In 2021, the Benaraby population was 1,166. Since 2016, the population of Benaraby has decreased by 53 people.

In 2021, the median age of the Benaraby community was 41, compared to 39 in 2016. This is slightly higher than the region and the State, both with a median age of 38.

There have been movements across all age brackets, however it is clear to see there is an ageing population.

The proportion of the population aged 55 and over has increased by 29 per cent when comparing 2021 and 2016, this represents an increase of 76 people.

Two of the largest increases were seen in those aged 55-59 and 60-64. The proportion of the population ages 55-59 increased by 32 per cent between 2021 and 2016. Representing 6.4 per cent (78 people) of the population in 2016 compared to 8.8 per cent in 2021.

While the proportion of those aged 60-64 equally increased by 32 per cent, being 4.8 per cent (59 people) of the population in 206 compared to 6.7 per cent (78 people) in 2021.

The two largest decreases seen were for those aged between 40-44 and 45-49. The number of people aged 45-49 decreased by 36 people between 2021 and 2016, or 26.7 per cent, 135 people in 2016 compared to 99 people.

Likewise, those aged between 40-44 years decreased by 25.5% or 28 people across the five-year period.

Analysing the population age trend provides a view that Benaraby is popular for the over 50 community.  Over the course of the Census period, people aged 49 years and below have declined by 14.1 per cent from 856 people in 2016 to 735 in 2021.  The over 50 year age group has experienced growth of 16.4% over the same period, with 365 people in 2016 growing to 425 in 2021.

While the population may be transitioning into an over 50s community, people under 49 are still the majority of the community at 64 per cent, with people over 50 years making up the remaining 36 per cent.

In 2021, the age groups that differ most to the Gladstone Region are:

• The percentage of the population that are babies and pre-schoolers are 2.7 per cent higher when compared to the region.
• The percentage of the population that are classed as Tertiary education and independence, Young workforce and Empty nesters and retirees are all 2.5 per cent lower than the region.
• While the number of parents and home builders is decreasing in 2021 it there were 0.8 per cent higher than the region.
• Older workers and retirees make up 16.5 per cent of the Benaraby population which is 2.2 per cent higher than the region.

Service group breakdown compared to the Region, source ABS 2022, 2016