Babinda

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Babinda's population is around 4,772 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 204 people (4.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,568 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,719 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 7.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Babinda has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.9% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 65.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 394 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.2% in total 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, totalling 72 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $287,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $933,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Babinda shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 53rd percentile of areas assessed nationally. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 304 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Looking ahead, Babinda is expected to grow by 341 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Ella Bay Integrated Resort and Residential Community, Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3 - Edmonton to Gordonvale, Mount Peter Priority Development Area, and Cairns South State Development Area, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Babinda features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. As of December 2025, 2,398 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (62.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.9 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 4.7% versus the regional average of 8.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.1% combined with employment decreasing by 2.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Babinda. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Babinda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Babinda SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $44,584 with the average level standing at $53,250. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,002 (median) and $58,527 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Babinda all fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 30.9% of the population (1,474 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 88.2% of income retained, the 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 within Babinda, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.0% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Babinda was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 45.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (21.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,367, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Babinda's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (35.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,209 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 69.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 26.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,275 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Babinda is Christianity, which makes up 57.5% of people in Babinda, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Babinda are English, comprising 26.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 9.2% of Babinda (vs 2.4% regionally), 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 of 47 years stands notably higher than Regional Qld's 41 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (15.9% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.3%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 8.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.7% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Babinda's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 168 people (43%) from 394 to 563. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.