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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Cape York's population is around 8,480 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 677 people (8.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,803 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,391 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Cape York's 8.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 63.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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; therefore, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to expand by 793 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Cape York has seen around 50 new homes approved annually, totalling 251 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.8 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $345,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $30.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Cape York records 98.0% more construction activity (per person), creating 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 appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 268 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Population forecasts indicate Cape York will gain 704 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.

Cape York 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 Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service Redevelopment, Gigers Residential Subdivision, the Daintree Ferry Landside Infrastructure and Ferry Replacement Project, and the Cow Bay Primary Health Centre, 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 conditions in Cape York face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Cape York possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 9.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,255 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 5.8% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (55.0% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average. On the other hand, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 0.7% of Cape York's workforce compared to 5.6% in Regional Qld. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1% alongside a 0.4% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cape York. 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 Cape York's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Cape York SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,909, with an average of $60,264. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,053 (median) and $66,236 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Cape York all fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 26.4% of the community (2,238 individuals), diverging from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 88.9% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just 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

Dwelling structure within Cape York, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.5% houses and 13.5% 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 Cape York lagged that of Regional Qld, at 27.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (14.1%) or rented (58.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,286, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $130, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Cape York's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 66.4% of all households, comprising 24.9% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 16.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (35.6%).

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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Cape York residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~4,146 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be diabetes and arthritis, impacting 6.4 and 5.0% of residents, respectively, while 76.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,249 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 is roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.9% of its population being citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 71.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Cape York is Christianity, which makes up 57.6% of people in Cape York, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cape York are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 38.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%; Australian, comprising 16.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%; and English, comprising 15.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 0.3% of Cape York (vs 0.2% regionally), Other at 12.7% (vs 6.9%), and Maori at 0.5% (vs 0.8%).

Cape York's population is younger than the national pattern

The 34-year median age in Cape York is notably under Regional Qld's average of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, Cape York has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (15.1%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (4.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.5% to 4.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.2% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, Cape York is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 20% (259 people), reaching 1,539 from 1,279. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.