Babinda

Babinda has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Babinda's population is approximately 4,772 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 204 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,568. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,719 in June 2024 and 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 7.1 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Babinda has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.1% to overall population gains recently, though all drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 using 2021 data are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, Babinda's population is projected to increase by 394 persons, reflecting a total increase of 7.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Babinda when compared nationally

Babinda has seen around 14 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 72 homes. From July 2026 to present, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.5 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outpacing supply. New dwellings were developed at an average cost of $287,000 during this period, below regional levels.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $933,000, suggesting a residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Babinda shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally, reflecting its mature nature and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining low density with an emphasis on space-seeking buyers. The area has around 304 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Babinda is projected to grow by 341 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Babinda has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact performance. Five projects identified by AreaSearch may affect the area: Ella Bay Integrated Resort and Residential Community, Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3 - Edmonton to Gordonvale, Mount Peter Priority Development Area, Cairns South State Development Area. Most relevant projects are detailed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Babinda has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Babinda's workforce is balanced between white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 4.3%. There were 2,413 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, slightly above Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation was lower at 62.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census data, 14.9% of residents worked from home. Key employment sectors were agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.9 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Conversely, accommodation & food services had lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 8.3%.

Over the year to September 2025, Babinda's labour force decreased by 1.6%, employment fell by 3.3%, leading to a 1.7 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Babinda's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Babinda SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $44,584 and an average level of $53,250. This is lower than national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates project median income to be approximately $49,002 and average income to be around $58,527 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Babinda fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.9% of Babinda's population (1,474 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.2% income retention, total disposable income ranks at only the 27th percentile nationally.

Babinda is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Babinda's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.0% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Babinda stood at 45.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (21.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,367, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Babinda was $240, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Babinda's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Babinda has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.2% of all households, consisting of 27.1% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Babinda faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (35.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.3% in secondary education, 11.1% in primary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Babinda is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Babinda shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low incidence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,209 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (7.0%), while 69.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among working-age residents are largely typical. Babinda has 26.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,275 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Babinda ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Babinda's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population was predominantly citizens, with 86.9% holding citizenship. Born in Australia, 87.3% of Babinda's residents were native-born.

English was the primary language spoken at home by 93.3%. Christianity was the leading religion in Babinda, accounting for 57.5%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.1%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (9.2%). Notably, Italian ancestry was overrepresented at 9.2% in Babinda versus 2.4% regionally. Maltese ancestry also showed higher representation at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.4%. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was slightly higher in Babinda at 4.4%, while the regional average stood at 3.9%.

Babinda hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Babinda's median age is 47 years, which is notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Babinda has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort at 15.9%, while its 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, Babinda's population has seen an increase in the 75 to 84 age group from 6.2% to 8.3%, and a rise in the 65 to 74 cohort from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.5% to 10.7%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 13.7% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Babinda's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 168 people (43%) from 394 to 563. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting Babinda's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.