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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Bentley Park are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends
Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Bentley Park's estimated population is around 9,238 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 878 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,360. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,214 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2025 and additional validation of 216 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,346 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Bentley Park's growth of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both SA3 area (6.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration being positive factors.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered or 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. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,707 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 18.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bentley Park among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Bentley Park averaged around 76 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 383 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26 to date. This results in approximately 409 dwellings being built over the past five and a half years.
Based on an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period, Bentley Park's supply and demand appear well-balanced, reflecting stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is $399,000. In FY-26, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus for the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bentley Park has 147.0% more building activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers.
New development consists of 99.0% standalone homes and 1.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 112 people per dwelling approval, Bentley Park exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bentley Park is forecasted to gain 1,683 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Bentley Park
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Bentley Park has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to influence the region. Notable ones are The Outlook, Cherrybrook Estate, Parkside Estate, and Cairns Gateway Estate (Riverstone Road North). The following list details those deemed most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
North Queensland Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Residential Rehabilitation Service
The North Queensland Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Service (NQYAODS) is a $19.3 million, 10-bed residential rehabilitation facility providing 24/7 specialist care for young people aged 13-18. Developed in partnership with Queensland Health, YETI, and YSAS, the center offers a home-like environment with integrated clinical, cultural, and educational support designed to assist voluntary recovery and harm minimisation for youth in the Far North Queensland region.
Edmonton Business & Industry Park
A 212-hectare masterplanned business, industrial, retail, health and recreation precinct fronting the Bruce Highway in Edmonton, south of Cairns. The approved masterplan provides more than 100,000 square metres of gross floor area across six flexible stages, with early land north of Blackfellows Creek intended for industry and retail and later stages south of the creek including uses such as a private hospital, showrooms and a tavern. The plan also includes more than 50 hectares of public open space, walking and cycling paths, sporting fields and restoration of the Blackfellows Creek green corridor.
Cairns South State Development Area
The Cairns South State Development Area (SDA) is a 1159-hectare strategic industrial and logistics hub established to drive economic diversification in Far North Queensland. Spanning two precincts at Wrights Creek and Gordonvale, it facilitates regionally significant projects including an intermodal transport terminal and rail-dependent industries. In 2025 and 2026, the SDA has become increasingly vital due to the declaration of the nearby Mount Peter Priority Development Area, which drives demand for local industrial services. MSF Sugar continues to progress diversification plans for the southern precinct, including a $150 million biorefinery and cogeneration facility. The Office of the Coordinator-General manages the streamlined development assessment process to attract large-scale advanced manufacturing and bio-industrial investors.
Mount Peter Priority Development Area
Declared in July 2025, the 2,650-hectare Mount Peter PDA is the primary long-term growth corridor for Cairns, designed to accommodate 18,500 homes and 42,500 residents by 2050. As of April 2026, Cairns Regional Council is actively seeking 450 million AUD through the Residential Activation Fund (RAF) to fast-track critical trunk infrastructure, including water mains, wastewater pump stations, and transport upgrades for Precinct 1. While the permanent Development Scheme is being finalized for late 2026, 'Precinct 1 - Residential North' is currently open for accelerated development applications to provide immediate housing relief.
Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2
Remediation works are underway across nine Cairns Regional Council reservoirs at eight sites: Mayer Street, Panguna, Bayview Large, Barron View, Runnymede, Brinsmead, Dempsey Street A and B, and Crest Close. The program includes concrete rehabilitation and strengthening, internal protective coatings, steel roof replacements at two reservoirs, access upgrades, minor civil works, access road repairs and temporary water supply works to improve water quality, reliability and security. Council reported in October 2025 that safety assessments, geotechnical surveys and structural testing had been completed, with repair and cleaning works progressing.
Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre
Cairns Regional Council is progressing a community and multicultural centre at Tiffany Street, White Rock to provide social facilities, outreach services and inclusive meeting space for White Rock and Cairns multicultural communities. The planned centre includes a commercial kitchen, multipurpose rooms for up to 200 people, small meeting rooms, service-provider space, foyer and reception, and covered outdoor areas. As of late 2025, the capital project was in preliminary design, with Council awarding the proposed five-year lease and operation contract to Centacare Far North Queensland, subject to final trustee lease arrangements.
Cairns Gateway Estate (Riverstone Road North)
A 13.9 hectare mixed-use master planned development at the southern gateway to Cairns, now marketed as Cairns Gateway Estate. The site sits at the intersection of the Bruce Highway A1 and Riverstone Road (Gillies Highway), with 474m of highway frontage. Approved as an 11-lot subdivision across three precincts: Transport Oriented Service Activity (Precinct 1), Industry and Service Activity (Precincts 2A & 2B), and Community and Accommodation Activity (Precinct 3). Stage 1 civil works are complete with 9 of 11 lots sold, including Pearl Mobil Service Station, Hungry Jacks, Banjo Bakery, and Grace Removals. Stage 2 civil works are planned for June 2026. The development will provide the first fuel stop between Innisfail and Cairns over a 90 km stretch.
Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade
Long-term upgrade program for the Bruce Highway between Wrights Creek and Draper Street in Cairns. Stage 1 (Sheehy Road to Kate Street, $150M) completed 2014; Stage 2 (Robert Road to Foster Road, $58M) completed 2017; Stage 4 (Kate Street to Aumuller Street) completed 2021; Stage 3 (Edmonton to Gordonvale) completed December 2023. Stage 5 (Foster Road grade-separated intersection upgrade) is currently in planning with $225 million committed on an 80:20 Australian/Queensland Government basis. AECOM Australia is engaged as planning consultant. The upgrade will improve traffic flow, safety, and ease congestion at the Foster Road intersection. A Stage 6 Earlville Bypass is also under preliminary investigation.
Employment
Bentley Park shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia
Bentley Park has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4738 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4%.
Workforce participation stands at 70.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses show that only 11.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1%. During the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.2% while employment declined by 3.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Bentley Park's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Bentley Park's median income among taxpayers is $54,265, with an average of $60,390. This is below the national average. Regional Qld's median income was $53,146 and average was $66,593 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bentley Park would be approximately $60,430 (median) and $67,250 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports household, family and personal incomes in Bentley Park cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows 41.6% of locals (3,843 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Bentley Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In Bentley Park, as per the latest Census, 97.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bentley Park stood at 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.1% and rented ones at 34.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Bentley Park was $385, higher than Regional Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Bentley Park's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Bentley Park features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 81.2% of all households, including 36.6% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 17.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 18.8%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households at 3.4%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Bentley Park fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area has lower university qualification rates at 14.8%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among residents with higher qualifications at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.9% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 32.8%. Educational participation is high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.9% in primary, 11.5% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 11.5% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Bentley Park has 18 operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by five different routes, collectively facilitating 378 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 311 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward, primarily using cars (95%). On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. Only 11.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census data).
Service frequency averages 54 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 21 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Bentley Park is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts
Bentley Park faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.
Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which amounts to around 4,723 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.4% and 7.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 74.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 10.3% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 951 people, which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
In terms of cultural diversity, Bentley Park records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Bentley Park's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 86.9% of residents being citizens, 82.1% born in Australia, and 85.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 49.7%. The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented at 2.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.
In terms of ancestry, Australian (24.4%) and English (22.4%) are the top groups, though English is lower than the regional average of 29.6%. The 'Other' category stands at 15.4%, substantially higher than Regional Qld's 6.9%. Notable overrepresentations include Australian Aboriginal at 8.5% (regional: 3.9%), New Zealand at 1.1% (regional: 0.9%), and Samoan at 0.5% (regional: 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Bentley Park hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
Bentley Park's median age is 32 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Bentley Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.8%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has increased from 14.8% to 16.8%. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 decreased from 18.2% to 15.6%, and the proportion of those aged 45-54 dropped from 12.8% to 11.4%. By 2041, Bentley Park's age profile is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 25-34 is expected to grow by 35%, adding 537 residents to reach a total of 2,089. Conversely, the number of residents aged 15-24 is projected to decrease by 86 residents.