Daintree

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Daintree's population is around 7,018 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 344 people (5.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,674 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,979 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 155 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Daintree's 5.2% growth since the census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 55.5% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 932 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Daintree recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Daintree has averaged around 31 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 158 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $226,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $56.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Daintree shows moderately higher construction activity (11.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though construction activity has eased recently. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 358 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Daintree adding 893 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Daintree has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mossman River Intake (Alternate Water Intake Project), Principal Cycle Network: Cooya Beach to Mossman (stage 3) & Cooya Beach Road (stage 2), Mossman River Alternate Water Intake Project, and Principal Cycle Network - Mossman to Newell Beach, 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.

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

Daintree possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, and an unemployment rate of 8.6%. As of December 2025, 3,221 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.6% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise accommodation & food, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 10.7% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.2% alongside a 5.2% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 3.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Daintree. 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 Daintree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Daintree SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Daintree SA2's median income among taxpayers is $45,986 and the average income stands at $54,496, compared to figures for Regional Qld of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,543 (median) and $59,897 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Daintree all fall between the 13th and 19th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.1% of residents (2,042 people), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.1% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 15th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Daintree, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.5% houses and 10.4% 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 Daintree was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 39.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,408, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Daintree's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 66.7% of all households, comprising 22.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Daintree 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 (15.3%) 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 postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (35.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Daintree is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Daintree faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,284 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 8.1 and 7.1% of residents, respectively, while 69.9% 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 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,590 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.

Daintree ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Daintree was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.2% of its population being citizens, 83.4% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Daintree is Christianity, which makes up 45.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Daintree are English, comprising 26.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.8% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 8.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 4.7% of Daintree (vs 2.4% regionally), New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%) and German at 4.3% (vs 4.7%).

Daintree hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Daintree'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 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (17.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.1%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 11.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 10.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.1% to 13.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Daintree's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, growing by 232 people (24%) from 982 to 1,215. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.