Alice River

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Alice River's estimated population is around 3,156. This reflects an increase of 471 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,685. The change was inferred from the resident population of 3,029 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 155 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 79 persons per square kilometer. Alice River's growth of 17.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Looking forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast for Alice River. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 956 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 26.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Alice River among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Alice River recorded around 40 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. In total, this amounts to an estimated 202 homes. As of FY26, 38 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 people moved to the area per new home constructed during these years, indicating healthy demand for housing.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $391,000. This year, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Alice River shows 251.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. There are approximately 76 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Alice River is projected to add 829 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Alice River has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified one major project impacting the area: Kalynda Chase Estate. Other key projects include Harris Crossing Estate, Douglas Water Treatment Plant Clarifiers Upgrade, and Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Alice River performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Alice River has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 1,690 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Alice River was 71.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Census responses indicated that only 6.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Alice River showed strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.1% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population versus resident population data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 0.6%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Alice River. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Alice River's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Alice River had a median taxpayer income of $54,156 and an average income of $61,264 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, with Regional Qld's median income being $53,146 and average income $66,593. By September 2025, based on a 9.91% growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,523 (median) and $67,335 (average). Census data showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Alice River ranked highly nationally, between the 78th and 90th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 39.5% of residents (1,246 people), similar to the regional trend where this cohort represented 31.7%. A substantial proportion of high earners (37.0% above $3,000/week) indicated strong economic capacity throughout Alice River. Housing accounted for 13.5% of income, with residents ranking in the 90th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Alice River is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Alice River, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses (100.0%) with no other dwellings recorded (0.0%). This contrasted with Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alice River stood at 27.3%, lower than Regional Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 65.3% and rented ones at 7.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Alice River was $415, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Alice River's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Alice River features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 90.5% of all households, including 48.1% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 9.5%, with lone person households at 8.1% and group households comprising 0.9%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Alice River shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (33.1%). Educational participation is high at 29.6%, comprising primary education (11.6%), secondary education (10.5%), and tertiary education (3.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Alice River's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Alice River's health metrics closely mirror national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,624 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 71.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (385 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. National rankings for health indicators are broadly in line with those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Alice River placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Alice River had a cultural diversity level below average, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 95.6% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 58.1% of Alice River's population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (31.9%), English (30.2%), and Scottish (8.0%).

Notably, Italian was overrepresented at 4.7%, Welsh at 0.6%, and German at 4.1%.

Alice River's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Alice River is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 16.5% of the population in Alice River, higher than Regional Queensland's figure, while the 75-84 age cohort makes up 3.3%, which is less prevalent compared to Regional Queensland. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.8% to 16.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 13.0%, and the 15 to 24 age group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Alice River, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 46%, adding 239 people and reaching a total of 760 from its current figure of 520. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 2%, with an increase of only 6 people.