Atherton

Atherton has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Atherton's population is estimated at around 8,390, reflecting an increase of 666 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 7,724 in the suburb. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,143 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 196 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 89 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Atherton's growth rate of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.3%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Atherton.

For population projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied where necessary. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth, with Atherton expected to grow by 1,145 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 11.5% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Atherton when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Atherton had around 44 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 223 dwellings. As of FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling added about 2.6 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $390,000, below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $56.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting high local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Atherton maintains similar development levels per capita, keeping market balance consistent with the broader area, although recent periods have shown some moderation in development activity. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (90.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (10.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location currently has approximately 251 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. Future projections estimate Atherton will add around 962 residents by 2041, suggesting that current construction levels should adequately meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Atherton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Five AreaSearch-identified projects may impact this region. Major initiatives comprise Atherton Large Format Retail Precinct, Priors Creek Development, Atherton Hospital Redevelopment, and Vernon Apartments. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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Employment drivers in Atherton are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Atherton's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 5.0% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, Atherton has 3,620 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 4.0%, and a workforce participation rate of 50.5%. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs at 2.4 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 8.0% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, with a decrease in labour force by 1.9% and employment by 3.3% over one year, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's growth in employment (1.8%) and labour force (2.0%), and a minor unemployment increase (0.2%). Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 national employment forecasts indicate overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Atherton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations not accounting for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Atherton was $43,522 and average income was $51,523. Nationally, median income was $50,780 and average income was $64,844. In Rest of Qld, median income was $50,780 and average income was $64,844. As of September 2025, estimated median income in Atherton is approximately $49,611 and average income is $58,731, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year ended June 2022. The 2021 Census indicates household, family and personal incomes in Atherton fall between the 7th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 28.9% of Atherton's population earns $400 - $799 annually, contrasting with Rest of Qld where 31.7% earns $1,500 - $2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Atherton, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Atherton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Atherton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 82.2% houses and 17.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Atherton stood at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.2% and rented ones at 38.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Atherton was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $270. Nationally, Atherton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Atherton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 62.0% of all households, including 18.8% couples with children, 28.6% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Atherton fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.4%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 30.5%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.9% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education. Atherton's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,155 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 983) offering balanced educational opportunities. The schools include 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 25.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.8, attracting students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Atherton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Atherton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,995 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 8.7% of residents respectively, while 64.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.5% across Rest of Qld. The area has 27.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,282 people), which is higher than the 25.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Atherton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Atherton, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly Australian-born citizens, with 86.3% being citizens, 84.9% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the major religion, practiced by 54.8% of Atherton's population, compared to 52.6% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.6%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (9.2%). However, there were notable differences in the representation of some ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.0%, compared to 6.6% regionally; Italian was represented by 5.3%, versus 5.9%; and German by 4.2%, compared to 4.3%.

Atherton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Atherton's median age is 46 years, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Atherton has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (9.8%) but fewer aged 35-44 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.7% to 11.8% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 10.7%. By 2041, Atherton's age composition is expected to change notably. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 37%, reaching 1,127 from 822. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 57% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.