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

As of Feb 2026, Airlie - Whitsundays' population is approximately 16,750. This figure represents an increase of 2,227 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,523. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,280 in June 2024 and an additional 313 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 55 persons per square kilometer. Airlie - Whitsundays' growth rate of 15.3% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA4 region (7.9%) and the Rest of Qld, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 58.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Airlie - Whitsundays expected to increase by 5,763 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 31.6% 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 received approximately 121 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25607 homes were approved, with an additional 59 approved in FY-26. On average, 3.2 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

This has led to a significant demand exceeding supply, resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties is $1,007,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $140.1 million worth of commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Airlie - Whitsundays has moderately higher new home approvals, with 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 consists of 66.0% standalone homes and 34.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. With around 170 people per approval, Airlie - Whitsundays reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Airlie - Whitsundays is projected to add 5,293 residents by 2041. Current 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Shute Harbour Road Upgrade, Whitsunday Cultural Arts Centre, Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct (Cannonvale), and Airlie Beach Waterfront Revitalization. The following list details those most 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. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% in the past year as of September 2025. There are 10,543 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is high at 76.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 8.3% of residents work from home. The key industries are accommodation & food, retail trade, and construction, with a particular specialization in accommodation & food at 3.7 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs 6.6% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, labour force by 4.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airlie - Whitsundays's industry mix suggests 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Airlie - Whitsundays SA2 is approximately average nationally, with a median of $52,089 and an average of $67,340. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,251 (median) and $74,013 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($898 weekly), while household income is at the 45th percentile. The distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 36.0% of residents (6,030 people), similar to 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

Airlie - Whitsundays dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 64.5% houses and 35.6% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airlie - Whitsundays was 24.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 40.6%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $1,655 but lower than the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent was $370, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $345 but less than the national figure of $375.

Airlie - Whitsundays features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average 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, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Airlie - Whitsundays has educational qualifications that trail regional benchmarks. 21.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 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

Airlie - Whitsundays has 67 active public transport stops, all bus services. There are two routes operating weekly, serving a total of 679 passenger trips. Residents have moderate access to these stops, located on average 464 meters away. The area is predominantly residential with outward commuting patterns. Cars are the primary mode of transportation at 70%, with 16% walking. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency is 97 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 10 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

AreaSearch's assessment shows exceptional health outcomes in Airlie - Whitsundays.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 53% of the total population (~8,810 people), leading the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.3% of residents respectively. 76.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65s have better than average health outcomes. The area has 11.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,983 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, ranking higher nationally than the general population.

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 showed higher cultural diversity with 10.2% speaking a language other than English at home, and 25.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion at 39.3%. Judaism's representation was slightly higher at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups were English (32.2%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.2% (vs regional 0.9%), as were Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.3%) and French at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

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

The median age in Airlie - Whitsundays is 35 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and under the national average of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented at 22.6% locally compared to the Rest of Qld's average, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 3.2%. This concentration of young adults is higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has grown from 19.5% to 22.6%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 11.8% and the 5-14 group dropped from 10.6% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Airlie - Whitsundays, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 46%, adding 1,740 people to reach a total of 5,529 from 3,788. The 15-24 age group is projected to grow more modestly at 5%, with an increase of 96 residents.