Poverty and living standards in Queensland, Australia: official figures
The 2021 Census estimated 22,444 people were homeless in Queensland, a rate of 43 per 10,000 people (joint 3rd highest of 8 states and territories).
How many renters in Queensland are in rental stress?
32.3% of renting households in Queensland paid more than 30% of their household income in rent at the 2021 Census (3rd highest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many homeowners in Queensland struggle with mortgage payments?
11.9% of households with a mortgage in Queensland paid more than 30% of their household income on repayments at the 2021 Census (4th lowest of 8).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many households in Queensland are disadvantaged?
25.9% of households in Queensland fell in the most disadvantaged quarter of Australian households on the ABS Index of Household Advantage and Disadvantage (2021 Census), 4th highest of 8 states and territories; a quarter of all households would be 25%.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many people in Queensland have no income?
7.2% of people in Queensland reported no personal income at the 2021 Census (4th highest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyWhat percentage of people rent their home in Queensland?
33.1% of homes in Queensland were rented at the 2021 Census, and 2.8% were too small for the household (needing at least one extra bedroom).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many people go bankrupt in Queensland?
3,091 people entered personal insolvency (bankruptcy or a debt agreement) in Queensland in 2021-22, or 59 per 100,000 residents (the highest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow Queensland compares with other states
Homeless persons per 10,000 people, Census 2021 (2021)
Queensland ranks 4 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Homeless persons per 10,000 people, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Territory | 504 |
| 2 | Victoria | 47 |
| 3 | New South Wales | 43 |
| 4 | Queensland | 43 |
| 5 | Tasmania | 42 |
| 6 | South Australia | 42 |
| 7 | Australian Capital Territory | 39 |
Renting households paying over 30% of income in rent, Census 2021 (2021)
Queensland ranks 3 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Renting households paying over 30% of income in rent, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New South Wales | 35.5% |
| 2 | Tasmania | 34.2% |
| 3 | Queensland | 32.3% |
| 4 | Victoria | 30.9% |
| 5 | South Australia | 30.5% |
| 6 | Western Australia | 28.3% |
| 7 | Australian Capital Territory | 23.0% |
Households in the most disadvantaged quarter nationally, Census 2021 (2021)
Queensland ranks 4 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Households in the most disadvantaged quarter nationally, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tasmania | 32.8% |
| 2 | South Australia | 29.1% |
| 3 | Northern Territory | 27.4% |
| 4 | Queensland | 25.9% |
| 5 | New South Wales | 25.5% |
| 6 | Victoria | 23.4% |
| 7 | Western Australia | 22.7% |
More on Queensland: overview · economy and jobs · health · education and schools · government budget · Australia
Sources
- Australian Bureau of Statistics: Census of Population and Housing 2021, state and territory results (via ABS Data by region): health conditions, education, housing costs, homelessness, disadvantage, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 7f6d87de31d5…)
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