Discover The Region
The Ipswich & West Moreton region is a place of many ranges and as many flat and fertile valleys. To the west its ranges buttress the Darling Downs, while to the east they form a formidable but discontinuous Coast Range.
Collectively, Ipswich and West Moreton comprises of four Local Government Areas (LGAs). These LGAs are the regions of Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset.
Ipswich and West Moreton accounts for well over half the land area of South East Queensland, with an area of 13,000km2 out of 22,300 km2) but for somewhat less than 10% of its population (327,000 out of 3,508,000).
The Lockyer Valley has a nationwide reputation as a source of fresh vegetables and the Bremer, Fassifern and upper Logan valleys also support intensive agriculture.
Estimated Residential Population
The estimated residential population for Ipswich and West Moreton has steadily increased between 2011 and 2021. Ipswich had the highest population growth, starting at 172,200 in 2011 and increasing to 233,302 in 2021. Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim also experienced moderate growth over the decade, while Somerset had a more modest increase. Overall, the total estimated residential population for Ipswich and West Moreton in 2021 was 344,050, which represents a significant increase from the 2011 figure of 267,717.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 2011 | 2016 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 172,200 | 200,103 | 233,302 |
| Lockyer Valley | 35,880 | 39,499 | 41,762 |
| Scenic Rim | 37,437 | 40,984 | 43,595 |
| Somerset | 22,200 | 25,153 | 25,391 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 267,717 | 305,739 | 344,050 |
Median Age
The median age for Ipswich and West Moreton has increased across all regions between 2011 and 2021. Ipswich had the lowest median age in each year, starting at 32.1 in 2011 and reaching 33.3 in 2021. Lockyer Valley and Somerset also had relatively low median ages throughout the decade. In contrast, Scenic Rim had the highest median age of the four regions, starting at 42.0 in 2011 and reaching 46.2 in 2021. Overall, the median age for Ipswich and West Moreton as a whole was 38.4 in 2021, which represents a gradual increase from the 2011 figure of 36.6.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 2011 | 2016 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 32.1 | 32.3 | 33.3 |
| Lockyer Valley | 37.3 | 38.2 | 39.1 |
| Scenic Rim | 42.0 | 44.0 | 46.2 |
| Somerset | 41.3 | 42.1 | 44.6 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 36.6 | 37.0 | 38.4 |
Aboriginal peoples & Torres Strait Islander peoples
The data shows that there were 15,791 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Ipswich and West Moreton in 2021, with Ipswich having the highest number of both groups with 11,373 Aboriginal people and 671 Torres Strait Islander people. Lockyer Valley had the lowest number of both groups with 1,921 Aboriginal people and 69 Torres Strait Islander people, while Scenic Rim and Somerset had slightly higher numbers but still relatively small populations. It is important to note that this data only represents the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were counted in the census and does not account for those who were not or who may identify differently.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | Aboriginal | Torres Strait Islander | Both |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 11,373 | 671 | 883 |
| Lockyer Valley | 1,921 | 69 | 100 |
| Scenic Rim | 1,411 | 59 | 105 |
| Somerset | 1,086 | 35 | 52 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 15,791 | 671 | 883 |
Births & Deaths
The data for 2021 shows that there were 4,985 births in Ipswich and West Moreton, with Ipswich having the highest number of births at 3,777. Lockyer Valley had the lowest number of births at 522. In terms of deaths, there were 1,957 in the region, with Ipswich having the highest number at 1,143 and Somerset having the lowest at 194. The natural increase, which is calculated by subtracting the number of deaths from the number of births, was 3,028 for the region as a whole. Ipswich had the highest natural increase with 2,634, while Scenic Rim had the lowest at 75. These figures highlight the ongoing population growth in the region due to natural increases, which is an important consideration for future planning and resource allocation.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | Births | Deaths | Natural Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 3,777 | 1,143 | 2,634 |
| Lockyer Valley | 522 | 277 | 245 |
| Scenic Rim | 418 | 343 | 75 |
| Somerset | 268 | 194 | 74 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 4,985 | 1,957 | 3,028 |
Religion
According to the 2021 data, the majority of the Ipswich and West Moreton population identified as Christian, with 156,060 people identifying as such. Ipswich had the highest number of Christians with 102,266, followed by Lockyer Valley with 20,798, Scenic Rim with 20,702, and Somerset with 12,294. A smaller proportion of the population identified with other religions, with Lockyer Valley having the highest number at 1,384. A significant portion of the population identified as having no religion, with Ipswich having the highest number at 95,045. Overall, the data indicates a diversity of religious beliefs within the region, with Christianity being the most prevalent.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | Christianity | Other | No Religion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 102,266 | 12,622 | 95,045 |
| Lockyer Valley | 20,798 | 1,384 | 15,126 |
| Scenic Rim | 20,702 | 653 | 17,379 |
| Somerset | 12,294 | 385 | 10,105 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 156,060 | 15,044 | 137,655 |
Homelessness
According to the 2016 data, there were 1,028 people experiencing homelessness in Ipswich and West Moreton, which represents a rate of 34.8 per 10,000 of the total population of 295,101. Ipswich had the highest number of homeless people with 679, while Scenic Rim had the lowest number at 85. However, when comparing rates, Lockyer Valley had the highest rate of homelessness at 43.8 per 10,000, while Scenic Rim had the lowest at 20.9 per 10,000. These figures highlight the ongoing issue of homelessness in the region, which requires ongoing attention and support to address. It is important to note that these figures are from 2016 and may have changed in the years since.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | Homeless | Population | Homeless Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 679 | 191,816 | 35.4 |
| Lockyer Valley | 167 | 38,134 | 43.8 |
| Scenic Rim | 85 | 40,659 | 20.9 |
| Somerset | 97 | 24,492 | 39.6 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 1,028 | 295,101 | 34.8 |
Internet Access
Ipswich and West Moreton has a strong digital presence and is always expanding its online and remote capabilities. Some 81.9% of occupied private dwellings in Ipswich & West Moreton have internet access.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | Internet Access | No Access | Total Dwellings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 53,332 | 8,762 | 63,661 |
| Lockyer Valley | 9,969 | 2,415 | 12,872 |
| Scenic Rim | 11,327 | 2,369 | 14,043 |
| Somerset | 6,590 | 1,732 | 8,579 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 81,218 | 15,278 | 99,155 |
Social Assistance
As of the September 2022 quarter, Ipswich and West Moreton had a total of 31,364 individuals receiving social assistance, including Age Pension, Carer Allowance, Disability Support, and Jobseeker payments. Ipswich had the highest number of recipients across all categories, with 17,330 receiving the Age Pension, 6,946 receiving Carer Allowance, 9,471 receiving Disability Support, and 13,255 receiving Jobseeker payments. Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, and Somerset had lower numbers of recipients in each category, but still contributed to the total number for the region. The highest category of social assistance across the region was the Age Pension, with a total of 31,364 recipients.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | Age Pension | Carer Allowance | Disability Support | Jobseeker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 17,330 | 6,946 | 9,471 | 13,255 |
| Lockyer Valley | 4,761 | 1,523 | 1,932 | 1,612 |
| Scenic Rim | 5,813 | 1,466 | 1,632 | 1,537 |
| Somerset | 3,460 | 1,148 | 1,479 | 1,126 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 31,364 | 11,083 | 14,514 | 13,255 |
Schooling Completion
According to the 2021 Census, Ipswich and West Moreton had a total of 234,542 individuals who completed schooling. Of those, 147,361 had completed Year 11 or 12, which was the highest category across the region. Ipswich had the highest number of individuals who completed Year 11 or 12, with 103,436 individuals.
Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, and Somerset had lower numbers of individuals in this category, but still contributed to the total number for the region.
The second-highest category was Year 9 or 10 completion, with a total of 73,016 individuals, while Year 8 or lower completion had the lowest number of individuals at 14,165.
Overall, the data indicates that a significant portion of the population in Ipswich and West Moreton have completed high school education.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | Year 8 or Lower | Year 9 or 10 | Year 11 or 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 8,369 | 44,281 | 103,436 |
| Lockyer Valley | 2,417 | 11,056 | 15,903 |
| Scenic Rim | 1,994 | 10,543 | 18,623 |
| Somerset | 1,385 | 7,136 | 9,399 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 14,165 | 73,016 | 147,361 |
Schools, Hospitals & Emergency Services
As of June 2020, Ipswich and West Moreton had a total of 22 police stations, 14 ambulance stations, 22 fire stations, 148 schools, and 13 hospitals.
Ipswich had the highest number of public services across all categories, with 7 police stations, 4 ambulance stations, 6 fire stations, 74 schools, and 7 hospitals. Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, and Somerset had lower numbers of public services in each category, but still contributed to the total number for the region.
The highest category of public services across the region was schools, with a total of 148 schools, while the lowest category was hospitals with a total of 13 hospitals. Overall, the data indicates that there are a significant number of public services available in Ipswich and West Moreton to support the needs of the community.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | Police Stations | Ambulance Stations | Fire Stations | Schools | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 7 | 4 | 6 | 74 | 7 |
| Lockyer Valley | 3 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 2 |
| Scenic Rim | 7 | 5 | 8 | 29 | 2 |
| Somerset | 5 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 2 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 22 | 14 | 22 | 148 | 13 |
Median Rent
For the 12-month period ending on December 31, 2022, the median weekly rent for Ipswich and West Moreton varies based on the type of accommodation. Scenic Rim has the highest median rent for 1-bedroom flats/units at $283, followed by Ipswich at $275, Somerset at $250, Lockyer Valley at $200.
For 2-bedroom flats/units, Somerset has the highest median rent at $320, followed by Ipswich at $310, Scenic Rim at $305, and Lockyer Valley at $275.
For 3-bedroom houses, Scenic Rim has the highest median rent at $420, followed by Ipswich at $400, Somerset at $390, and Lockyer Valley at $380.
For 4-bedroom houses, Scenic Rim has the highest median rent at $500, followed by Ipswich at $485, Lockyer Valley at $450, and Somerset at $450.
Overall, the median weekly rent for Ipswich and West Moreton varies across the four regions and property types, with Scenic Rim having the highest median rent for 3 and 4-bedroom houses.
| Ipswich & West Moreton | 1 bedroom (flat/unit) | 2 bedroom (flat/unit) | 3 bedroom (house) | 4 bedroom (house) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 275 | 310 | 400 | 485 |
| Lockyer Valley | 200 | 275 | 380 | 450 |
| Scenic Rim | 283 | 305 | 420 | 500 |
| Somerset | 250 | 320 | 390 | 450 |
| Ipswich & West Moreton | n.a | n.a | n.a | n.a |