Council (LGA) · Area profile
Whitsunday
23,819 km²
A car-dependent lifestyle defines much of Whitsunday, where most people rely on their own vehicles to get around. This growing community has seen its population rise 18% since 2011, adding over 5,700 people. It is a place where many residents are in de facto relationships and a significant number of people have moved here recently from overseas. While the typical resident is 40, the area is increasingly becoming a destination for those who do not identify with any religion.
Rapid population growth here is outstripping school provision.
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The typical resident is 40 years old, which is a little older than the national figure. While the number of seniors has risen 5.1 points since 2011, people in de facto relationships are much more common here than in most other similar areas.
About 16.3% of people were born overseas, which is far below the national figure of 27.7%. Most residents claim English or Australian ancestry, though the proportion of overseas-born residents has risen 2.2 points since 2011.
English is the main language for 81.8% of the community. While the use of other languages at home has risen 2.2 points since 2011, the rate of people who speak little or no English remains low at 0.8%.
People with no religion now make up 42.5% of the community, a rise of 19 points since 2011. This figure is well above the national average of 38.9%.
Education levels are far below the national average, with only 11.8% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. However, Year 12 completion rose 7.9 points since 2011 to reach 43.6%.
Typical weekly household income is $1,472, which is a little below the national figure. On a personal level, the typical weekly income of $795 is about the same as across Australia.
Residents here are generally healthier than those in most similar areas, with a lower rate of long-term health conditions (25.0%) and mental health conditions (7.5%) compared to the state.
Volunteer rates are much lower than most areas and have fallen 3.5 points since 2011. Similarly, fewer people here provide unpaid care or do unpaid housework compared to the national average.
First Nations people make up 5.8% of the population. This community sees much higher personal incomes for First Nations people than most similar areas, and an unemployment rate (9.5%) that is well below the state figure.
Most homes are occupied by couples with children (51.6%). About 27.5% of people live alone, which is a little above the state and national figures.
Rental properties are much more common here than in most similar areas, with 33.9% of households renting. While separate houses are the most common type of home, the typical weekly rent of $300 is well below the national figure.
With no public transport routes or stops available, the area is heavily reliant on cars. Only 7% of people work from home, which is far below the national figure of 21%.
This is a highly mobile community where 43.3% of people moved in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are much more common here than in most other similar areas.
Full-time employment is more common here than in most areas. The local workforce is heavily concentrated in accommodation and food services, which accounts for 17.2% of jobs.
The population has continued to grow quickly, rising 9.9% since 2021. However, the area scores lower than most similar places for education and job skills.
The area experiences a climate with average maximum temperatures that are much higher than most similar areas, while annual rainfall is well above the Queensland average.
Recorded offences are much higher than in most similar areas, with drug offences being among the highest at this level. The crime rate has risen by 40.5% over the last five years.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Very few homes are within a 15-minute walk of health services or groceries.