Gatton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Gatton's population stands at approximately 8,951 as of August 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 1,000 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,951. The increase is deduced from the estimated resident population of 8,756 reported by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 104 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 179 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per person and potential for further development. Gatton's growth rate of 12.6% since the 2021 Census outpaces both the non-metro area average (8.6%) and the national average, positioning it as a notable growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.8% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a substantial population increase is forecasted for Gatton within Australia's top quartile of non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is expected to gain an additional 2,109 persons, marking a total increase of 21.4% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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 annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 97 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with two so far in FY-26. An average of 8.1 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating high demand outpacing supply and potentially putting upward pressure on prices. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $391,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $13.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gatton records significantly lower building activity, at 57.0% below the regional average per person, which may reinforce demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also below the national average, possibly due to planning constraints or the area's maturity. The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (91.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder, maintaining Gatton's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. There are currently an estimated 696 people per dwelling approval in the area, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Gatton will gain 1,914 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Gatton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 such projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include The Range View Estate, Emerald Heights, Lockyer Energy Project, and Faith Lutheran College's new administration and teaching buildings. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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

Gatton's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% as of June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 14.4%.

As of this date, 4,551 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 0.6% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation at 56.3%. Key industries for Gatton residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows notable concentration with employment levels at 6.6 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 16.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 14.4%, labour force grew by 13.0%, and unemployment fell by 1.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, compared to national rates of 4.5% and 0.26% employment growth. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth varies significantly. Applying these projections to Gatton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 reports Gatton had a median taxpayer income of $41,799 and an average income of $49,609. Both figures are below national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. Using Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $46,694 (median) and $55,418 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Gatton fall between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows 29.6% of Gatton's population (2,649 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 31.7%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, 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

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

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates of 19.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (24.4%).

Educational participation is 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. Gatton's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,891 students as of the given date. Gatton demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with three primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (21.1 places per 100 residents vs 17.2 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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 a single route, offering a total of 129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Gatton is rated as limited, with residents located an average of 830 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 18 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 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 notably higher among older cohorts. Approximately 46% of Gatton's total population (~4126 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.0% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 9.6% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.3%.

About 66.8% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the 65.3% across the rest of Queensland. Gatton has 16.6% of its population aged 65 and over (1484 people), lower than the 18.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to specific challenges they face.

Gatton was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gatton's population 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 was the predominant religion in Gatton, accounting for 51.0% of its population. Islam was overrepresented compared to the Rest of Qld, comprising 5.6% vs 1.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (25.1%), English (23.5%), and Other (12.8%), which was higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Notably, German (10.5%) and Korean (1.0%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.0% and 0.2%, respectively. Additionally, Chinese ethnicity was also overrepresented at 4.3% vs 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 Qld average of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Gatton has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 22.3%, but fewer 55-64 year-olds at 8.7%. This 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 20.0% to 22.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 9.7% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Gatton's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 567 residents to reach 2,562. Conversely, the 15-24 group is expected to contract by 46 residents.