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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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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Gatton has an estimated 8,904 residents, up from 7,951 at the 2021 Census — a change of 953 people, or 12.0%. Growth has averaged 2.1% a year over five years, faster than 78% of areas nationally. 111 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 92.5% of that increase. That puts 178 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Gatton stands at approximately 8,904 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 953 people (12.0%) from the 2021 Census, when the recorded population was 7,951 people. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 8,897 in June 2025 alongside 111 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 178 persons per square kilometer, offering plenty of space per inhabitant and potential for future expansion. The 12.0% increase in Gatton since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (9.2%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth frontrunner.
The main driver of this population rise was overseas migration, which made up roughly 92.5% of the total population gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes the ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 regions missing from this dataset, or for any periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used instead. Note that because these state projections lack age bracket breakdowns, AreaSearch distributes growth across age groups proportionally based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (which use 2022 as a base year). Looking ahead, the area is projected to experience population growth above the national median for regional locations, with an expected increase of 1,964 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total expansion of 22.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
97 new dwellings have been approved in Gatton over the past five years, an average of 19 a year. That places the area in the 50th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 2 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 9, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Gatton averages approximately 19 residential property approvals annually, with a total of 97 homes approved across the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 9 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. An average of 9.1 people per year relocated to the area for every home constructed during those 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), showing that demand is outpacing supply, a trend that generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition. Meanwhile, new residential construction exhibits an average value of $259,000—which is below regional averages—pointing to more budget-friendly purchasing options.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $13.6 million this financial year, reflecting a moderate pace of commercial expansion. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gatton exhibits considerably lower development volumes (57.0% below the regional average per capita). This limited construction pace typically supports the demand and value of pre-existing homes. This rate of activity is also lower than the national figure, suggesting a mature market and potential developmental barriers. New residential projects consist of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% medium and high-density dwellings, which preserves the historically low-density environment of the area and prioritizes spacious family residences. The ratio of 716 people in the region per approved dwelling highlights a quiet building sector with low construction volumes. Demographic projections indicate that Gatton will add 1,957 residents by 2041 (calculated from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch). With current construction paces, residential supply might struggle to keep up with this population increase, which could intensify competition among buyers and support upward price pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gatton
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 21 current infrastructure and development projects inside Gatton, worth an estimated $1.11 billion. A further 110 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $48.9 billion. 40 are already under construction and 63 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning initiatives are primary factors influencing local market performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 15 projects expected to impact the region. Important developments include The Range View Estate, Emerald Heights, Lockyer Energy Project, and Faith Lutheran College, Plainland - New Administration and Teaching Buildings, with the most relevant ones detailed in the list below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gatton Student Accommodation Precinct
Development of 123 purpose-built self-contained student accommodation units to support the nearby University of Queensland Gatton campus. The development includes integrated communal facilities, study lounges, meeting spaces, and ancillary cafe amenities.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Planning Scheme & TLPI Flood Regulation
The Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme and Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) 2026 provide an updated strategic regional planning framework and flood hazard overlay. It implements new development controls and regulations to protect life and property in flood-prone areas across the Lockyer Valley local government area.
Woodchester Estate Stage 4 Subdivision
Residential subdivision delivering 52 serviced allotments ranging from 800m2 to 1200m2 as part of the ongoing Woodchester Estate master planned community in Gatton. The project includes civil works, internal road infrastructure, stormwater management, and underground utility connections.
Rivergum Heights Residential Estate
Rivergum Heights is a masterplanned residential subdivision located at 168 Woodlands Road in Gatton. The estate delivers over 80 fully serviced residential allotments with town water, sewerage, NBN, internal sealed roads, and landscaped open space buffers overlooking the countryside. Civil subdivision infrastructure and housing construction are actively underway.
Lockyer Valley Equine Hub Precinct
A proposed multi-purpose regional equine center designed to capitalize on the area's equestrian heritage, providing sporting facilities, event venues, and community infrastructure expected to generate $16.3M in economic output. Located at the existing Lockyer Valley Turf Club site in Gatton.
Woodchester Estate
Masterplanned residential community in Gatton planned to deliver over 500 residential homes on completion. Supported by essential roadworks, gully crossings, stormwater, and electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Inland Rail - Helidon to Calvert Section
The Helidon to Calvert section of the Inland Rail project involves constructing approximately 47 km of dual-gauge freight rail line passing through the Lockyer Valley, including an 850m tunnel through the Little Liverpool Range.
Lockyer Valley Growth Management Strategy 2046
A comprehensive strategic plan by Lockyer Valley Regional Council to direct housing, economic development, jobs, and infrastructure to support an anticipated regional population growth of 24,000 residents through 2046.
4,291 residents of Gatton are employed, from a labour force of 4,484. Unemployment sits at 4.3%, with participation at 59.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Gatton has a diverse workforce across multiple industries, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 4,291, while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than the Regional Qld level of 3.9%, and the labor participation rate was slightly low (59.5% relative to 64.3% in Regional Qld). Census records show that a minor 5.0% of the workforce operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account. The local workforce is mainly employed within agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and retail trade. The region displays a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where the share of employment is 6.6 times the regional average.
Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented at 7.9% compared to the regional figure of 16.1%. A ratio of 0.6 workers per resident was recorded at the Census, indicating a higher-than-average volume of local employment options. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 6.8% and employment fell by 8.1%, which led to a 1.4 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Conversely, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labor force expand by 0.3%, with a minor 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. Future demand in Gatton can be further understood using Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these rates vary widely by industry. Applying these sectoral projections to the employment distribution of Gatton indicates local jobs should rise by 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years (this represents a basic weighting extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gatton is $1,274 a week (about $66,000 a year), with median personal income at $661 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $43,772 a year against an average of $50,841. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the Gatton SA2 are lower than the national average, with a median of $43,772 and an average of $50,841. This is below the levels in Regional Qld, which recorded a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Factoring in a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $48,744 for the median and $56,617 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that Gatton's household, family, and individual incomes all rank between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally.
Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for 29.6% of the population (2,635 people), which is close to the metropolitan average of 31.7%. Affordability is highly constrained, with residents retaining only 84.2% of their income, placing the area in the 19th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gatton had 2,753 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 83% detached houses and 5% apartments. 25% are owned with a mortgage, 43% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $295 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 23.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Gatton was made up of 83.3% houses and 16.6% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Gatton matched the Regional Qld figure of 32.0%, while the remaining properties were either under a mortgage (24.8%) or rented (43.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was lower than the Regional Qld average, while the median weekly rent was $295, compared to Regional Qld averages of $1,655 and $345 respectively.
On a national level, Gatton's mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also below the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gatton counted 2,753 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,083 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 24% are couples with children, fewer than in 75% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 64.2%, which is composed of 23.6% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent households. The remaining 35.8% are non-family households, consisting of lone person households at 26.7% and group living situations at 9.2%. The median size of a household is 2.6 people, which is slightly above the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.1% of adults in Gatton hold a university qualification, including 14.0% with a bachelor degree and 3.9% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 83% of areas nationally. A further 24.4% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 1,891 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 955 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The community faces some educational hurdles, with university qualification levels (19.1%) sitting below the Australian benchmark of 30.4%. This situation presents both a difficulty and a chance for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate studies (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational and technical training is strong, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (24.4%). Enrolment in education is quite high, with 31.5% of the population actively studying. This cohort is made up of 9.5% in primary schools, 9.0% in higher education institutions, and 7.5% in high schools.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Gatton reaches 8 stops on 1 route, timetabled for about 120 services a week. The typical home sits about 830 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport data shows 8 active transit stops in Gatton, consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 1 unique route, which accommodates 124 passenger trips each week. Access to transport is categorized as limited, with residents living an average of 830 meters from the nearest stop. The area is mostly residential, and the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 95%. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A low proportion of residents (5.0%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.
Frequency of service averages 17 daily trips across the transit network, which translates to roughly 15 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.8% of residents in Gatton report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 83% of areas nationally. 7.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and the occurrence of chronic illnesses, Gatton faces notable healthcare challenges, with common medical issues present in both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is low at roughly 46% of the population (~4,104 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national level of 55.7%. The most prevalent health issues in the area are mental health conditions and arthritis, which affect 9.6% and 9.3% of the community, respectively. Meanwhile, 66.8% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Residents of working age exhibit higher-than-average rates of chronic illnesses. The area has 15.8% of its population aged 65 and over (1,404 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Senior citizens face some health difficulties, with local rankings aligning with the trends seen in the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
29.3% of Gatton residents were born overseas and 25.5% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (25.1%) and English (23.5%). 3.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Gatton displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most regional markets, with 29.3% of the population born outside Australia and 25.5% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 51.0% of the population. The most notable religious overrepresentation is Islam, which accounts for 5.6% of residents, compared to the Regional Qld average of 0.6%. Looking at ancestry, the largest groups in Gatton are Australian at 25.1%, English at 23.5% (lower than the regional average of 29.6%), and Other at 12.8% (higher than the regional average of 6.9%).
There are also notable differences in other backgrounds: German ancestry represents 10.5% of the population (versus 4.7% regionally), Korean is at 1.0% (versus 0.2%), and Chinese is at 4.3% (versus 1.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gatton is 32, younger than 88% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 39.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Gatton is 32 years, which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Gatton features a higher proportion of people aged 25 - 34 (23.2%) and a lower percentage of those aged 55 - 64 (8.3%). The proportion of 25 - 34 year-olds is higher than the national rate of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, a younger population shift has lowered the median age by 1.1 years to 32. Key shifts show the 25 to 34 age bracket rose from 20.0% to 23.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 11.6% to 13.4%.
Conversely, the 45 to 54 bracket fell from 9.7% to 8.1%. Demographic projections for 2041 point to shifts in the local age structure, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 589 people (29%) from 2,062 to 2,652, while the 15 to 24 group is projected to decrease by 27 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gatton
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 21 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 111 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (7,951 at the 2021 Census → 8,904 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (317011448). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.