Daintree

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

Daintree's population was around 7,036 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 362 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,674. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,011 in June 2025 and an additional 163 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3.2 persons per square kilometer. Daintree's growth rate of 5.4% since the census places it close to the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.7%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 59.6% of overall gains.

Other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also played a positive role. 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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with Daintree expected to gain 836 persons by 2041, reflecting a total growth of 11.5% over the 16-year period.

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 approximately 31 new dwelling approvals per year. Between fiscal years FY21 and FY25, a total of 158 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved so far in FY26. On average, 2 new residents have arrived annually for each new home over the past five financial years.

This balance between supply and demand has maintained stable market dynamics. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings was $226,000 during this period, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY26 alone, there have been $56.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Daintree has seen slightly more development, with an 11.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This balance between buyer choice and support for current property values has been maintained, though construction activity has recently eased. All new constructions have been standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. As of now, there are an estimated 358 people in the area per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Daintree is forecasted to gain 811 residents by 2041. 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 46thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 25 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Principal Cycle Network: Cooya Beach to Mossman (stage 3) & Cooya Beach Road (stage 2), Mossman River Intake (Alternate Water Intake Project), Principal Cycle Network - Mossman to Newell Beach, and Port Douglas Skatepark Replacement. The following list provides details of those projects that are likely to be most relevant.

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 has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with tourism and hospitality sectors notably present. The unemployment rate is 8.6%. As of December 2025, there are 3,221 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is 0.6% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 60.1%, lower than Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data shows that 12.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, retail trade, and health care & social assistance sectors. Daintree specializes particularly in accommodation & food services with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has a lower presence at 10.7% compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.2%, while employment dropped by 5.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7% and unemployment increased by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Daintree's employment mix indicates a potential local growth of 5.7% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Daintree SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $45,986 and an average of $54,496. This is below the national average. In comparison, Regional Qld 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 $51,210 (median) and $60,687 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Daintree fall between the 13th and 19th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 29.1% of the community (2,047 individuals), similar to the regional pattern where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

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

Daintree's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 89.5% houses and 10.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Daintree was 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,408, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Daintree was $260, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Daintree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 66.7% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households making up 29.8% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (35.1%). Educational participation is 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,292 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 69.9% of residents declared themselves 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 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,614 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 85.2% citizens, 83.4% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 45.5%. Judaism's representation was slightly higher than regional average, at 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (26.9%), Australian (25.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.9%), significantly higher than regional averages of 3.9%. Italian (4.7%) and German (4.3%) showed notable overrepresentation compared to Regional Qld's 2.4% and 4.7%, respectively.

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

Daintree's median age is 47 years, which is notably higher than Regional Qld's median age of 41 years, and also older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the average in Regional Qld, Daintree has a notably over-represented cohort of 55-64 year-olds (16.8% locally), while 25-34 year-olds are under-represented (7.5%). This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of Daintree's population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 8.9% to 10.8%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 13.3% to 11.0%. During this period, the proportion of 25-34 year-olds also dropped from 8.7% to 7.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Daintree's age profile will have evolved significantly. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to expand notably, with an increase of 218 people (a rise of 22%) from 982 to 1,201. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for both the 15-24 and 5-14 age cohorts.