growth fell 20.3%. Yields are moderate but rental demand is soft, making investment here higher risk than lower-vacancy regional markets.
How is South Gladstone's population changing?
The suburb's population has declined 2.2% over the decade, with annual growth currently running at just 0.56%, or about 38 persons per year. Overseas migration is the primary driver, averaging 98 net arrivals annually. The population is aging, with the senior share rising 3.2 points over 10 years, while the working-age share fell 0.9 points.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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