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 8424 people. This reflects an increase of 700 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7724. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 8152 residents based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional 196 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 89 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person for further development. Atherton's growth rate of 9.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded both SA3 area (7.2%) 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.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with base year 2022. 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 for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the Atherton SA2 expected to grow by 1144 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 11.0% 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Atherton had approximately 44 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 222 homes. As of FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodated about 2.6 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost of new homes was approximately $390,000.

This financial year has seen $51.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Atherton maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market balance with the broader area, although development activity has moderated recently. Recent construction comprised 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location had approximately 229 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Atherton is expected to grow by around 927 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Atherton 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 five projects that may impact this region. Major initiatives include the Atherton Large Format Retail Precinct, Priors Creek Development, Atherton Hospital Redevelopment, and Vernon Apartments. The following list details those likely to be 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 comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 6.1%.

Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (37%), retail trade (24%), and agriculture, forestry & fishing (19%). Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs more than twice the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 8.0% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Labour force levels decreased by 1.9% over the year to September 2025, with employment down by 4.1%, leading to a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment.

In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by just 0.3%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly (-0.01%), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely mirroring the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Atherton's employment mix suggests local jobs should rise by 6.0% in five years and 12.8% in ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, median income among taxpayers in the suburb of Atherton was $43,522. Average income stood at $51,523. This is lower than national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $47,835 and average income $56,629 as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Atherton fall between the 7th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows 28.9% of population (2,434 individuals) earn within the $400-$799 income range, contrasting with region where $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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, consisted of 82.2% houses and 17.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, '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 figure 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, while 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 account for 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 constitute 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, 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%, significantly 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 prevalent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.5%). Educational participation is high at 28.9%, comprising primary education (10.9%), secondary education (10.1%), and tertiary education (2.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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 (~4,011 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 8.7% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.0% of residents 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 (2,291 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.3% of its population being citizens, 84.9% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Atherton, making up 54.8% of people, compared to 52.6% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Atherton are English (27.6%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (9.2%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 6.0%, Italian at 5.3%, and German at 4.2%.

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

Atherton's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Atherton has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (9.8%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 10.7% to 11.8%, while the age group of 5-14 has decreased from 12.4% to 10.7%. By 2041, Atherton's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group will grow by 36%, reaching 1,126 people from the current 825. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 57% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.