The Atherton Public Library was opened in 1978. Jubilee Christian College opened on 1 July 1984. At the , Atherton had a population of 7,287. In the , Atherton had a population of 7,331 people. Economy Due to its moderate climate, cooler and less humid than the tropical coast, and its booming agricultural industries, Atherton has a busy and prosperous community, and a vibrant social and cultural life. Atherton is very attractive to retirees and "tree changers" due to the cool climate, fertile garden soils, housing prices significantly lower than the nearby coastal city of Cairns, and the vibrant cultural life (live music, visual arts, theatre and sport). The land around Atherton is used to grow a variety of crops, including sugar cane, peanuts, mangoes, maize (corn), potatoes, avocados, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and macadamia nuts. Dairy and beef cattle are also reared in the area. Culture Each year towards the end of August, Atherton celebrates the Maize festival, which features a parade with decorated floats, the Maize Queen pageant, children's amusement rides and activities including tug of war and wood chopping. There are also shop window displays and artwork competitions, as well as a prize given to the best float. The annual Atherton Agricultural Show is held in the second week of July at Atherton Show grounds including Heritage Listed Merriland Hall. The Atherton Roosters field teams in the Cairns District Rugby League. Education Atherton State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Armstrong Street (). In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 473 students with 45 teachers (37 full-time equivalent) and 35 non-teaching staff (22 full-time equivalent). It includes a special education program. St Joseph's School is a Catholic primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at the corner of Jack & Alice Streets (). In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 252 students with 19 teachers (16 full-time equivalent) and 14 non-teaching staff (8 full-time equivalent). Jubilee Christian College is a private primary and secondary (Prep-12) school for boys and girls at 49-57 Loder Street (). In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 908 students with 47 teachers (37 full-time equivalent) and 45 non-teaching staff (26 full-time equivalent). Atherton State High School is a government secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at Maunds Road (). In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 780 students with 82 teachers (78