Herberton

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

Herberton's population is approximately 5,756 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 234 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,522. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,730 in June 2025 and validated new addresses totalling 87 since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 66.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, regional areas across the nation are expected to experience lower quartile population growth. Herberton is projected to grow by 3 persons to reach a total of approximately 5,759 by 2041, reflecting an overall reduction of 0.4% over the 16-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 experienced approximately 13 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 66 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per new home each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is $184,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $6.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Herberton's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Herberton shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 55.0% fewer approvals per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This limited new supply is also lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving Herberton's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 437 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in the area.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting this region: Kaban Green Power Hub, Chalumbin Wind Farm, Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, and North Queensland Super Hub. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.

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 12.0% as of December 2025. In this month, 2,064 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 8.0%, above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Herberton lagged significantly at 48.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. A moderate 13.8% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries for employment were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Herberton showed strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services were under-represented at 5.4% compared to Regional Qld's 8.3%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 1.2% and employment by 6.3%, leading to a 4.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varied significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Herberton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The Herberton SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $39,745 and an average of $49,628 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. As of March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $44,260 (median) and $55,266 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. In Herberton, according to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 32.2% of residents (1,853 people) earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. The concentration of 44.7% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. Despite modest housing costs, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herberton was 51.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.2% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Herberton was $230, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Herberton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's 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 account for 63.8% of all households, consisting of 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 making up 32.2% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 34.2%. Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.0% in secondary, 12.1% in primary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

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 indicates significant challenges for Herberton, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,647 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (7.6%). 64.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,722 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population 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 below average, with 84.5% citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.5%. The 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (29.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (9.1%) and Scottish (8.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.9% and 7.8%, respectively. German ancestry was slightly underrepresented at 4.4%.

Herberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Herberton has a median age of 52, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 18.8% of Herberton's population, compared to Regional Qld's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort represents 7.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 16.3% to 18.8%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has grown from 3.6% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 10.2%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.3% to 11.1%. By 2041, Herberton's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is expected to increase by 89 people (72%), from 124 to 214. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting Herberton's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.