Heatley

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

Heatley's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 4,001 people. This figure represents an increase of 94 individuals (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,907 people. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,999 in June 2024 and the addition of 1 validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,970 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.5% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward, population projections indicate a decline by 2041, with the area's population expected to decrease by 166 persons. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, projected 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 in recent years. Between 2016 and 2020, it received a total of six dwelling approvals, averaging approximately one annually. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of Heatley, where housing demand is typically driven by local needs rather than broader market forces.

Due to these low approval numbers, yearly growth figures can vary significantly based on individual projects. Compared to other regions in Queensland and nationally, Heatley has shown significantly less construction activity. Recent development in Heatley has been exclusively detached houses, with a focus 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 continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

Population projections indicate stability or decline in Heatley, which should reduce housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely affecting this region: Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication, Kirwan Police Complex, Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, and Willows Shopping Centre Redevelopment.

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 key services well-represented, and an unemployment rate of 10.8% as of September 2025. There are 1,645 employed residents, with a jobless rate 6.8% above Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 55.2%, significantly lower than the regional average of 65.7%.

Census data shows only 5.2% work from home. Major industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Public administration & safety is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has minimal presence at 0.0%, compared to 4.5% regionally.

The area offers limited local jobs, as seen in Census data comparing working population to residents. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Heatley's labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 2.1%, raising unemployment by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heatley's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.2% in five years and 13.2% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 $46,011 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $54,234 for the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $50,571 and the average income $59,609, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Heatley fall between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income cohort spans 31.8% of locals (1,272 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. This aligns with the regional pattern where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Heatley, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Heatley consisted of 84.0% houses and 16.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heatley was at 31.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.8%) or rented (34.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Heatley was recorded at $280, substantially lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and 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%. 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 them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is high, with 29.4% currently enrolled in formal education, broken down as follows: primary education (10.8%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (4.0%).

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

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

Heatley has 17 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by three different bus routes that together facilitate around 300 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered good, with residents on average located about 210 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Heatley residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Heatley, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.2% of Heatley residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages about 42 trips per day, resulting in approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Heatley is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Heatley faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average in Heatley, with older age cohorts experiencing these issues to an even greater extent. Private health cover is very low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,872 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in Heatley are arthritis (impacting 10.4% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 10.0%). In contrast, 59.7% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Working-age population health presents notable challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Heatley has 19.9% of its residents aged 65 and over (796 people), with senior health outcomes presenting some challenges but ranking lower nationally than the broader 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home by the year 2016. Christianity was the predominant religion in Heatley, accounting for 55.7% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland during that period. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.8%), English (25.7%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups had higher representations in Heatley than regionally: Australian Aboriginal at 8.1% versus 3.9%, Filipino at 2.0% versus 0.9%, and Spanish at 0.5% versus 0.3%.

Heatley's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Heatley has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group shows strong representation at 15.0%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 7.4%. Following the Census in 2021, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.2% to 15.0%, and the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.9% to 10.5%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 9.6% to 7.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Heatley's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 85+ group growing by 55% (71 people), reaching 202 from 130. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 52% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.