Gatton

Population growth drivers in Gatton are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Gatton's population was around 8,961 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,010 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,951. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,756 in June 2024 and an additional 108 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 179 persons per square kilometer. Gatton's growth rate of 12.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area average of 8.8%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for regional areas across the nation. The area is expected to increase by 2,109 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 21.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Gatton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Gatton has recorded approximately 19 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 97 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New homes are constructed at an average expected cost of $259,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $13.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gatton records markedly lower building activity, which is 57.0% below the regional average per person and also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists primarily of standalone homes (91.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (9.0%), maintaining Gatton's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population density is 696 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Gatton will gain 1,904 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Gatton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are The Range View Estate, Emerald Heights, Lockyer Energy Project, and Plainland Home & Life Centre. The following details those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Gatton ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Gatton has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.2%. As of that date, 4,509 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Gatton was somewhat below standard at 56.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Employment levels in agriculture, forestry & fishing were notably high at 6.6 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.6 as of the Census, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2% while labour force increased by 4.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate decrease of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gatton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

In financial year 2022, Gatton SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $41,799 and an average income of $49,609. These figures are below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,647 (median) and $56,549 (average), based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Gatton fall between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 29.6% of Gatton's population (2,652 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this income bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gatton, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

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

Gatton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.3% houses and 16.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gatton was at 32.0%, aligning with Non-Metro Qld, with remaining dwellings either mortgaged (24.8%) or rented (43.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Gatton was $295, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $310 and the national average of $375.

Gatton features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.2% of all households, including 23.6% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 9.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Gatton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 19.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 24.4%. Educational participation is high, with 31.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.5% in primary, 9.0% in tertiary, and 7.5% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 9.0% in tertiary education, and 7.5% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Gatton has eight active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 129 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents generally located 830 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 18 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gatton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Gatton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but to a higher degree among older cohorts. Approximately 46% (~4,131 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.0% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.6%) and arthritis (9.3%), with 66.8% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% in Rest of Qld.

There are 16.6% residents aged 65 and over (1,486 people), lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Gatton was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Gatton's population, as of the 2016 Census, was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 29.3% born overseas and 25.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Gatton, making up 51.0% of its population. Islam, however, is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 5.6% versus 1.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.1%), English (23.5%), and Other (12.8%), which is higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Notably, German (10.5%) and Korean (1.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.0% and 0.2%, respectively. Additionally, Chinese ethnicity is also notably present at 4.3%, compared to the regional average of 1.1%.

Gatton's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Gatton's median age is 32 years, which is lower than the Rest of Queensland average of 41 and also substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Gatton has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (22.3%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (8.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Gatton's population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 20.0% to 22.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has declined from 9.7% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Gatton's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 565 residents to reach a total of 2,562. In contrast, the 15-24 age group is expected to contract by 47 residents.