Whitsundays

Population growth drivers in Whitsundays 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, as of Nov 2025, Whitsundays' estimated population is around 2,285. This reflects an increase of 4 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,281. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of Whitsundays' resident population at 2,285 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 10.5 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Whitsundays demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally is forecast. Whitsundays is expected to increase by 913 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 53.3% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Whitsundays is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Development activity data is being compiled for this area.

Whitsundays shows significantly less construction activity than Rest of Qld as of 2021. This activity level is similarly below national patterns.

Whitsundays has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Cannonvale Aquaculture Research Station, Shute Harbour Road Upgrade, Port of Airlie Marina Development, and Airlie Beach Waterfront Revitalization. The following list details those expected to be 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.

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

Whitsundays has an educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 0.3% as of June 2025.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation. In June 2025, 2157 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Whitsundays is high at 70.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, transport, postal & warehousing, and administrative & support services.

The area has a strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share 9.5 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 1.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. As per Census data, there are 2.5 workers for every resident, indicating Whitsundays functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3% while labour force remained stable at 0.0%, leading to a unemployment fall of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, 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 suggest that Whitsundays' local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's current employment mix.

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 ended June 2022 indicates that median income in the Whitsundays region is $53,060 and average income stands at $68,031. This compares to Rest of Qld figures where median income is $50,780 and average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $60,483 and average income would be around $77,549 by that date. According to census data, incomes in Whitsundays cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 41.5% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (948 residents), which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Whitsundays displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census data shows that 43.1% of dwellings in Whitsundays were houses, with the remaining 56.9% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 74.7% houses and 25.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Whitsundays stood at 34.4%, with mortgaged properties at 10.9% and rented ones at 54.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,790, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,700. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Whitsundays was $356, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were higher at $375.

Whitsundays features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 48.1% of all households, including 10.7% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 4.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 51.9%, with lone person households at 40.2% and group households comprising 9.8%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in the Whitsundays is notably high, with 32.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications, compared to 15.6% at the SA4 regional level and 17.7% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (25.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 47.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (17.0%) and certificates (30.5%). Educational participation is high, with 33.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.9% in tertiary education, 5.8% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing secondary education.

The area has two state schools, Hamilton Island State School and Hayman Island State School, serving a total of 20 students, with above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1060). Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited, with only 0.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.8, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Whitsundays's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results across Whitsundays as of 2021, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~1,237 people), compared to 52.1% across Rest of Qld.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 6.4 and 6.2% of residents respectively, while 83.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.3% across Rest of Qld. As of 2021, 5.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (134 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Whitsundays was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Whitsundays was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 23.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.1% born overseas. The predominant religion in Whitsundays is Christianity, comprising 36.5% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.8%), Australian (20.3%), and Other (11.2%). The representation of Spanish (2.6%) is notably higher than the regional average of 0.6%, as is Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.2%) and French (0.9% vs 0.6%).

Whitsundays hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age of Whitsunday is 28 years, which is notably younger than both the Rest of Queensland average of 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Whitsundays has a higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds at 37.5%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 1.6%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the percentage of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 36.0% to 37.5%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 3.0% to 1.6% and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 9.5% to 8.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Whitsundays' age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 25-34 cohort, which is projected to grow by 75%, adding 639 residents and reaching a total of 1,496.