Aitkenvale

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Aitkenvale statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,889. This figure reflects an increase of 92 people since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 4,797. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,875 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,477 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in this area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied when utilised. Examining future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 2041. The area's population is expected to contract by 315 persons according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group projected to expand by 128 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Aitkenvale, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Aitkenvale had around 9 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 48 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $416,000.

This financial year, there have been $15.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Aitkenvale records significantly lower building activity, 53.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though development activity has increased recently. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 30.0% standalone homes and 70.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 75.0% houses). This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 404 people per approval, Aitkenvale indicates a mature market.

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

Aitkenvale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact this area: Harris Crossing Estate, TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct, Willows Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Annandale Christian College Master Plan. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Aitkenvale faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Aitkenvale has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 9.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 2,150 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 5.1% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Aitkenvale was on par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food sectors. The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.2% of employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. As per the Census, there were approximately 0.9 workers for each resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels in Aitkenvale decreased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 1.9%, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate of 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and a labour force expansion of 2.1%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points during this period. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (a loss of 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Aitkenvale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

In financial year 2023, Aitkenvale had a median income among taxpayers of $49,397 and an average income of $58,390. These figures are lower than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $54,292, and average income is around $64,176. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Aitkenvale rank modestly, between the 26th and 37th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which aligns with the broader area at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Aitkenvale, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 27th percentile.

Aitkenvale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Aitkenvale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.6% houses and 25.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Aitkenvale was at 26.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (46.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Aitkenvale was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305 and substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.9% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households making up 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Aitkenvale fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Aitkenvale's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks; 23.2% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 9.4% and certificates for 27.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

A total of twelve active public transport stops are currently operating within the Aitkenvale area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with eleven individual routes in operation. Collectively, these routes facilitate 1,342 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in this region is rated as good, with residents typically residing approximately 385 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 191 trips per day, which equates to around 111 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Aitkenvale is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Aitkenvale faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2461 people), compared to 53.9% across the Rest of Qld. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.0% and 8.6% of residents respectively. However, 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across the Rest of Qld. As of 2016 data, 15.7% of Aitkenvale's population is aged 65 and over (767 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Aitkenvale's cultural diversity was above average, with 21.2% of its population born overseas and 16.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Aitkenvale, comprising 53.5% of people there. Notably, the 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Aitkenvale at 1.3%, compared to the regional average of 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians were the largest group at 25.3%, followed by English at 24.9% and Other at 12.1%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Australian Aboriginal was slightly overrepresented at 5.3%, Spanish was at 0.5% (vs regional 0.4%), and German was at 3.9% (vs regional 4.0%).

Aitkenvale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Aitkenvale is 35 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and under the national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age cohort is over-represented at 15.4% locally compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 13.8% to 15.4%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 13.9% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 12.3% to 10.3% and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Aitkenvale, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 13 people, reaching 852 from 752. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.