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 May 2026, Alice River's estimated population is around 3,178. This reflects an increase of 493 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,685. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,043 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 154 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 18.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (7.1%) and 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 adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, above median population growth is projected for Australia's regional areas, with the suburb of Alice River expected to expand by 674 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 17.0% in total over the 16 years.

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

Alice River recorded approximately 40 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 202 homes. In FY-26 so far, 57 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed. New homes are built at an average expected construction cost value of $391,000.

This financial year, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Alice River shows 247.0% higher building activity per person. The area's recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character with approximately 75 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Alice River adding 539 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Future projections show Alice River adding 539 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project expected to impact the region: Kalynda Chase Estate, Harris Crossing Estate, Douglas Water Treatment Plant Clarifiers Upgrade, and Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program are key projects, with the following list providing details on those 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 analysis of employment trends sees Alice River performing better than 85% 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 aggregation of statistical area data. In that month, 1,533 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1 percentage points lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Alice River was similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses showed that a low 6.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents included construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. The area had particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 1.1% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2% and employment declined by 2.9%, 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 by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Alice River's employment mix suggests 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

Alice River suburb has a median taxpayer income of $54,156 and an average of $61,264 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By March 2026, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $60,308 and $68,224 respectively, considering a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. Alice River's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 90th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 39.5% of residents (1,255 people), aligning with Regional Qld where this cohort represents 31.7%. A substantial proportion of high earners (37.0%) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Alice River. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income, and residents rank within the 90th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Alice River, all dwellings were houses (100.0%), with no semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types recorded. This is unlike Regional Qld where 76.4% of dwellings are houses and 23.6% are other types. Home ownership in Alice River stood at 27.3%, lower than Regional Qld's level. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (65.3%) or rented (7.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655 and the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Alice River was recorded at $415, significantly higher than both the Regional Qld figure of $375 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 constitute the remaining 9.5%, with lone person households at 8.1% and group households comprising 0.9%. The median household size is 3.1 people, 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 - advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 33.1%. Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.6% in primary, 10.5% in secondary, and 3.2% in 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 align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% (~1636 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents respectively. About 71.3% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical for the area. There are 13.4% (425 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. National rankings are broadly in line with 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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 90.8% born in Australia and 95.6% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 98.3%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 58.1%, compared to 52.2% regionally.

The top ancestry groups were Australian (31.9%), English (30.2%), and Scottish (8.0%). Notably, Italian ancestry was higher at 4.7% than the regional average of 2.4%. Welsh ancestry was slightly higher at 0.6%, while German ancestry was lower at 4.1% compared to the regional figure of 4.7%.

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 Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 45-54 has a strong representation at 14.2% compared to Regional Qld, while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 3.8%. Post-census data from 2021 shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.8% to 14.4%, and the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 6.2% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.5% to 13.4%, and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Alice River, with the 35 to 44 age group projected to grow by 37 people (reaching 641 from 467), while the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to decline by 21 people.