River Heads

River Heads lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the River Heads statistical area (Lv2), its population is estimated at around 3,134 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,090 people (53.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,044 people in River Heads (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,713 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 224 persons per square kilometer. River Heads' growth exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered 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; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas, with River Heads expected to expand by 1,011 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 17.7% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in River Heads was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

River Heads has seen approximately 31 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 155 homes. As of FY-26, 61 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.5 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This has led to demand significantly exceeding supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $434,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $413,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus.

Recent developments have consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. There are approximately 53 people per dwelling approval in River Heads, suggesting growth characteristics. By 2041, River Heads is projected to grow by 555 residents, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Hervey Bay Airport Redevelopment, Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Forest Wind Farm, and Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett.

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

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Employment conditions in River Heads remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

River Heads has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented.

The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 10.2%. As of September 2025, 1,240 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is 1.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in River Heads was 48.6%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance employed 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.9% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 10.2%, labour force grew by 11.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.8 percentage points in River Heads. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to River Heads's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

In AreaSearch's latest data released for financial year ending June 2023, River Heads' median income among taxpayers is $42,383. The average income in the suburb is $53,287. Nationally, the median income is higher at $56,916 with an average of $71,317. In Queensland excluding Brisbane (Rest of Qld), the median income is $53,146 and the average is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median and average incomes for River Heads would be approximately $46,583 and $58,568 respectively. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in River Heads fall between the 6th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.6% of individuals in River Heads earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, with a similar pattern seen in the broader area at 31.7%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.4% of income remains, placing River Heads at the 19th percentile nationally for disposable income.

River Heads is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in River Heads, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. The home ownership level was 49.0%, with 35.1% of dwellings mortgaged and 15.9% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350. Nationally, River Heads's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents also being less than the national figure of $375.

River Heads features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 2.4 people

Family households compose 78.6% of all households, including 20.1% couples with children, 48.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for 21.4%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 47.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.9% while certificates make up 37.4%.

School and university attendance encompasses 19.7% of the community, including 7.3% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

River Heads faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~1,514 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.8% of residents) and mental health issues (12.2%). Conversely, 54.1% report having no medical ailments, contrasting with 0% in the rest of Queensland. In River Heads, 27.7% (~868 people) are aged 65 or over. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes are better than those of the general population.

River Heads is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

River Heads showed lower cultural diversity with 81.4% born in Australia, 90.8% citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 51.6%, compared to None% across Rest of Qld. Top ancestry groups were English (33.8%), Australian (26.8%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Notably, Dutch (1.9%) was overrepresented in River Heads versus None% regionally, as were New Zealanders (1.0%) and Germans (4.8%).

River Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

River Heads's median age is 53 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in River Heads at 20.1%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.2%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group grew from 7.7% to 9.5%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.5% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 9.5% to 7.2%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 22.1% to 20.0%. By 2041, River Heads is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 21% (131 people), reaching 761 from 629. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 51% of the population growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 group is projected to contract by 21 residents.