Daintree
Statistical Area - sa2

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

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Daintree's population is approximately 7,015 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 341 individuals (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,674 people. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,979 in June 2024 and an additional 153 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3.1 persons per square kilometer. Daintree's growth rate of 5.1% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.5%, suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections suggest a growth just below the median of regional areas nationwide by 2041, with an expected increase of 932 persons and a total increase of 12.8% 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 approved approximately 31 dwellings annually. Between FY21 and FY25158 homes received approval, with another 14 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 2 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with new homes averaging $226,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $56.6 million, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Daintree exhibits moderately higher building activity, with 11.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

All new construction has been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. As of FY26, there are an estimated 358 people in the area per dwelling approval. Future projections indicate Daintree will add 898 residents by 2041, suggesting current development aligns well with future needs, supporting stable market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Daintree has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch identified 26 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being 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. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Daintree lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Daintree's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominence in tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate here was 6.5% as of June 2025.

In this month, 3,332 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 2.6% higher than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation stood at 55.3%, lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among Daintree residents include accommodation & food, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence here, at 10.7% compared to the regional 16.1%. Labour force levels decreased by 1.5% over the 12 months to June 2025 in Daintree, with employment decreasing by 3.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Daintree's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

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 2022 reports Daintree's median income among taxpayers at $43,206 and average at $51,363. These figures are lower than national averages. Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Daintree would be approximately $49,251 (median) and $58,549 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Daintree fall between the 13th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.1% of locals (2,041 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing expenses, 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

The latest Census evaluation showed that 89.5% of dwellings in Daintree were houses, with the remaining 10.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Daintree stood at 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,408, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Daintree was $260, compared to $310 in Non-Metro Qld. Nationally, Daintree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,408 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 fairly typical 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 comprise the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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 Australia's 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 - advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (35.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.8%, including 12.5% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

The Daintree area has a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 1,270 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 952) and balanced educational opportunities. There are 7 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. The area functions as an education hub with 18.1 school places per 100 residents, above the regional average of 11.5, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Daintree are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Daintree. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,254 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.1 and 7.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. As of 2021, the area has 22.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,560 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Daintree's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.2% of its population being citizens and 83.4% born in Australia. English was spoken as the sole language at home by 92.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 45.5% of Daintree's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestral groups were English (26.9%), Australian (25.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.9%). Notably, Italian (4.7%) and German (4.3%) ethnicities were also overrepresented in Daintree compared to regional averages.

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

Daintree's median age is 47 years, notably exceeding Rest of Qld's 41 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 17.2% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.0%. This 55-64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. From 2021 to present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.5%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 15.1% to 14.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Daintree's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 244 people (25%) from 970 to 1,215. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 57% 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.