Heatley

Heatley has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Heatley's population was around 4,001 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 94 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.4% rise from the previous population count of 3,907. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: Heatley's resident population was 3,999 in June 2024, with an additional validated address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,970 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.5% to 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Population projections indicate a decline by 2041: Heatley's population is expected to contract by 166 persons. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, anticipated to expand by 111 people.

The level of residential development activity in Heatley is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Heatley has had minimal residential development activity with only 1 dwelling approval annually over the past five years, totalling 6. This low level of development reflects Heatley's rural nature where housing needs are typically local and specific rather than driven by broad market demand. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably due to the low approval numbers.

Construction activity in Heatley is significantly less than that seen in the Rest of Qld, with levels also under national averages. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, focusing on family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyle and space. Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (84.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Population projections show stability or decline in Heatley, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Heatley should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication, Harris Crossing Estate, Kirwan Police Complex, and Kirwan Health Campus Expansion. The following details those 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.

Employment conditions in Heatley face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Heatley's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 10.8%.

The area has 1,645 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 6.8% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower, at 54.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Public administration & safety has a high share of employment, at 1.6 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with 0.0% employment compared to region's 4.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. From September 2024 to September 2025, labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 2.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heatley's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

The Heatley SA2's median income among taxpayers was $44,190 and average income stood at $52,235 in financial year 2022. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $50,372 (median) and $59,543 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Heatley all fall between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.8% of locals (1,272 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile.

Heatley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Heatley's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 84.0% houses and 16.0% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heatley stood at 31.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Heatley was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Heatley's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Heatley features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (29.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.8% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 4.0% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Heatley shows that there are 17 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 300 weekly passenger trips provided by three individual routes. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 210 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is 42 trips per day, which equates to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Heatley is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health challenges are prominent in Heatley, affecting various age groups. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.4% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Approximately 59.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland.

Heatley has a lower rate of private health cover at approximately 46%, compared to 53.3% across the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.3%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 20.1% (803 people) compared to 14.9% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

Heatley ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Heatley's population showed low cultural diversity, with 86.3% being Australian citizens, 86.3% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 55.7%, compared to 52.7% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.8%), English (25.7%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (8.1%) and Filipino (2.0%) groups were overrepresented compared to the regional averages of 5.0% and 1.1%, respectively. Spanish group was also slightly higher at 0.5%.

Heatley's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Heatley's median age is 40 years, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.5%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort stands at 7.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.2% to 14.4%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.2% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 9.6% to 7.5%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.9% to 10.9%. By 2041, Heatley's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 14%, reaching 657 from 574. Population declines are forecast for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.