Herberton

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

Herberton's population is around 5,771 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 249 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,522. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,703 in June 2024 and an additional 87 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Herberton's growth rate of 4.5% since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 75.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a decline in overall population is expected over this period, with the area's population projected to contract by 3 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 65 to 74 age group, which is projected to increase by 136 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Herberton, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Herberton has recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 66 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per new home constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value of new properties is $184,000, which is below regional levels.

This year, $6.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Herberton shows reduced construction activity, being 56.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 437 people. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in Herberton.

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

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence performance. Three key projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Kaban Green Power Hub, Chalumbin Wind Farm, North Queensland Super Hub, and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Priority Projects. Relevant details follow.

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

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

Herberton's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 11.2% as of September 2025. There were 2,090 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 7.1% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation was significantly lower at 48.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. A moderate 13.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area had a high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.8 times the regional level), but limited presence in accommodation & food services (5.4% vs 8.3% regionally).

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Herberton's labour force decreased by 1.9%, with employment declining by 6.4%, leading to a 4.3 percentage point unemployment rise. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by only 0.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Herberton's industry mix suggested local employment could increase by 5.5% in five years and 12.1% in ten years, though this was a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Herberton SA2 had median income of $39,745 and average income of $49,628, both below national averages. Rest of Qld's median was $53,146 with average at $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $43,684 (median) and $54,546 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census data places Herberton's household, family, and personal incomes between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 32.2% of locals earn $400-$799 weekly, differing from the region where 31.7% earn $1,500-$2,999. The concentration of 44.7% in sub-$800 brackets indicates economic challenges for many residents. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 87.1% of income, total disposable income ranks at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Herberton, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herberton was at 51.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.2%) or rented (21.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Herberton was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Herberton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.8 percent of all households, including 17.5 percent couples with children, 32.1 percent couples without children, and 12.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.2 percent, with lone person households at 32.2 percent and group households comprising 3.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is high at 31.3%, comprising secondary education (13.0%), primary education (12.1%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in secondary education, 12.1% in primary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Herberton is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Herberton faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,654 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (7.6%). Conversely, 64.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. Herberton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.6% (1,705 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors rank favorably nationally.

Herberton is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Herberton's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.5% of its population being citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.5% of Herberton's population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.8% of Herberton's population compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (9.4%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 9.1% compared to the regional average of 3.9%, Scottish at 8.7% versus 7.8%, and German at 4.4% compared to 4.7%.

Herberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Herberton has a median age of 52, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and also well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 19.0% of Herberton's population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.4%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 16.3% to 19.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 9.9%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.3% to 11.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Herberton's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, with an expansion of 86 people (72%) from 121 to 208. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.