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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Bentley Park are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bentley Park's population is around 9,301 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 941 people (11.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,360 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,142 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 216 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,355 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bentley Park's 11.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.2%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 44.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate and overseas migration, were positive factors.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,852 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.2% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bentley Park among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
Bentley Park has recorded around 76 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 383 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.9 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $287,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.
When measured against Rest of Qld, Bentley Park records 148.0% more building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice. New development consists of 98.0% standalone homes and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 114 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.
Future projections show Bentley Park adding 1,693 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Bentley Park has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Cherrybrook Estate, The Outlook, Sugarworld Estate, and the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
North Queensland Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Residential Rehabilitation Service
The North Queensland Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Service (NQYAODS) is a 10-bed residential rehabilitation facility providing 24/7 specialist care for young people aged 13-18. The service offers a holistic, home-like environment with integrated education support, mental health services, and cultural programs overseen by the Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation. Stays range from six weeks to six months, focusing on voluntary recovery and harm minimisation.
Edmonton Business & Industry Park
A 212-hectare masterplanned business and industry hub south of Cairns, developed by Pregno Family Investments. The project is delivered in six stages and includes industrial, manufacturing, and warehousing precincts, alongside 'big box' retail, a private hospital, and over 50 hectares of public open space incorporating the Blackfellows Creek environmental corridor restoration.
Mount Peter Priority Development Area
Declared on 30 July 2025, the 2,650-hectare Mount Peter PDA is Cairns' primary long-term growth corridor, designed to accommodate 18,500 new homes and 42,500 residents by 2050. Currently operating under an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP), the project is in a 18-month planning phase to establish a permanent Development Scheme. The 'Securing Cairns Housing Foundations Plan' identifies a $450 million infrastructure requirement for Stage 1, seeking a three-way funding split between Council, State, and Federal governments to deliver critical water, wastewater, and transport networks. Precinct 1 (Residential North) is open for fast-tracked development applications to provide immediate housing relief.
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) Project
The Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) project is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the Cairns Regional Council, designed to provide a new, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the growing Cairns region. The project involves building a new water intake at the Mulgrave River near the Desmond Trannore Bridge and a new water treatment plant and reservoirs on Council-owned land on Jones Road. It also includes the construction of a 30 km pipeline network to transport water. Once operational, the new water treatment plant will supply up to 60 megalitres of treated water per day and will make the existing treatment plant at Behana redundant. The project has passed its halfway mark and is expected to be complete in mid-2026.
Cairns South State Development Area
A 1159-hectare state development area declared in November 2018 and expanded in February 2020 to facilitate regionally significant industrial development across two separate areas. The northern precinct at Wrights Creek enables freight, logistics, and large-scale industrial development with direct access to the Bruce Highway and North Coast Line. The southern precinct adjacent to the Mulgrave Mill supports bio-industrial development and value-added sugar processing industries. MSF Sugar has committed $150 million in planned investments including a biorefinery and cogeneration facility at the Gordonvale site.
Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2
Remediation works across nine reservoirs at eight sites in Cairns, including Mayer Street, Panguna, Bayview Large, Barron View, Runnymede, Brinsmead, Dempsey Street A and B, and Crest Close. The project involves concrete repairs, internal coatings, roof replacements, access upgrades, and road repairs to enhance water security and extend asset longevity.
Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre
The $8 million Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre will deliver social facilities and key support and outreach services for residents of White Rock and surrounding areas, as well as Cairns diverse multicultural community. The centre will include a fully equipped commercial kitchen, multipurpose spaces for up to 200 people, small meeting rooms, dedicated space for service providers, foyer and reception area, and covered areas for play groups and cultural practices. Detailed design commenced in January 2025, with construction to be fast-tracked. The facility will be adjacent to White Rock State School and will complement new sports fields being developed at the school.
Sugarworld Estate
Sugarworld Estate is a master planned mixed-use residential development featuring The Terrace and The Heights precincts. Offering 219 fully serviced lots ranging from 465m2 to 3,222m2 with mountain views, located 20 minutes from Cairns CBD with multiple stages actively selling.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis reveals Bentley Park recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide
Bentley Park possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented and an unemployment rate of 5.3%. As of December 2025, 4,738 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.3% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.0% of Bentley Park's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.
Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.2% alongside a 3.5% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 2.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bentley Park. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bentley Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Bentley Park SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $57,416 while the average income stands at $63,377. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,106 (median) and $69,658 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Bentley Park cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 41.6% of locals (3,869 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 55th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Bentley Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Dwelling structure within Bentley Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bentley Park lagged that of Regional Qld, at 18.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (47.1%) or rented (34.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $385, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Bentley Park's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Bentley Park features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households dominate at 81.2% of all households, comprising 36.6% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 17.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.8%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Bentley Park fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (32.8%).
Educational participation is notably high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 11.5% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Bentley Park, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 378 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 311 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).
Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Bentley Park's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts
Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Bentley Park residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions being quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,697 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.
The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.4% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 74.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.2% of residents aged 65 and over (949 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, though it ranks lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
In terms of cultural diversity, Bentley Park records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Bentley Park is roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 82.1% born in Australia, and 85.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bentley Park is Christianity, which makes up 49.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 2.0% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bentley Park are Australian, comprising 24.4% of the population, English, comprising 22.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, and Other, comprising 15.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 8.5% of Bentley Park (vs 3.9% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.9%) and Samoan at 0.5% (vs 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Bentley Park hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
At 32 years, Bentley Park's median age is considerably lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, Bentley Park has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (17.7%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (6.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.8% to 17.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 18.2% to 15.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.8% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Bentley Park's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 34%, adding 563 residents to reach 2,213. In contrast, the 15 to 24 group will contract by 85 residents.