Herberton

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

Herberton's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 5,730 by November 2025. This marks an increase of 208 individuals (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,522 people. This growth can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,704 in June 2024 and an additional 87 validated new addresses post-Census date. The population density is around 0.60 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.6% of 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest a decline of 3 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 65 to 74 group are projected to grow, with an increase of 136 people anticipated.

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 FY26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY21 and FY25. 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, with 56.0% fewer approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings. The estimated population density is 437 people per dwelling approval. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which may reduce housing demand pressures in the area.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three major projects that could impact this region. Key projects are Kaban Green Power Hub, Chalumbin Wind Farm, North Queensland Super Hub, and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Priority Projects. The following list details the most relevant ones.

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 with white and blue collar jobs, dominated by manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 11.2%.

As of September 2025, there are 2,090 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 7.1%, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 42.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Herberton specialises in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 5.4%, compared to the regional 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as Census working population is lower than resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Herberton's labour force decreased by 1.9% with a 6.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 4.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. 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 employment could increase by 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 2022 shows that income in Herberton SA2 is below the national average. The median income is $38,085 and the average income stands at $46,825. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $43,413 (median) and $53,376 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that 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 (1,845 people) with weekly earnings in the $400 - $799 category, differing 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 faced by a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 87.1% of income retained, 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herberton stood at 51.7%, with mortgaged properties 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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, which is 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (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.

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 health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 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%). A total of 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%, or around 1,646 people, compared to the Rest of Qld's 25.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and perform better than the general population in 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 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 main religion in Herberton, comprising 48.5% of people. The most apparent overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which comprised 0.8% of Herberton's population compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English at 29.0%, Australian at 26.8%, and Irish at 9.4%. Notably, certain ethnic groups showed divergent representations: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 9.1% in Herberton compared to 6.6% regionally, Scottish at 8.7% vs 7.5%, and German at 4.4% vs 4.3%.

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 above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 18.3% of Herberton's population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.2%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 16.3% to 18.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.5%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.6% to 10.6%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, Herberton's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65 to 74 age cohort is expected to grow by 98 people (9%), reaching 1,147. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 76% of total population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 cohorts.