Queensland’s fastest growing city has passed 275,000 residents as new figures reveal 167 people are moving to Ipswich each week.
In the 12 months to 30 June, Ipswich welcomed 8,728 new residents which is equivalent to the entire historic regional Queensland gold-mining town of Charters Towers moving to the city.
Almost 2,900 new lots were created during the same time with the city’s affordable and community-oriented lifestyle continuing to attract people.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said White Rock had been revealed as the city’s new fastest-growing suburb, knocking previous title holder Ripley from the top spot for the first time in four years.
“Our population surged 3.3 per cent in the 12 months to 30 June to hit 274,582, which at 167 new residents calling Ipswich home each week means we have passed 275,000,” Mayor Harding said.
“White Rock’s population grew by 1,890, compared to 1,625 for Ripley, which had been the fastest-growing Ipswich suburb since 2022.
“Redbank Plains, Deebing Heights and Spring Mountain make up the rest of the top five fastest-growing suburbs for 2025-2026.”
Mayor Harding said the figures highlighted the city’s growing role in tackling South East Queensland’s housing supply challenge while delivering the lifestyle families are increasingly seeking.
“Council is ensuring land is available for homes, encouraging housing affordability and availability so that people can enjoy the vibrant and community-focused lifestyle we cherish in Ipswich as our population surges to an expected half a million by 2046,” Mayor Harding said.
“The 2,875 lots created in the year to 30 June is an increase of 35.6 per cent on the previous 12 months, and higher than every year since 2017.
“We saw 3,157 new dwellings created across the city in that same time, alongside 2,875 new lots, demonstrating the strength of Ipswich’s housing pipeline and our ability to accommodate growth.
“Total number of development applications lodged with council was also up with 1,850 applications received, an increase of 23.7 per cent on the previous period, while the total number of applications determined was 1,655, 36.6 per cent higher than the previous period.”
Mayor Harding said council was on the front foot when it came to supporting the city’s growth, continuing to advocate strongly for investment from other levels of government and delivering a record three-year capital works spend in this year’s budget adopted in June.
“In June, this council delivered a future-focused budget aimed at allowing our city to grow and prosper, while maintaining some of the lowest rates and charges in South East Queensland,” Mayor Harding said.
“It included council’s largest ever three-year Capital Works Program, valued at $672 million.
“In the next 12 months alone, more than $210 million will be invested in roads, facilities and open spaces including on major road upgrades at Ripley and Springfield Central as well as new sports fields at Redbank Plains and Tivoli.
“Council is committed to ensuring the lifestyle residents come to Ipswich for is protected and enhanced as the city grows; just last week we opened a new dog off leash area in Limestone Park in the heart of Ipswich.
“As more people look for affordable housing, lifestyle and space within commuting distance of Brisbane, Ipswich continues to stand out as one of South East Queensland’s most attractive destinations.”
The Planning and Regulatory Services Annual Report Card for 2025-2026, where the annual growth figures were released, also shows:
- 38,769 dog registrations, up 6.4 per cent
- 53.82km of additional pathways and bikeways created
- 41.55km of additional local roads
- 12.74ha of additional local parkland
- 3,307 community clinic immunisations undertaken
The full Planning and Regulatory Services Annual Report Card for 2025-2026 can be read here.
Also read:
>> New online portal makes it easier to understand development in Ipswich
>> New dog off leash area open for community at Limestone Park