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 was 8,961 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 1,010 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 12.7% rise from the previous figure of 7,951 people. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,756 in June 2024 and an additional 108 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 179 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential room for further development. Gatton's growth rate exceeded both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average during this period. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.8% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are adopted, based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Gatton by 2041. The area is expected to gain 2,109 persons over this period, representing an overall increase of 21.2%.

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 FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.1 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $259,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, $13.6 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of activity. However, when measured against the Rest of Qld, Gatton records markedly lower building activity, 57.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, the area's building activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (91.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 9.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. As of now, there are an estimated 696 people in the area per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include The Range View Estate, Emerald Heights, Lockyer Energy Project, and Plainland Home & Life Centre. The following list details the most relevant ones.

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's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.3% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 14.4%. As of June 2025, 4,551 residents were employed and the unemployment rate was 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 56.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries included agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had employment levels at 6.6 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 14.4%, labour force increased by 13.0%, and unemployment fell by 1.2 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Gatton. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 indicates Gatton had a median taxpayer income of $41,799 and an average income of $49,609. This is below the national average of $50,780 and the Rest of Qld's average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Gatton would be approximately $47,647 (median) and $56,549 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, 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 (2,652 individuals) have income within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gatton, 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

The dwelling structure in Gatton, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.3% houses and 16.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gatton was at 32.0%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with the rest being mortgaged (24.8%) or rented (43.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Gatton was $295, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Gatton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 make up 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 19.1%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (24.4%).

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. Gatton's 4 schools have combined enrollment reaching 1,891 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 3 primary and 1 secondary schools 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, based on data from 2021.

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

Transport analysis in Gatton shows eight active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively providing 129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 830 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts at a considerably higher degree. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~4,131 people), compared to 51.0% across Rest of Qld and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.3%.

Approximately 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,486 people), which is lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

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 showed significant cultural diversity, 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 notably overrepresented, comprising 5.6% compared to the regional average of 1.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (25.1%), English (23.5%), and Other (12.8%), with 'Other' being substantially higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Certain ethnic groups showed notable divergences: German was overrepresented at 10.5% compared to the regional average of 8.0%, Korean at 1.0% versus 0.2%, and Chinese at 4.3% against 1.1%.

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

Gatton's median age is 32 years, which is significantly 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 percentage of 25-34 year-olds at 22.3%, but fewer 55-64 year-olds at 8.7%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of 25 to 34 year-olds has increased from 20.0% to 22.3%, while the percentage of 45 to 54 year-olds has declined from 9.7% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Gatton's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 565 residents to reach a total of 2,562. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is expected to decrease by 47 residents.