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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Alice River's population is estimated at around 3,154. This reflects an increase of 469 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 (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 rate of 17.5% 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 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 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 are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Alice River expected to expand by 789 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 23.3% 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 approximately 40 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 203 homes. So far in FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand for housing. New homes were built at an average expected construction cost value of $391,000 during this period.

In FY-26, $2.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Alice River shows 254.0% higher building activity per person as of now, 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 appealing to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 76 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Alice River is projected to add 734 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of one project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Kalynda Chase Estate, Harris Crossing Estate, Douglas Water Treatment Plant Clarifiers Upgrade (scheduled for completion on 1st October 2022), and Bruce Highway upgrade program between Townsville and Ingham (commenced in late 2021). The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, showing relative stability over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 1,699 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 73.5%, exceeding Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Construction stands out 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 data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3%, but employment declined by 0.5%, raising unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely matching the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Alice River's employment mix indicates 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.

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 income of $61,264 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld's median income being $53,146 and average income being $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Alice River would be approximately $59,523 (median) and $67,335 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Alice River rank between the 78th and 90th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 39.5% of residents (1,245 people), which aligns with regional trends where this cohort also represents 31.7%. A substantial proportion of high earners (37.0% above $3,000/week) suggests strong economic capacity throughout Alice River. Housing expenses account for 13.5% of income, while strong earnings place residents 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Alice River, as per the latest Census, all dwellings were houses with none being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's 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, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Alice River was $415, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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, which is 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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, including 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 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, with low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population. However, this prevalence is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (about 1,623 people), compared to 53.9% across the rest of Queensland. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 8.6% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A total of 71.3% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 12.0% (378 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 14.9% in the rest of Queensland.

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 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 people in Alice River, 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 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

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 stands out at 16.2% locally compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 3.2%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.8% to 16.2%, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 14.4%, and the 45 to 54 age group has fallen from 14.8% to 13.5%. By 2041, Alice River's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35-44 cohort is expected to grow by 43%, adding 216 residents to reach 715. Conversely, the 15-24 group is projected to decrease by 5 residents.