Whitfield (Qld)

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

As of November 2025, Whitfield's population is estimated at around 4,391 based on ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This reflects a growth of 129 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,262. The increase was inferred from an estimated resident population of 4,381 in June 2024, using ABS ERP data and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 736 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed about 97% of Whitfield's recent population growth.

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 are adopted, based on 2021 data. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Demographic trends project above median population growth for locations outside capital cities like Whitfield. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 845 persons, reflecting a total gain of 19.4% over the 17-year period.

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 averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 21 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents arrived per new home annually during this period. However, this figure has increased to 6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating growing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value for development projects in Whitfield is $669,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $235,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

All recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This is notable as developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated by Census data (79.0%). The estimated population per dwelling approval in Whitfield is 799 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Whitfield is projected to grow by 852 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Whitfield has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could impact the region. 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 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.

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

Whitfield's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 0.9%.

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, Whitfield's unemployment rate is 3.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is similar at 64.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Notably, health care & social assistance has employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.0% of Whitfield's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 0.8% and employment declined by 1.0%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 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, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that income in Whitfield is higher than average nationally. The median assessed income is $55,317 and the average income stands at $68,799. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures, which show a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $63,056 (median) and $78,424 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 65th percentile with a weekly income of $887, while household income sits at the 46th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 28.7% of locals (1,260 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Whitfield, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.4% houses and 20.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no recorded houses or other dwellings at that time. Home ownership in Whitfield stood at 33.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 31.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's unrecorded figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Whitfield's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 34.8%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people.

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

Whitfield's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 33.5% hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 21.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (23.3%).

Educational participation is high at 28.2%, including primary education (9.4%), secondary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (4.3%). Whitfield State School serves the area, with an enrollment of 737 students as of a recent date. The school's ICSEA score is 979, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. There are 16.8 school places per 100 residents, demonstrating strong educational infrastructure serving local and surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 12 active stops operating in Whitfield, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 3 routes, facilitating 226 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically residing 274 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 32 daily trips 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 closely match national benchmarks, with typical levels of common health conditions seen among both young and elderly residents.

Approximately 54% (~2,391 individuals) have private health cover, which is notably high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.6%) and mental health issues (7.2%). About 70.0% report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. Around 21.5% (~944 people) are aged 65 or over, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Whitfield had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 11.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Whitfield, making up 46.6%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to None% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.9%), Australian (22.4%), and Other (10.4%). Dutch (1.6%) and New Zealand (0.8%) were notably overrepresented, while Welsh was also present at 0.6%.

Whitfield hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Whitfield's median age is 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 prominent at 15.7%, while those aged 5-14 are 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 increased from 6.7% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Whitfield's age structure. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 35%, reaching 751 people from 557. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.