Airlie - Whitsundays

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Airlie - Whitsundays' population is around 16,507 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,984 people (13.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,523 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,280 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 300 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 54 persons per square kilometer. Airlie - Whitsundays' 13.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.5%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 58.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast. The area is expected to increase by 5,763 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 33.5% in total over the 17 years.

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 seen 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 47 approved in FY-26. On average, about 3.2 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

This has led to a situation where demand significantly exceeds supply, typically driving 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, around 17.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The new development mix consists of approximately 66.0% standalone homes and 34.0% attached dwellings, with a growing variety including townhouses and apartments to cater to different price points. Currently, Airlie - Whitsundays reflects a developing area with around 170 people per approval. Future projections estimate an addition of approximately 5,536 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Airlie - Whitsundays has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 29 such projects that are expected to influence the area. Notable projects include the Shute Harbour Road Upgrade, Whitsunday Cultural Arts Centre, Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct (Cannonvale), and Airlie Beach Waterfront Revitalization. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 tourism and hospitality sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 2.0% in September 2024 and increased to 2.1% by September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.0%. As of September 2025, 10,543 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 2.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 67.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include accommodation & food, retail trade, and construction.

Employment specialization in accommodation & food is significant, with a share 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. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, labour force grew by 4.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airlie - Whitsundays' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 SA2 is approximately average nationally. The median income stands at $50,582 while the average income is $64,854. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Airlie - Whitsundays SA2 would be approximately $57,658 (median) and $73,927 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($898 weekly), while household income sits at the 45th percentile. Distribution data indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 36.0% of residents (5,942 people). 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

Dwelling structure in Airlie - Whitsundays, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.5% houses and 35.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 74.7% houses and 25.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airlie - Whitsundays was at 24.5%, with mortgaged dwellings 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 was $370, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $350. Nationally, Airlie - Whitsundays' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $370 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 66.8% of all households, including 25.0% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 26.6% and group households comprising 6.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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.

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

The analysis of public transport in Airlie - Whitsundays shows that there are currently 60 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 462 weekly passenger trips provided collectively by these routes. The accessibility of transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 513 meters from the nearest transport stop.

The 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 very low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of the total population (~8,567 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area rate. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the region, affecting 7.2% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A significant majority (76.7%) report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 73.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 11.9% (1,957 people), compared to the 15.4% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Airlie - Whitsundays records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Airlie - Whitsundays has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 10.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.8% born overseas. The predominant religion in Airlie - Whitsundays is Christianity, accounting for 39.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism, comprising 0.1% of the population, is proportionally similar to the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.2%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (8.2%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders make up 1.2%, Spanish 0.8%, and French 0.7% of Airlie - Whitsundays' population, each higher than their respective regional percentages.

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

The median age in Airlie - Whitsundays is 35 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and under the national average of 38. The 25-34 cohort makes up 22.0% of Airlie - Whitsundays' population, compared to Rest of Qld's 17.6%. This is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has grown from 19.5% in 2016 to 22.0% in 2021. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.3%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Airlie - Whitsundays, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 53%, reaching 5,529 people from 3,624.