Cape York

An assessment of population growth drivers in Cape York reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Cape York's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 8,480. This figure represents an increase of 677 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,803. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; the resident population was 8,391 in June 2024, with an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Cape York's growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA4 region (4.3%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.6% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities. By 2041, Cape York is expected to expand by approximately 793 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 8.3% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cape York among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Cape York has seen approximately 50 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 251 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 1.8 new residents per year arrived with each new home between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. The average construction value of new properties was $345,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $30.9 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Cape York records 98.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. Recent construction comprises 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 268 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth.

Population forecasts indicate Cape York will gain 704 residents by 2041, based on 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.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area, including Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service Redevelopment, Gigers Residential Subdivision, Daintree Ferry Landside Infrastructure and Ferry Replacement Project, and Cow Bay Primary Health Centre.

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

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Employment drivers in Cape York are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Cape York has a balanced workforce encompassing both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. As of September 2025, 3,303 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.9% and estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year.

The unemployment rate is 5.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags at 55.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses show that only 8.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Cape York has strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.2 times the regional level.

However, manufacturing employs just 0.7% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 5.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7%, while labour force decreased by 0.5%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cape York's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023 shows Cape York SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,909, with an average of $60,264. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld having a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $57,053 (median) and $66,236 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Cape York's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Cape York has 26.4% of individuals earning $400 - 799, differing from regional levels where 31.7% earn $1,500 - 2,999. Despite modest housing costs with 88.9% income retained, total disposable income ranks at the 10th percentile nationally.

Cape York is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Cape York's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cape York stood at 27.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.1% and rented ones at 58.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,286, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Cape York was $130, significantly below Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Cape York's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Cape York features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.4% of all households, including 24.9% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 16.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. The highest qualification held in the area is bachelor degrees at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (35.6%). Educational participation is high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 17.6% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.6% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Cape York's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Cape York residents show positive health outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are similar across young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% (around 4,146 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.4% and 5.0% respectively. About 76.7% report being free from medical ailments, higher than the 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes. The area has 14.7% seniors (around 1,249 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank high nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Cape York records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cape York's cultural diversity aligns with its broader region's average, with 81.9% of residents being citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 71.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cape York, accounting for 57.6%, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Cape York are Australian Aboriginal (38.3%), Australian (16.0%), and English (15.8%).

These figures differ significantly from regional averages: Australian Aboriginal is substantially higher, while Australian and English are notably lower. Notable differences also exist in other ethnic groups' representation: Samoan is overrepresented at 0.3% compared to the region's 0.2%, Other is at 12.7% versus 6.9%, and Maori is at 0.5% compared to 0.8%.

Cape York's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Cape York is 34 years, which is notably lower than the average for the rest of Queensland at 41 years, and also substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Cape York has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 years (15.1%) but fewer individuals aged 75-84 years (4.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 years has grown from 3.5% to 4.8%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 12.2% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.9% to 10.7%. By the year 2041, Cape York is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching a total of 1,539 people from the current number of 1,279. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.