Heatley

Heatley has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Nov 2025, AreaSearch estimates Heatley's population at around 4,001, reflecting a 94-person increase (2.4%) since the 2021 Census figure of 3,907 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,999 in Jun 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,970 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% to overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from Jun 2023 (based on 2021 data) are used, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in Jun 2023 based on 2022 data. Projecting forward, the Heatley population is expected to decline by 166 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 25-34 group are anticipated to grow, with a projected increase of 112 people.

The level of residential development activity in Heatley is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Heatley's development activity is limited, averaging one approval per year over five years (six approvals total). This low level of development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and construction activity restricted by local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small sample size means annual growth and relativity statistics can be significantly influenced by individual projects.

Heatley's development activity is notably lower than the Rest of Qld and national averages. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, aligning with rural preferences for space and privacy. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (84.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With approximately 3985 people per dwelling approval, Heatley's market is highly mature.

Given the expected stable or declining population, Heatley may experience reduced housing pressure, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Heatley has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Four projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication, Kirwan Police Complex, Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, and Willows Shopping Centre Redevelopment.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Heatley face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Heatley's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate stands at 10.8%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,645 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.8% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower than the regional average, at 54.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 0% compared to the region's 4.5%. Locally, employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the period from September 2024 to August 2025, labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 2.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7% and unemployment rose by only 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate stands at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heatley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Heatley has a lower income level compared to the national average, as per latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Heatley is $44,190, with an average income of $52,235. This compares to figures for the Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes would be approximately $48,569 (median) and $57,411 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Heatley all fall between the 18th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.8% of Heatley's population (1,272 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Heatley, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile.

Heatley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Heatley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.0% houses and 16.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heatley was at 31.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 34.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Heatley was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Heatley's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households making up 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Heatley faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 8.6% and certificates make up 29.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.8% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Heatley has 17 active public transport stops operating currently. These are all bus stops. There are three different bus routes serving these stops in total.

Together, they facilitate 300 passenger trips each week. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents on average being located 210 meters away from their nearest stop. On a daily basis, there are an average of 42 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Heatley is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health challenges are prominent across Heatley, affecting various age groups. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.4 and 10.0% of residents respectively. Approximately 59.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland.

Private health cover is low at around 48%, with approximately 1,916 people covered. This compares to 53.9% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%. Heatley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 20.0% or 800 people, compared to 14.9% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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

Heatley's population shows limited cultural diversity, with 86.3% being Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 55.7%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.7%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (26.8%), English (25.7%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people are overrepresented at 8.1% compared to the regional average of 5.0%, as are Filipinos at 2.0% versus 1.1%, and Spanish speakers at 0.5% against a regional 0.4%.

Heatley's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Heatley has a median age of 40, which is close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 9.5%, higher than Rest of Qld's representation, while the 65-74 cohort stands at 7.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.2% to 14.3%, and the 75 to 84 group increased from 8.2% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 9.6% to 7.5%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.9% to 10.9%. By 2041, Heatley's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 15%, reaching 657 from 572. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.