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, the suburb of Alice River's population is estimated at around 3,156 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 471 people (17.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,685 people. The change is 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, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Alice River's 17.5% growth 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 for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 and 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 suburb of Alice River expected to expand by 816 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 23.8% over the 17 years.

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

Alice River has recorded approximately 40 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 203 homes. In FY-26 so far, 28 approvals have been granted. On average, 2.8 people move to the area per new home constructed each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating steady demand for housing. The average construction cost value of new homes is $391,000.

This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Alice River shows 254.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating strong developer interest. All recent developments have been 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, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Alice River is projected to add 752 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has 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. The following details those most relevant.

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. Its unemployment rate is 1.9% as of September 2025. This rate is 2.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Alice River is 70.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 6.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. The area has a strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing have limited presence with 1.1% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. Labour force levels increased by 0.7% while employment declined by 0.1% over the 12 months to September 2025. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion in national employment 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $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 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Alice River rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 90th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 39.5% of residents (1,246 people), which is similar to the regional trend where this cohort represents 31.7%. A substantial proportion of high earners (37.0% above $3,000/week) 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

Alice River's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 100.0% houses with 0.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Alice River was 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 $1,655. The median weekly rent in Alice River was $415, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Alice River's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above 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 comprise the remaining 9.5%, with lone person households at 8.1% and group households making up 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%. 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, 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% of the total population (~1624 people) has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (8.6%) and arthritis (7.6%), while 71.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (381 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld, with national rankings 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 had a low level of cultural diversity, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 95.6% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Alice River, with 58.1%, compared to 52.2% 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 Welsh (0.6%) were overrepresented in Alice River compared to regional averages of 2.4% and 0.5%, respectively, while German was underrepresented at 4.1%.

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

Alice River's median age is 37, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and similar to Australia's median age of 38. In Alice River, those aged 25-34 are notably over-represented at 17.1%, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 3.2%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 11.8% to 17.1%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.8% to 16.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 16.5% to 14.0%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.8% to 13.3%. By 2041, Alice River's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35 to 44 cohort is expected to grow by 40%, adding 203 residents to reach 715. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is projected to grow by 1%, adding only 3 residents.