Herberton

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

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

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected 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. See the age section for more details.

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 around 13 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 66 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $184,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $6.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Herberton shows substantially reduced construction (56.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 437 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kaban Green Power Hub, Chalumbin Wind Farm, North Queensland Super Hub, and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Priority Projects, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Herberton has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 12.0%. As of December 2025, 2,064 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 8.0% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (48.1% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, accommodation & food has limited presence with 5.4% employment compared to 8.3% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.2% alongside a 6.3% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 4.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Herberton. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Herberton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Herberton SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $39,745 while the average income stands at $49,628. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $43,684 (median) and $54,546 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Herberton all fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 32.2% of locals (1,858 people) in the $400 - 799 category, diverging from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. The concentration of 44.7% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 87.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Herberton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Herberton was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 51.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.2%) or rented (21.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Herberton's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 63.8% of all households, comprising 17.5% couples with children, 32.1% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.2%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Herberton 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 (13.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (34.2%).

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Herberton, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,654 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.1% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 64.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,705 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Herberton was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.5% of its population being citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Herberton is Christianity, which makes up 48.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Herberton are English, comprising 29.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 9.1% of Herberton (vs 3.9% regionally), Scottish at 8.7% (vs 7.8%) and German at 4.4% (vs 4.7%).

Herberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 52, Herberton notably exceeds the Regional Qld figure of 41 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 19.0% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.4%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 16.3% to 19.0% of the population, 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 Herberton's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 86 people (72%) from 121 to 208. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will 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.