Oakhurst (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Oakhurst are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Oakhurst (Qld) is estimated to be around 1,894 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 177 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,717 people. The current population was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,890 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 77 persons per square kilometer. Oakhurst's growth rate of 10.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 9.0%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 released in 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 67 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 3.3% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Oakhurst averaged approximately 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 54 homes. As of FY26, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.7 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $431,000.

In FY26, $28.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Oakhurst shows comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. New building activity comprises 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This marks a shift from existing housing patterns currently at 99.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Oakhurst reflects a transitioning market with around 231 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Oakhurst will gain 63 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

No infrastructure changes in the area will influence performance more than local projects and initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Central Acres Estate, Mary Harbour Development, Energy Storage Industries (ESI) Battery Manufacturing Facility, and Maryborough Manufactured Home Park Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Oakhurst rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Oakhurst's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% as of December 2025. This is a decrease from the previous year's estimated growth of 11.9%.

Oakhurst's unemployment rate is 3.4% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is higher at 75.8% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 5.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows strong specialization with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 3.5%, compared to Regional Qld's average of 8.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 11.9% while labour force grew by 11.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oakhurst's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.9% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Oakhurst had a median taxpayer income of $63,301 and an average income of $73,081. Nationally, the median was $53,146 and the average was $66,593 in Regional Qld. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $70,492 (median) and $81,383 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. In the 2021 Census, Oakhurst's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 42nd and 55th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Oakhurst was 38.5% (729 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to the regional trend of 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retained 87.5% of their income.

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

In Oakhurst, as recorded in the latest Census, 98.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.4% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is compared to Queensland's regional average of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakhurst stood at 34.4%, similar to Regional Qld, with mortgaged properties accounting for 58.1% and rented dwellings making up 7.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Oakhurst was $345, matching Regional Qld's figure. Nationally, Oakhurst's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also lower at $345 versus the national average of $375.

Oakhurst features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 84.8% of all households, including 40.2% couples with children, 35.9% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.2%, with lone person households at 13.0% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Oakhurst exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 11.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 49.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (39.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Oakhurst has one active public transport stop operating within its boundaries. This stop serves a mix of bus routes, with one route providing all services. The total weekly passenger trips from this stop is 20. Transport accessibility in Oakhurst is limited, with residents typically located 3230 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents.

Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately twenty weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Oakhurst faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age cohorts, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,063 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively. However, 66.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (325 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, but national rankings are even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Oakhurst placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Oakhurst's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Oakhurst, comprising 52.8% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.6%), English (32.2%), and Irish (8.0%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 6.8%, New Zealand at 0.7%, and Filipino at 1.2%.

Oakhurst's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Oakhurst is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 0-4 years are prominent at 7.8%, while the 15-24 age group is smaller at 8.3% compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group has declined from 9.3% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 39 people (16%) from 248 to 288. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.