Whitfield (Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Whitfield reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Whitfield's (Qld) estimated population is around 4,399. This reflects an increase of 137 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,262. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 4,391 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of one new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 738 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 97.0% 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. It should be noted these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilised. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected for Whitfield (Qld). The area is expected to increase by 844 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 19.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Whitfield has received around 4 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Approximately 22 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26. On average, 1.3 new residents arrived annually per new home over the past 5 financial years.

However, recent data shows this has increased to 6.6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $669,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining Whitfield's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The area had an estimated population count of 879 people per dwelling approval as of its quiet development environment. Population forecasts suggest Whitfield will gain 843 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Whitfield has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Kanimbla Heights Estate, Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre, Whitfield State School Performing Arts Centre, and Early Learning Centre at 15-17 Marino St. The following list details those most 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.

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

Whitfield's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 1.2%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

Resident employment stood at 2,529 with an unemployment rate 2.9% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation was similar to the regional average at 64.0%. Key industries for residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.0% compared to the regional 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.3%, with a 1.6% employment decline causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points, compared to Rest of Qld's growth in employment and labour force, and similar unemployment increase. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Whitfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Whitfield's median income is $55,317 and average income is $68,799. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,799 (median) and $75,617 (average). Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($887 weekly), while household income is at the 46th percentile. Income distribution shows that 28.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with the broader area's 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses. Whitfield's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Whitfield, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.4% houses and 20.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. The level of home ownership within Whitfield was 33.8%, with 35.1% of dwellings mortgaged and 31.1% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340. Nationally, Whitfield's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 2nd April 2022, while rents are less than the national figure of $375, as per the same report.

Whitfield features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a median household size of 2.3 people

Family households account for 65.2% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people.

Educational attainment in Whitfield aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Whitfield is notably high with 33.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications compared to the broader benchmarks of 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 21.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.4% and graduate diplomas at 4.2%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.4% and certificates for 23.3%. Educational participation is high in Whitfield, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.4% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 12 active stops in Whitfield, served by a mix of bus routes totaling three. These provide 226 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 274 meters, indicating good accessibility.

Service frequency averages 32 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Whitfield's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Whitfield's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen among both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~2,395 people) of the total population have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.6%) and mental health issues (7.2%). About 70.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Qld. The area has 21.5% (945 people) of residents aged 65 and over, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Whitfield records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Whitfield's cultural diversity was above average, with 11.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.3% born overseas. Christianity dominated Whitfield's religious landscape, comprising 46.6%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Whitfield at 0.2%, compared to None% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (27.9%), Australian (22.4%), and Other (10.4%). Divergences included Dutch at 1.6%, New Zealand at 0.8%, and Welsh at 0.6%.

Whitfield hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Whitfield has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent at 15.7%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 9.7% compared to Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.6%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 6.7% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Whitfield's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 751 people from 558. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.