River Heads (Qld)

Detail

According to evaluations of ABS demographics data for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by Districts subsequent to the Census, the suburb of River Heads has a projected population of approximately 2,324 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 280 people (13.7%) from the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 2,044 people. This shift is calculated from a local population of 2,249, estimated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP statistics from June 2025 alongside an additional 30 verified new addresses since the Census date. With these numbers, the demographic density stands at 166 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for future construction. The 13.7% expansion rate in the suburb of River Heads since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and national averages, placing the community among the regional leaders in growth. Population expansion was driven mostly by arrivals from other states, who made up roughly of the overall population gains recently, though natural increase and arrivals from overseas also registered positive contributions.

Detail

River Heads features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.2%, and 1.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 963 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% above Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.0% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Detail

According to the latest postcode-level tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023, the suburb of River Heads features a median taxpayer income of $42,383, alongside a mean income of $53,287. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, and are lower than the Regional Qld median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Accounting for a 11.36% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current projections indicate figures of approximately $47,198 for the median and $59,340 for the average as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank between the 6th and 16th percentiles across Australia. Income analysis shows that 30.6% of residents (711 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 band, matching regional trends where fall into this bracket. Residents retain of their income after meeting housing costs, placing the area in the th national percentile.

Detail

Residential structures in River Heads at the time of the latest Census consisted of 98.7% detached houses and 1.3% alternative housing types like townhouses, apartments, or other options, compared to Regional Qld where detached houses made up 76.4% and alternative options accounted for 23.6%. Home ownership rates in River Heads were substantially higher than the regional average, standing at 49.0%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (35.1%) or occupied by tenants (15.9%). The median monthly home loan repayment was below the Regional Qld level at $1,400, while the median weekly rental cost was $350, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively. On a national scale, mortgage payments are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents fall below the countrywide figure of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of homes at 78.6%, consisting of 20.1% couples raising children, 48.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single-parent households. Non-family living situations represent the remaining 21.4%, with lone occupants accounting for 19.1% and group living situations at 3.2%. The median home size is 2.4 residents, which is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Detail

Educational markers show lower rates of higher education, with university degree holders making up 13.2% of residents compared to the national rate of 30.4%. This gap highlights potential areas for educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the most common tertiary qualification at 8.0%, with postgraduate degrees at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Practical and trade qualifications are common, with 47.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 37.4%.

Detail

Health statistics show notable issues for River Heads, based on evaluations of mortality and chronic disease rates by Districts, with common conditions present across younger and older age brackets, and the share of residents with private health insurance is low at roughly 48% of the population (~1,122 people). This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Cultural diversity metrics are lower than average, with 81.4% of residents born in Australia, 90.8% holding citizenship, and 96.5% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 51.6% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

Detail

The median age of 53 years in River Heads sits well above the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national median of 38. Compared to the wider region, there is a high concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 (19.9% locally), whereas children aged 5 - 14 are less represented (7.4%). This concentration in the 65 - 74 group is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Data since the 2021 Census shows the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 8.5% to 11.0% of the population, and the 25 to 34 group grew from 7.7% to 9.7%. Meanwhile, the 55 to group fell from to and the to group decreased from to . By demographic shifts will alter the local age distribution. The to group is projected to grow by ( people), increasing to from while the to group will show flat growth at ( people).

Detail

River Heads currently has an estimated 97 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 71 children aged 0-2 and 48 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 41% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 29% by 2041 (to approximately 125 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 180. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.