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

Alice River's population, as of Nov 2025, is estimated at around 3,217 people. This reflects an increase of 532 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,685 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,991 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 80 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 19.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 737 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections reflecting an increase of 19.2% 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 33 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 166 homes. So far in FY26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.5 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This outpaces supply, potentially influencing property prices and competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $391,000, which is under regional levels, offering more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY26, there have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Alice River has 189.0% more new home approvals per person, indicating greater choice for buyers and strong developer confidence. All new construction since FY21 has been detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 78 people per dwelling approval, Alice River exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

By 2041, AreaSearch projects an addition of 619 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Kalynda Chase Estate, Harris Crossing Estate, Douglas Water Treatment Plant Clarifiers Upgrade, and Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program are key projects. Relevant details follow.

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 labor force with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 2.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,655 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Alice River is high at 73.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Notably, the area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.1% compared to the regional 4.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Alice River's labor force decreased by 2.4%, with employment declining by 3.4%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Conversely, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labor force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Alice River had a median taxpayer income of $54,156 and an average income of $61,264. Nationally, the averages were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,732 (median) and $69,835 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Alice River's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 78th and 90th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Alice River is 39.5% (1,270 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with regional levels at 31.7%. Higher earners make up a substantial 37.0%, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income, and residents rank in 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Alice River's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's structure of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alice River stood at 27.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 65.3% and rented ones at 7.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Alice River was $415, significantly 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 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 account for 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 Rest of Qld 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%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. 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%). School facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment, requiring residents to access schools in neighboring areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Alice River's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Alice River residents.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than national averages among older and at-risk cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,656 people), slightly below the average SA2 area rate. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 71.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. The area has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (389 people), lower than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld but requiring more attention due to higher prevalence of health issues among older cohorts.

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, 95.6% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 58.1%, compared to 52.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.9%), English (30.2%), and Scottish (8.0%).

Notably, Italian (4.7%) and German (4.1%) were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.6% and 4.0%, respectively. Welsh was also somewhat overrepresented at 0.6%.

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

Alice River has a median age of 37 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Alice River at 16.2%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 3.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.8% to 16.2% of Alice River's population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 14.4%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 14.8% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling indicates that Alice River's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 35-44 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 39%, adding 195 residents to reach a total of 704. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to decrease by 17 residents.