Holloways Beach

Holloways Beach is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Holloways Beach is around 2,404. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,398 people, marking a rise of 6 individuals (0.3%). AreaSearch's resident population estimate for June 2024 was 2,401, based on ABS ERP data and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 429 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75% to recent population gains, with all migratory drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. Proportional growth weightings are applied for age cohorts where state projections lack age category splits. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 183 persons, reflecting a gain of 9.3% over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Holloways Beach, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Holloways Beach has seen limited development activity over the past five years, with an average of one approval per year, totaling seven. This low level of development is typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It is important to note that such low approval numbers can result in significant variations in yearly growth figures and relativities based on individual projects.

Compared to the rest of Queensland and national patterns, Holloways Beach has substantially lower development levels. All new constructions in the area have been townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift away from traditional housing patterns (currently 63.0% houses). This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 4887 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Holloways Beach is expected to grow by 223 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Looking ahead, Holloways Beach is expected to grow by 223 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Holloways Beach has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Navigation Drive Road Link, Cairns Airport International Terminal Upgrade, Bluewater Living, and Cairns Ring Road, with the following list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, Holloways Beach has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Holloways Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 1,427 residents employed, and the unemployment rate aligns with Rest of Qld's rate at 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 61.6%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.7% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Labour force levels decreased by 1.9%, and employment declined by 3.0% in Holloways Beach over the year to June 2025, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Holloways Beach. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Holloways Beach's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2022 indicates Holloways Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $51,703 and an average of $62,297. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of Qld's median was $50,780 with an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year ended 30 June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,936 (median) and $71,012 (average). Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 47th percentile ($788 weekly), with household income at the 23rd percentile. Income distribution reveals that 30.2% of Holloways Beach residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (726 individuals). This is similar to regional levels where 31.7% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile.

Holloways Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Holloways Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.0% houses and 37.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Holloways Beach was at 28.6%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (34.4%) or rented (36.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,400, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Holloways Beach was recorded at $305, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $390. Nationally, Holloways Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Holloways Beach features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 56.9% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.1%, with lone person households at 36.8% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Holloways Beach demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Holloways Beach trail regional benchmarks. 24.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Holloways Beach's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates seven active public transport stops operating within Holloways Beach. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing a total of 226 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 255 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Holloways Beach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators show Holloways Beach has below-average health outcomes.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent here than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,247 people), which lags behind the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.6%) and arthritis (8.6%). 67.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 73.1% in Rest of Qld. Holloways Beach has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (480 people), higher than the 16.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Holloways Beach was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Holloways Beach has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Holloways Beach, comprising 40.0% of the population. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 0.1% of Holloways Beach's population versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.2%), Australian (21.6%), and Irish (10.5%). Notably, Dutch (2.2%) and Scottish (9.4%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.5% and 8.0%, respectively.

Holloways Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Holloways Beach'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, Holloways Beach has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (17.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.7%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.1% to 5.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 17.2% to 15.5%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 10.2% to 8.7%. By 2041, Holloways Beach's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 28 people (to 356 from 278), while the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.