Airlie - Whitsundays
Statistical Area - sa2

Airlie - Whitsundays lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Airlie - Whitsundays' population is approximately 16,507. This figure represents a 13.7% increase from the 2021 Census count of 14,523 people. The estimated resident population as of June 2024 was 16,280, with an additional 300 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 54 persons per square kilometer. Airlie - Whitsundays' population growth exceeded that of the SA4 region (7.5%) and the non-metro area between the 2021 Census and June 2024, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 58.2% of overall population gains during this period, although all drivers contributed positively to growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. By 2041, Airlie - Whitsundays is forecast to increase by 5,763 persons based on the latest population numbers, marking a total increase of 33.5% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Airlie - Whitsundays was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Airlie - Whitsundays has received approximately 121 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 607 homes were approved, with an additional 36 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years attracted about 3.2 new residents per year.

This demand significantly exceeds the new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is around $1,007,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been approximately $140.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Airlie - Whitsundays has moderately higher new home approvals, about 17.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The new development consists of approximately 66.0% standalone homes and 34.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. With around 170 people per approval, Airlie - Whitsundays reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate that Airlie - Whitsundays will add approximately 5,536 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Airlie - Whitsundays has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include Airlie Beach Waterfront Revitalization, Whitsunday Medical Centre Development, Shute Harbour Road Upgrade, and Whitsunday Cultural Arts Centre. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Airlie - Whitsundays rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Airlie - Whitsundays has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%.

As of June 2025, there are 10,111 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, below Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 67.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include accommodation & food, retail trade, and construction, with a particular specialization in accommodation & food (3.7 times the regional level). Health care & social assistance employs only 6.6% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force decreased by 0.3%, and unemployment fell by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force expand by 2.0%, with a slight rise in unemployment (0.2 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Airlie - Whitsundays may grow by approximately 5.7% over five years and 11.9% over ten years based on industry-specific extrapolations.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Airlie - Whitsundays is approximately average nationally. The median income is $50,582 and the average income stands at $64,854. In contrast, Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Airlie - Whitsundays would be approximately $57,658 (median) and $73,927 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 67th percentile ($898 weekly), while household income sits at the 46th percentile. Distribution data shows that 36.0% of residents (5,942 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile.

Airlie - Whitsundays displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Airlie - Whitsundays, as per the latest Census evaluation, 64.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 35.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This distribution differs from Non-Metro Qld's 74.7% houses and 25.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airlie - Whitsundays stood at 24.5%, with mortgaged properties at 34.9% and rented ones at 40.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent figure in Airlie - Whitsundays was $370, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less at $375.

Airlie - Whitsundays features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.8 percent of all households, consisting of 25.0 percent couples with children, 30.8 percent couples without children, and 10.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.2 percent, with lone person households at 26.6 percent and group households comprising 6.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

Airlie - Whitsundays performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Airlie - Whitsundays trail regional benchmarks, with 21.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 47.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (33.8%). Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.7% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education. Airlie - Whitsundays has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 1,132 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1018) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 3 primary schools and 1 K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 6.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.8, leading many families to travel nearby for schooling.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Analysis shows 60 active transport stops in Airlie - Whitsundays, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively providing 462 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 513 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 66 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Airlie - Whitsundays's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Airlie - Whitsundays shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area (~8,567 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A total of 76.7% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 73.3% in Rest of Qld. The area has an elderly population (aged 65 and over) of 11.9%, which is lower than the 15.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Airlie - Whitsundays was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Airlie-Whitsundays, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of 10.2%, with residents speaking languages other than English at home. Overseas-born population stood at 25.8%. Christianity dominated religious demographics at 39.3%.

Judaism's representation was notably higher compared to regional averages, at 0.1% versus 0.1%. Top ancestral groups were English (32.2%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (8.2%). Notable divergences included New Zealanders at 1.2%, Spanish at 0.8%, and French at 0.7%, each higher than regional averages of 1.1%, 0.6%, and 0.6% respectively.

Airlie - Whitsundays's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Airlie - Whitsundays is 35 years, which is lower than Queensland's average of 41 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 22% of Airlie - Whitsundays' population, compared to 19.5% in the 2021 Census, showing a notable increase. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.7% to 12.3%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that the 25-34 age group will grow by 53%, reaching 5,529 people from an initial 3,624.