Heatley

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

Heatley's population was approximately 4,042 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 135 people (3.5%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,907. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 4,023 in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,991 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline of 167 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group projected to expand by 83 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. Specifically, there have been 1 dwelling approval annually on average over the past five years, totalling 6 approvals during this period. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of Heatley, where housing development is primarily driven by local needs rather than broader market demand.

It is important to note that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can fluctuate significantly based on individual projects. Comparing Heatley's construction activity to other regions shows it has significantly less activity than the Rest of Qld. Furthermore, its development levels are below national averages. Recent development in Heatley has been entirely comprised of detached houses, with a focus on family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyle and space.

Notably, developers have been building more traditional houses (84.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Population projections suggest stability or decline in Heatley's population, which should lead to reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

The performance of an area can significantly impacted by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to affect the area. Notable among these are the Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication project, the expansion of the Townsville University Hospital, the Kirwan Police Complex construction, and the Kirwan Health Campus Expansion. The following list outlines those projects deemed 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 December 2025, the unemployment rate is 10.6%. The resident employment stands at 1,626 with an unemployment rate 6.5% higher than Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Heatley lags at 54.4%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data shows that only 5.2% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors. The area has a significant employment specialization in public administration & safety, with a share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has minimal presence at 0.0% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the disparity between working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Heatley's labour force remained stable while employment declined by 2.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heatley's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over 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 and average income stood at $54,234 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,238 (median) and $60,395 (average) as of March 2026. 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 (1,285 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 after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile.

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

Heatley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.0% houses and 16.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heatley was at 31.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Heatley was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Heatley's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 comprise the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households at 3.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 29.9%. Educational participation is 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 300 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered good, with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outside Heatley. 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, only 5.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 42 trips per day, equating to 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average in Heatley, particularly amongst older age cohorts. Private health cover is low, with approximately 47% of the total population (~1,891 people) having it, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health issues (10.0%). Conversely, 59.7% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (810 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 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, accounting for 55.7% of Heatley's population, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (26.8%), English (25.7%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 8.1%, Filipino at 2.0%, and Spanish at 0.5%.

Heatley's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Heatley's median age is 40, closely matching Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.0%, higher than Regional Queensland's figure, while the 65-74 cohort stands at 7.7%. Post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.2% to 14.4%, and the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.7% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.9% to 10.9%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 9.6% to 7.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant shifts in Heatley's age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 55% (73 people), reaching 207 from 133. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 56% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.