Airlie Beach (Qld)

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Following assessment of ABS demographic statistics for the surrounding region, alongside new address points verified by Districts subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Airlie Beach has a projected population of approximately 1,598 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 286 people (21.8%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,312 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 1,590, estimated by Districts using the ABS's most recent ERP dataset from June 2025 plus an extra 35 validated new addresses identified after the Census date. Such a population count corresponds to a density of 523 persons per square kilometer, which indicates substantial space per inhabitant and potential capacity for future growth. The 21.8% expansion rate of the suburb of Airlie Beach since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA4 region (7.6%) and the Rest of Qld, positioning it as a leading growth area. This population growth was chiefly stimulated by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly of total gains in recent times, though other components such as natural increase and interstate arrivals also played positive roles.

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The suburb of Airlie Beach is characterized by a highly educated labor force with a strong presence in tourist and hospitality sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 5.5% over the past year, according to Districts compilations of regional statistics. In March 2026, 1,102 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, while labor force participation was exceptionally high at 76.1% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census records indicate that a modest 13.1% of working residents operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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The suburb of Airlie Beach has a median taxpayer income of $52,497 and an average income of $67,309, based on the latest postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year. These figures align closely with national averages, compared to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at approximately $58,461 for the median and $74,955 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census statistics, individual income is at the 71st percentile ($932 weekly), while household income sits at the 39th percentile. The largest income bracket contains 33.0% of local residents (527 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the wider region where of households fall into this same range. Housing costs place a heavy burden on residents, leaving only of income disposable, which ranks at the th percentile, while the area's SEIFA index for income places it in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Airlie Beach consisted of 31.2% standalone houses and 68.8% other dwelling types such as apartments, townhouses, and alternative accommodation, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Airlie Beach matched the Regional Qld average at 32.8%, with the remaining properties being either mortgaged (17.1%) or rented (50.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional Qld average at $1,925, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $380, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively. On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb of Airlie Beach are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents also exceed the national median of $375.

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Families make up 49.9% of all households in the suburb of Airlie Beach, consisting of 10.3% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 4.7% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 50.1%, with single-person households making up 39.6% and group households accounting for 10.1%. The median household size of 1.8 residents is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of Airlie Beach are substantially higher than regional benchmarks, with 29.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 15.6% in the SA4 region and 17.7% in the SA3 area. This strong educational profile positions the local community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 22.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational and technical skills are also highly represented, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (15.7%) and certificates (28.3%).

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Public transit records show 12 active transit stops operating within the suburb of Airlie Beach, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes that together provide 343 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 378 meters from the nearest stop. Because the suburb is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles being the main transit mode at 63%, and 26% of residents walking to work. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 0.8 cars per household, which is lower than the regional average. A relatively small share of residents, 13.1%, worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health indicators show positive outcomes across the suburb of Airlie Beach, based on Districts evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which reveal a very low incidence of common health problems across all age cohorts. The rate of private health insurance coverage slightly exceeds the average SA2 area, sitting at approximately 54% of the total population, representing about 860 residents.

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The suburb of Airlie Beach displays a higher level of cultural diversity than most regional markets, with 13.6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 36.8% born outside Australia. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 36.7% of the local population. The most distinct religious concentration relative to the region is Judaism, which accounts for 0.5% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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With a median age of 40, the suburb of Airlie Beach is comparable to the Regional Qld average of 41 but slightly above the national median of 38. The 25 to 34 age bracket is highly represented at 29.2% of the population compared to Regional Qld, while children aged 5 to 14 represent a small portion at 2.0%. The concentration of residents aged 25 to 34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, younger arrivals have reduced the median age by 1.1 years to 40. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group rose from 26.5% to 29.2% of the population, while the 5 to 14 age group fell from to , and the to group decreased from to . By the age structure of the suburb of Airlie Beach is projected to change, with the to cohort expected to grow by , adding residents to reach a total of while the + cohort is projected to remain stable, adding no new residents.

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Airlie Beach currently has an estimated 25 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 49 children aged 0-2 and 33 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 88% by 2041 (to approximately 47 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 119. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.