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

Airlie - Whitsundays' population was around 16,635 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 2,112 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,523. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,597 in June 2025 and an additional 352 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 54 persons per square kilometer. Airlie - Whitsundays' growth rate of 14.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 7.6% and the Rest of Qld, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort where utilized. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Airlie - Whitsundays expected to increase by 5,285 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 31.5% over the 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 86 approved in FY-26 as of now. Each year, on average, 3.2 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed during these five years.

This has led to a significant demand exceeding supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost for new properties is $1,007,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $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, averaging 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. New developments consist of 66.0% standalone homes and 34.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. The area reflects developing conditions, with approximately 170 people per approval. Future projections estimate Airlie - Whitsundays to add 5,247 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 28 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Shute Harbour Road Upgrade, Whitsunday Cultural Arts Centre, Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct (Cannonvale), and Airlie Beach Waterfront Revitalization. The following list provides details on those projects considered 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. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%.

As of December 2025, there are 10,583 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% and workforce participation of 76.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 8.3% of residents work from home. Key industries include accommodation & food, retail trade, and construction, with a particular specialization in accommodation & food at 3.7 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 6.6%, below Regional Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 5.3% while labour force increased by 5.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Airlie - Whitsundays. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Airlie - Whitsundays's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 11.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Airlie - Whitsundays SA2, median income is $52,089 and average income is $67,340. This contrasts with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Airlie - Whitsundays SA2 would be approximately $58,006 (median) and $74,990 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 66th percentile ($898 weekly), while household income is at the 45th percentile. Distribution data shows that 36.0% of residents (5,988 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income 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

Airlie - Whitsundays' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 64.5% houses and 35.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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 Regional Qld's $1,655. Median weekly rent was $370, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Airlie - Whitsundays' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less at $375.

Airlie - Whitsundays features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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 33.2%, with lone person households at 26.6% and group households making up 6.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Airlie - Whitsundays trail regional benchmarks in educational qualifications, with 21.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 47.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (33.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis shows 67 active transport stops operating in Airlie - Whitsundays. These are served by two routes offering a total of 679 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate with residents typically located 464 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (70%), while 16% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 97 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 10 weekly trips per 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 based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is more prevalent here than the average SA2 area, at approximately 53% of the total population (~8,750 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.2% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 76.7%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Only 12.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,029 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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 exhibited above average cultural diversity, with 10.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Airlie-Whitsundays, comprising 39.3% of people. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.2%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (8.2%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included New Zealanders at 1.2% (vs regional 0.9%), Spanish at 0.8% (vs regional 0.3%), and French at 0.7% (vs regional 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 Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably higher in Airlie - Whitsundays at 22.1%, compared to Regional Queensland's 16.9% and the national average of 14.6%. Conversely, the 75-84 age group is under-represented at 3.4%. Post-Census data from June 2021 shows that the 25-34 age group has grown from 19.5% to 22.1%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.1% and the 5-14 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. Population forecasts for Airlie - Whitsundays indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 46%, increasing from 3,668 to 5,348 people. The 15-24 age group is expected to grow by 5%, adding 91 residents.