Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the broader area, the estimated population of Airlie Beach was around 1,598 by May 2026. This figure indicates a rise of 286 individuals (21.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,312 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 1,590, based on examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was 523 persons per square kilometer at this time. Airlie Beach's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (7.6%) and the Rest of Qld, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in Airlie Beach's top quartile of non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with an expected growth of 642 persons, reflecting a 39.7% total increase over the 16-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Airlie Beach when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Airlie Beach has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 64 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, this translates to about 3.2 new residents per year for every home built during these years.

This supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is around $1,982,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development activity, approximately $15.4 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development in Airlie Beach compared to the rest of Queensland.

Relative to the regional average per person over the past five years, Airlie Beach has seen slightly more development (36.0% above average). This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. Regarding housing types, new building activity shows 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% medium to high-density housing. This expanding range of medium-density options creates a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (31.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 173 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Airlie Beach is projected to gain around 634 residents by 2041. Development activity is keeping pace with this projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Airlie Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nine projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include Shute Harbour Road Upgrade, Whitsunday Cultural Arts Centre, Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct (Cannonvale), and Whitsunday Technology Innovation Hub. The following list details those projected to have the most relevance.

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

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The employment landscape in Airlie Beach shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Airlie Beach has a highly educated workforce with tourism and hospitality sectors being prominent. Its unemployment rate is 5.0%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 5.8% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 1,058 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is 1.0% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 72.6%, exceeding Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 13.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among residents include accommodation & food (3.9 times the regional average), transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance (7.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%). The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count.

Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 5.8% while labour force grew by 6.5%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Airlie Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Airlie Beach had a median taxpayer income of $52,497 and an average income of $67,309 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is roughly national average, differing from Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $58,461 (median) and $74,955 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. In the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 71st percentile ($932 weekly), while household income was at the 39th percentile. Distribution data showed that 33.0% (527 people) of locals fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% were in this bracket. Housing affordability was severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Airlie Beach features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Airlie Beach, as per the latest Census evaluation, 31.2% of dwellings were houses while 68.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached units and apartments. This differs from Regional Queensland's figures which stood at 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings respectively. Home ownership in Airlie Beach was recorded at 32.8%, aligning with Regional Queensland's figure, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 17.1% and rented ones making up the remaining 50.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Airlie Beach was $1,925, significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Airlie Beach was recorded at $380, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Airlie Beach's mortgage repayments were found to be higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Airlie Beach features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 49.9% of all households, including 10.3% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 4.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 50.1%, with lone person households at 39.6% and group households comprising 10.1%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Airlie Beach demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Airlie Beach is notably higher than broader regional averages. Specifically, 29.7% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 15.6% and the SA3 area's 17.7%. This high level of educational attainment positions Airlie Beach favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 22.7% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 15.7% and certificates at 28.3%. Additionally, a significant portion of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 23.8% pursuing it. This includes 5.5% in tertiary education, 5.3% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing primary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Airlie Beach has twelve active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 343 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Airlie Beach is considered good, with residents typically located 378 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 63%, while 26% opt for walking. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.1% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Airlie Beach's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance throughout Airlie Beach.

AreaSearch's assessment reveals very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups and a mortality rate that outperforms other areas. Private health cover is prevalent at approximately 54% of the total population, which amounts to around 860 people, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Airlie Beach, affecting 6.8 and 6.1% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 76.8%, report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. The under-65 population exhibits better than average health outcomes. As of the latest data (2021), 14.1% of Airlie Beach residents are aged 65 and over, totaling around 225 people, which is lower than the 20.4% figure for Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Airlie Beach rank nationally higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Airlie Beach was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Airlie Beach has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 13.6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 36.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Airlie Beach, accounting for 36.7% of people. Judaism, however, is more prevalent here compared to Regional Qld, making up 0.5% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.1%), Australian (20.2%) and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Spanish (1.3% vs 0.3%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 0.9%), and French (0.8% vs 0.5%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Airlie Beach compared to regional averages.

Airlie Beach's median age exceeds the national pattern

Airlie Beach has a median age of 40, which is close to Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 29.2% of Airlie Beach's population, higher than Regional Queensland's figure but lower than the national average of 14.6%. After the 2021 Census, younger residents caused a decrease in median age by 1.1 years to 40. The 25-34 age group grew from 26.5% to 29.2%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 4.0% to 2.0%. The 45-54 group also decreased, from 14.0% to 12.5%. By 2041, Airlie Beach's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 53%, adding 247 residents to reach 714. The 85+ group, however, shows no projected growth, with an increase of 0 residents.