Herberton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Herberton's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 5729, reflecting a growth of 207 individuals since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5522. This increase was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 5705 in June 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is about 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.6% to overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data but without age category splits. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 3 persons by 2041, with the 65 to 74 age group 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 annually. Development approval data is provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totalling 66 approvals across the past five financial years from FY2021 to FY2025, with one approval so far in FY2026. An average of 1.1 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $195,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This year has seen $6.6 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting limited commercial development focus relative to residential activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Herberton records significantly lower building activity, at 56.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With an estimated count of 437 people in the area per dwelling approval, Herberton maintains a quiet, low activity development environment.

Given the expected stable or declining population, there should be reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Herberton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Four projects identified by AreaSearch could significantly impact the area: Kaban Green Power Hub (2025 completion), Chalumbin Wind Farm (scheduled for 2026), and North Queensland Super Hub (commencing in 2027).

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

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

Herberton's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.9%.

In this month, 2,178 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags at 42.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food has limited presence, at 5.4% compared to 8.3% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census working population versus resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Herberton's labour force decreased by 1.6%, with employment declining by 4.4%, leading to a 2.7 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and the labour force expand by 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, unemployment is at 4.5% and employment growth is 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Herberton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Herberton was $38,085 and average income was $46,825. This is lower than Rest of Qld's figures, which were a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% from July 2022 to March 2025, current estimates for Herberton would be approximately $42,545 (median) and $52,308 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Herberton all fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.2% of locals (1,844 people) earn between $400 - $799 weekly, unlike the region where 31.7% earn between $1,500 - $2,999. The concentration of 44.7% in sub-$800 weekly brackets indicates economic challenges for a significant portion of Herberton's community. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 87.1% of income, 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

Herberton's dwellings, 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 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herberton stood at 51.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.2% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Herberton was $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $270. Nationally, Herberton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 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 comprise 63.8% of all households, including 17.5% couples with children, 32.1% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.2%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households making up 3.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 34.2%.

Educational participation is 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. Herberton has a network of 9 schools educating approximately 840 students, comprising 4 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% (~2,635 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (7.6%). Conversely, 64.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.5% in Rest of Qld. Herberton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.7% (1,646 people), compared to 25.1% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and outperform the general population's health metrics.

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 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 'Other' category was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 0.8% versus 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (9.1%) and Scottish (8.7%) populations were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.6% and 7.5%, respectively, while German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 4.4%.

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 the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 18.3% of Herberton's population, compared to 9.4% nationally and 13.7% in Rest of Qld. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.2%, lower than both Rest of Qld (10.6%) and national figures (12.8%). According to the 2021 Census, Herberton's population aged 65-74 grew from 16.3% to 18.3%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 9.7% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group decreased from 12.6% to 10.6% and the 45-54 cohort dropped from 13.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, Herberton's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 98 people (9%), from 1,048 to 1,147. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 45-54 cohorts.