Herberton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Herberton's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 5730 people. This figure represents an increase of 208 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5522 people. The rise is inferred from ABS estimates: 5704 residents in June 2024 and 87 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed around 75.6% to recent population growth.

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 and released in 2023. Age category splits are not provided in state projections; thus proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. By 2041, population is projected to decrease by 3 persons overall, but the 65-74 age group is expected to grow 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. So far in FY2025-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per year for every new home approved between FY2020-21 and FY2024-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $184,000, which is lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers.

In the current financial year, $6.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Herberton shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 56.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, this is also below average, suggesting maturity in the area and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving Herberton's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 437 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population projections indicating stability or decline, Herberton should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to influence the region: Kaban Green Power Hub, Chalumbin Wind Farm, and North Queensland Super Hub. Additionally, Hinchinbrook Shire Council Priority Projects may also have 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 8.9%.

In comparison to Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, Herberton has an unemployment rate that is 5.0% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Herberton lags behind Rest of Qld, with a participation rate of 42.6% compared to the regional rate of 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.8 times higher than the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services have a limited presence, with only 5.4% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between the Census working population and resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Herberton's labour force decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 2.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and the labour force expand by 2.0%, with unemployment rising by only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and a 13.7% increase 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized 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 financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Herberton was $38,085 and average income was $46,825. This is lower than Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated median income in Herberton would be approximately $43,413 and average income $53,376. Census data indicates incomes in Herberton fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 32.2% of locals earn between $400 and $799 weekly, differing from Rest of Qld where 31.7% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. A significant portion, 44.7%, falls into sub-$800 weekly brackets. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.1% income retention, 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

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 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, 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 constitute 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 comprise 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 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%). Herberton has a network of 9 schools educating approximately 840 students, consisting of 4 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools.

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 common conditions prevalent 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 frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (7.6%). 64.3% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Qld's 67.5%. Herberton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.7% (1,646 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 25.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming 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 born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.5% of Herberton's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.8% 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 also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 9.1% compared to the regional average of 6.6%, Scottish at 8.7% versus 7.5%, and German at 4.4% compared to 4.3%.

Herberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Herberton has a median age of 52, higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and above the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group is strongly represented at 18.3% compared to Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.2%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. According to the Census conducted on August 3rd, 2021, the 65-74 age group has grown from 16.3% to 18.3%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 12.6% to 10.6%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.3% to 11.3%. Demographic projections suggest Herberton's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to grow by 98 people (9%), from 1,048 to 1,147. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting Herberton's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 45-54 cohorts.