Gatton
Labourers (1,231 workers) outnumber the next occupational group by 3:1, a ratio almost unheard of in Australian suburbs, driven by agriculture at 26.4% of employment. The $367,000 estimated median house price sits well below half the national capital city average, yet the SEIFA scores tell a harsher story: IRSAD decile 1 and IEO decile 1 place Gatton in the bottom 10% nationally for both socioeconomic advantage and education. Population growth runs at 1.32% annually (117 persons), fuelled by overseas migration of 289 per year against internal outflow of 108, reflecting the seasonal workforce that cycles through the Lockyer Valley's horticultural sector.
Population
7,851
Median Age
33.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,275/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
7
Median House
$367K
Estimated from rent (2025)
The estimated $367,000 median house price makes Gatton one of Queensland's most affordable markets within commuting distance of Brisbane (90 km). Three-bedroom homes dominate at 47.6%, with 4+ bedrooms at 36.5%. Monthly mortgage at $1,300 produces a mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.5%, below the 30% stress threshold. Separate houses at 83.2% form the majority, with semi-detached at 11.1%. Four schools serve the area, with ICSEA scores ranging from 875 (Gatton State School) to 999 (Our Lady of Good Counsel and Peace Lutheran), all below or at the national benchmark of 1,000.
For Buyers
The estimated $367,000 median house price makes Gatton one of Queensland's most affordable markets within commuting distance of Brisbane (90 km). Three-bedroom homes dominate at 47.6%, with 4+ bedrooms at 36.5%. Monthly mortgage at $1,300 produces a mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.5%, below the 30% stress threshold. Separate houses at 83.2% form the majority, with semi-detached at 11.1%. Four schools serve the area, with ICSEA scores ranging from 875 (Gatton State School) to 999 (Our Lady of Good Counsel and Peace Lutheran), all below or at the national benchmark of 1,000.
For Investors
The 43.1% renter share provides a deep tenant pool, the highest in this batch. Weekly rent of $295 against the $367,000 estimated median produces gross yield of approximately 4.2%, well above capital city averages. Vacancy at 8.1% is high, suggesting periodic oversupply, likely tied to seasonal agricultural worker accommodation. Turnover at 29.7% is among the highest analysed, consistent with transient farm labour. Development activity is low at 7 DAs in 12 months. Overseas migration at 289 per year drives rental demand, but internal outflow of 108 signals established residents leaving.
Development Activity
Total DAs
7
Last 12 Months
7
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
—
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in Gatton iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
Our Lady of Good Counsel School
Prep-6 · 246 students
Peace Lutheran Primary School
Prep-6 · 329 students
Lockyer District State High School
7-12 · 950 students
Gatton State School
Prep-6 · 399 students
Demographics
The median age of 33 is 7 years below the national median, the youngest in this batch alongside Elderslie. German ancestry (1,047) ranks third behind English (2,343), reflecting the Lockyer Valley's Lutheran settlement history. Overseas-born at 28.9% is 7.3 points above the national average. Mandarin speakers (178) lead non-English languages, with Gujarati (109), Arabic (67), and Punjabi (57) following, reflecting the diverse agricultural workforce. Average household size of 2.6 is near national. The IEO decile of 1 (bottom 10% for education and occupation) confirms that university qualifications at 27.0% are 3.1 points below national.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
83.2%
Houses
11.1%
Townhouse
4.7%
Apartment
Tenure
Renters at 43.1% represent the largest tenure group, with outright owners at 31.8% and mortgage holders at 25.1%. The 25.1% mortgage share is unusually low, suggesting many homeowners purchased years ago at lower prices. Stock is 83.2% separate houses, 11.1% semi-detached, and 4.7% apartments. Three-bedroom homes at 47.6% dominate, with 4+ bedrooms at 36.5%. Mortgage-to-income at 23.5% and rent-to-income at 23.1% are both below the 30% stress threshold. The IER decile of 2 (low economic resources) despite moderate housing costs reflects low incomes at the 29.1th percentile nationally.
Mortgage / mo
$1,300
Rent / wk
$295
HH Size
2.6
Personal Income / wk
$668
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
8.1%
Unoccupied
241
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
23.1%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
23.5%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
28.9%
Couples, no children
5,166
Total families
Economy & Employment
Agriculture dominates at 26.4% (514 workers), roughly double the next sector. Healthcare at 10.6% (206), Education at 10.2% (199), Manufacturing at 8.6% (168), and Retail at 7.8% (152) fill the support economy. Labourers (1,231) overwhelmingly lead occupations, with Managers (400) a distant second, a structure reflecting farm operations and horticultural processing. Unemployment at 5.6% is above average, and participation at 52.0% is low, with 2,308 not in the labour force. The SEIFA IRSAD decile 1 and IRSD decile 1 place Gatton in the bottom 10% nationally for socioeconomic outcomes.
Unemployment
4.1%
Labour Force
4,540
Unemployed
187
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
62.8%
Part-time
31.6%
Participation
52.0%
Employed
3,210
Occupations
Top Industries
University
27.0%
Postgraduate
5.8%
Born Overseas
28.9%
Dwellings
2,728
Transport to Work
Four schools serve the area: Our Lady of Good Counsel (primary, Catholic, ICSEA 999, 246 students), Peace Lutheran Primary (independent, ICSEA 999, 329), Lockyer District State High (secondary, government, ICSEA 941, 950), and Gatton State School (primary, government, ICSEA 875, 399). The range from 875 to 999 means all sit at or below the national benchmark. Car driving at 80.1% is the primary transport mode, with walking/cycling at 2.8% and public transport at 1.1%. Need for assistance at 7.8% is above the national average. The IRSAD decile 1 confirms bottom-tier socioeconomic conditions.
Drive
80.1%
Public Transport
1.1%
Walk / Cycle
2.8%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+1.32%/yr
(+117 people/yr)
EstablishedPopulation grows at 1.32% annually (117 persons), projected to reach 9,431 by 2031 from a 2025 base of 8,897. Overseas migration at 289/year is the primary driver, while internal outflow of 108/year indicates some resident leakage. The gentrification score of 32 (early signs) appears driven by population growth (+21% since 2011) and rent growth of 18.0% rather than demographic upgrading. Affordability improved from 59.5% in 2011 to 44.6% in 2021. Real income grew 28.0% over the decade. The young age delta, with the young share declining 3.0 points and working share growing 4.3 points, suggests families with children are being replaced by working-age adults.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+289
Net Internal / yr
-108
Gentrification Signal
Early signs
Population +21% since 2011, Net internal outflow -108/yr, Strong overseas inflow +289/yr, Accelerating: 4% → 16%
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Gatton compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gatton a good suburb to live in?
Gatton suits buyers seeking affordability ($367,000 estimated median) within 90 km of Brisbane. However, the IRSAD decile 1 places it in the bottom 10% nationally for socioeconomic advantage. School ICSEA scores range from 875 to 999, all at or below the national benchmark of 1,000. The 43.1% renter share and 8.1% vacancy rate reflect a transient agricultural workforce.
What is the median house price in Gatton?
The estimated median is $367,000, one of the most affordable markets within commuting distance of Brisbane. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,300, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.5%. Weekly rent is $295. The low price point reflects SEIFA scores in the bottom decile and an economy dominated by agriculture (26.4%) rather than professional services.
What schools are in Gatton?
Four schools serve the area: Our Lady of Good Counsel School (primary, Catholic, ICSEA 999, 246 students), Peace Lutheran Primary (independent, ICSEA 999, 329), Lockyer District State High School (secondary, government, ICSEA 941, 950), and Gatton State School (primary, government, ICSEA 875, 399). All score at or below the national 1,000 ICSEA benchmark.
Is Gatton safe?
Crime data is not available at the suburb level for Gatton. The IRSAD decile 1 and IRSD decile 1 indicate high relative disadvantage, which nationally correlates with higher crime rates. However, the 31.8% outright ownership rate and semi-rural character provide some counterbalancing stability. The 29.7% turnover rate indicates a more transient population than average.
Is Gatton good for property investment?
Gross yield at approximately 4.2% ($295/week on $367,000) is above capital city averages. The 43.1% renter share provides a large tenant pool. However, the 8.1% vacancy rate is concerning, and the 29.7% turnover reflects seasonal agricultural worker cycling. Capital growth potential is limited by incomes at the 29.1th percentile. Overseas migration at 289/year supports ongoing demand.
How is Gatton's population changing?
Population grows at 1.32% annually (117 persons), projected to reach 9,431 by 2031. Overseas migration at 289/year drives growth, while internal outflow of 108/year shows resident leakage. The median age of 33 is 7 years below national. The young share declined 3.0 points over the decade, replaced by working-age adults. Affordability improved from 59.5% in 2011 to 44.6% in 2021.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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