Babinda

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

Babinda's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 4770. This figure represents an increase of 202 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4568. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4765 in June 2025 and validation of 96 new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 7.1 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Babinda has shown resilience with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023, based on 2021 data, for areas not covered by the former or years post-2032. Proportional growth weightings are applied when using state projections due to lack of age category splits. Based on projected demographic shifts, Babinda is expected to increase by approximately 365 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of about 7.5% over the 16-year period.

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

Babinda averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 72 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 3.5 new residents per home has been observed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a significant demand exceeding supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $287,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In FY-26, $933,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Babinda's residential nature. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Babinda has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. All new construction consists of standalone homes, maintaining Babinda's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With approximately 304 people per dwelling approval, Babinda exhibits characteristics of a low-density area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Babinda is projected to add 360 residents by 2041, aligning with existing development levels and maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Seven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Ella Bay Integrated Resort and Residential Community, Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3 from Edmonton to Gordonvale, Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project, and Cairns South State Development Area. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Babinda recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Babinda has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.5% as of December 2025. There are 2,398 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 4.5%, which is 0.4% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Babinda is lower at 62.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%.

According to Census responses, 14.9% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Babinda has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.9 times the regional level. In contrast, accommodation & food employs only 4.7% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 8.3%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Babinda's labour force decreased by 1.1%, while employment fell by 2.9%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Babinda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023 shows Babinda SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $44,584 and an average income of $53,250. These figures are lower than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld respectively. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,649 (median) and $59,299 (average), based on a 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data places Babinda's household, family, and personal incomes between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. In Babinda, 30.9% of the population (1,473 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest with 88.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Babinda, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.0% houses and 4.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Babinda was 45.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (21.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,367, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Babinda was $240, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Babinda's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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, including 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 making up 26.1% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – 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 better-than-average health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and elderly cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,208 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%, and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (7.0%). 69.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 26.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,279 people), higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%. 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, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Babinda is Christianity, accounting for 57.5% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (26.1%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (9.2%).

Notably, Italian ethnicity is overrepresented in Babinda at 9.2%, compared to 2.4% regionally, as is Maltese at 1.1% (vs 0.4%) and Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% (vs 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 Regional Qld's median age of 41 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, Babinda has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds at 15.9%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.2%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 8.7%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.5% to 11.0%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 17.3% to 16.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Babinda's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 179 people (43%), growing from 412 to 592. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 59% 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.