Atherton
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Atherton are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Atherton's population was around 12,703 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,078 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,625 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,342 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 364 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 54 persons per square kilometer. Atherton's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 66.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities was projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,619 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 9.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Atherton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Atherton has received approximately 72 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 361 homes. As of FY26, 37 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.3 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25, indicating robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost for these dwellings is $228,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year, Atherton has registered $88.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Atherton exhibits somewhat elevated construction activity, with 15.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

The new developments consist of 90.0% detached houses and 10.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 228 people per dwelling approval in Atherton, indicating potential for growth. Projections suggest that Atherton will grow by 1,258 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Atherton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Priors Creek Development, Tolga Main Street Shopping Centre (DA), Atherton Large Format Retail Precinct, and Atherton Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, Atherton has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Atherton has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.9%, as of June 2025.

In this month, 5782 residents are employed, matching Rest of Qld's unemployment rate but lagging in workforce participation at 53.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Atherton specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.7% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Atherton's labour force decreased by 1.5%, employment decreased by 2.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025, project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Atherton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Atherton's median taxpayer income was $45,356 and average income was $53,694 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average of $67,817 (median) and $79,138 (average). In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Atherton as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,701 (median) and $61,206 (average). The 2021 Census revealed that household, family, and personal incomes in Atherton all fell between the 14th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution data showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 29.1% of residents (3,696 people), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remained, ranking at the 16th percentile nationally.

Atherton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Atherton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.7% houses and 13.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Atherton was at 42.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,460, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Atherton was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $270. Nationally, Atherton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,460 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $280 compared to the national figure of $375.

Atherton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.8% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Atherton fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (31.1%).

Educational participation is high at 28.9%, including primary education (11.4%), secondary education (9.9%), and tertiary education (2.6%). Six schools operate in Atherton, educating approximately 2,499 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 986) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Atherton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Atherton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~5,970 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.0 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.5% across Rest of Qld. As of 2016, 26.1% of Atherton's residents are aged 65 and over (3,319 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Atherton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Atherton's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 86.0% being citizens, 84.8% born in Australia, and 93.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 55.8%, compared to 52.6% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.7%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (9.1%).

Italian representation was notably higher in Atherton at 5.8% compared to the regional average of 5.9%. Australian Aboriginal representation was lower at 4.9%, versus 6.6% regionally, while German representation was slightly lower at 4.2%, compared to 4.3%.

Atherton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Atherton has a median age of 45, which is higher than both the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 make up 13.6% of the population, while those aged 35-44 comprise only 10.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 10.3% to 11.5%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 12.8% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Atherton's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 35%, reaching 1,582 people from 1,169. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting Atherton's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 55-64 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.