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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Oakhurst (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) as of November 2025 is around 1,869. This reflects an increase of 152 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,717. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validation of 36 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 76 persons per square kilometer. Oakhurst (Qld) (SA2)'s growth rate of 8.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 8.8%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase just below Australian non-metropolitan areas, expecting the area to expand by 82 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 0.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Oakhurst according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Oakhurst shows an average of around 10 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 54 homes. As of FY26, 7 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth rate associated with these approvals is 0.6 people per year between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties in Oakhurst is $431,000. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $28.1 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity in the area. When comparing new home approvals per capita with the rest of Queensland, Oakhurst shows comparable figures, suggesting market stability aligned with regional patterns. The current building activity in Oakhurst is predominantly standalone homes at 78.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up 22.0%.

This maintains the area's traditional low-density character while introducing more diverse housing options. This shift represents a decrease in developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for affordable housing. Oakhurst has an average of around 221 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developing market. With population projections suggesting stability or decline, Oakhurst is likely to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Oakhurst has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No changes can significantly impact a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to influence this area. Notable projects include Central Acres Estate, Mary Harbour Development, Energy Storage Industries (ESI) Battery Manufacturing Facility, and Maryborough Manufactured Home Park Development, with the following list outlining those most relevant.

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The exceptional employment performance in Oakhurst places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Oakhurst maintains a balanced workforce encompassing both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 11.6%. The unemployment rate in Oakhurst is 3.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation stands at 61.9%. Major industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows particularly strong representation, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 3.5% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 11.6%, labour force grew by 11.3%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia 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 increase 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

In financial year 2023, Oakhurst's median taxpayer income was $63,301 and the average was $73,081. These figures are higher than national averages of $53,146 for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $69,574 and average income is around $80,323, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data from 2021 shows Oakhurst's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 42nd and 55th percentiles. The largest income segment in Oakhurst comprises 719 residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (38.5%). This pattern is similar to surrounding regions where 31.7% fall within this range. After housing costs, Oakhurst residents retain 87.5% of their income.

Oakhurst is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Oakhurst's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oakhurst was 34.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.1% and rented ones at 7.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent in Oakhurst was $345, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Oakhurst's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $345 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 15.2%, with lone person households at 13.0% and group households making up 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 49.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (39.4%). Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (11.8%), secondary (8.6%), and tertiary (2.2%) levels.

Educational participation is notably 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 service to the area. The total number of weekly passenger trips via this stop is 20.

Transport accessibility in Oakhurst is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3230 meters from the nearest transport stop. The average service frequency across all routes is two trips per day, resulting in approximately 20 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 has significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% (~1,049 people), compared to 46.2% in the rest of Queensland.

The most common conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and asthma (8.3%). 66.2% report no medical ailments, higher than the 54.0% in the rest of Queensland. 16.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (312 people), lower than the 29.9% in the rest of Queensland.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a majority Australian-born population at 90.2%. Citizenship was held by 92.7%, with 97.4% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the prevalent religion at 52.8%, mirroring regional figures.

Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 32.6%, followed by English at 32.2% and Irish at 8.0%. Notable differences included German ancestry at 6.8% (regional: 6.6%), New Zealand at 0.7% (regional: 0.5%), and Filipino at 1.2% (regional: 0.7%).

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

The median age in Oakhurst is 39 years, which is lower than the average for the Rest of Queensland at 41 years but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 0-4 years are prominent, making up 7.8% of the population, while those aged 15-24 years comprise a smaller proportion at 8.7%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 35-44 has increased from 13.0% to 13.8%, while the percentage of individuals aged 5-14 has decreased from 15.2% to 14.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the age group 25-34 will increase by 36 people to 274, representing a 15% rise from its current level of 237. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decrease in size.