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 May 2026, is around 8560. This figure represents an increase of 757 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7803. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8515 in June 2025 and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Cape York's population grew by 9.7% between the 2021 Census and May 2026, outperforming the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.5%. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.4% to the overall population gains in recent periods.

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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities. Cape York is expected to expand by 724 persons to reach a total population of approximately 9284 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 7.9% over the 16-year period.

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. This totals 251 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home in Cape York, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The construction cost of new properties averages $345,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year has seen $30.9 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Cape York records 96.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. Recent construction consists of 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

There are approximately 268 people per dwelling approval in Cape York, suggesting room for population growth. Population forecasts indicate Cape York will gain 679 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

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure. These include Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service Redevelopment, Gigers Residential Subdivision, Daintree Ferry Landside Infrastructure and Ferry Replacement Project, and Cow Bay Primary Health Centre. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Cape York face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Cape York's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services. The unemployment rate was 9.8% as of December 2021. Over the past year, there has been relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 3,255 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is 1.8 percentage points higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4%. Workforce participation in Cape York lags behind Regional Qld at 54.5% compared to 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety (3.2 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Manufacturing employment is under-represented at 0.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 5.6%. Many Cape York residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1% and employment declined by 0.4%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Cape York SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,909 and an average of $60,264. This is lower than the national average. Regional Qld, meanwhile, had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $57,806 (median) and $67,110 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Cape York are between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 26.4% of the community (2,259 individuals), unlike the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.9% income retention, 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 in Cape York, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cape York was 27.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.1% and rented ones at 58.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,286, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $130, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Cape York's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,286 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 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 make up 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 Regional Queensland 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 10.1% of residents holding such qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 44.2% holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (35.6%).

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

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 based on AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions, largely aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are similar across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% (around 4,185 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%.

Nationally, it stands at 55.7%. Diabetes and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.4% and 5.0% respectively. Around 76.7% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 15.0% (1,284 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank higher nationally 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's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, 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, comprising 57.6%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (38.3%), Australian (16.0%), and English (15.8%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Other notable differences include Samoan at 0.3% in Cape York versus 0.2% regionally, Other at 12.7% compared to 6.9%, and Maori at 0.5% versus 0.8%.

Cape York's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Cape York is 35 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and also lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, the cohort aged 5-14 is notably over-represented at 14.6% locally, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 5.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.5% to 5.0%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.2% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.9% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Cape York. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 1,512 people from 1,264. Meanwhile, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.