Innisfail

Innisfail has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Innisfail's population was approximately 9,530 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 273 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,257. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,478 in June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 179 persons per square kilometer. Innisfail's growth rate of 2.9% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.2%. The primary driver for population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 79.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits. Therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to projected demographic shifts, Innisfail's population is expected to decline by 246 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to increase by 152 people over this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Innisfail, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Innisfail averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 116 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely met demand, providing good options for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $276,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices.

This financial year, $12.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing moderate commercial development levels compared to the Rest of Qld. Innisfail has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 51st percentile nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 80.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. Innisfail has around 313 people per approval, indicating a low-density area. With population projections showing stability or decline, reduced housing demand pressures are expected, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Innisfail should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Innisfail has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the region: Ella Bay Integrated Resort and Residential Community. Other notable projects include North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, and Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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

Innisfail has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 10.9%.

There were 3,873 employed residents, an increase from the previous year despite a decrease in labour force levels by 1.8% and employment declining by 5.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 3.9 percentage points. The unemployment rate is 6.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 52.2%, significantly lower than the regional average of 59.1%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong with an employment share 4.2 times the regional level, while construction has a limited presence at 6.1% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. State-level data from QLD up to 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth patterns may differ due to varying industry-specific projections applied to Innisfail's employment mix.

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

Innisfail SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,558 and an average of $52,183 in financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,652 (median) and $59,483 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Innisfail fell between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 28.9% of individuals earned between $800 - 1,499, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Innisfail is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Innisfail's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.3% houses and 19.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Innisfail was at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.5% and rented ones at 44.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,192, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Weekly rent in Innisfail was $250, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Innisfail's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Innisfail features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 63.2% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Rest of Qld average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.5% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Innisfail has 47 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are five different routes servicing these stops, offering a total of 133 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 310 meters, indicating good accessibility.

Across all routes, there are an average of 19 trips per day, which translates to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Innisfail is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Innisfail. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 46% (~4,402 people) of Innisfail's population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (7.3%). About 65.6% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 68.1%. Innisfail has 22.5% (2,148 people) of its population aged 65 and over, which is lower than Rest of Qld's 23.6%. Seniors' health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Innisfail records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Innisfail has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 18.9% of its population born overseas and 18.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Innisfail, making up 56.2% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 7.4% of Innisfail's population compared to the regional average of 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 20.7%, English 20.2%, and Other groups 13.5% of Innisfail's population. Some ethnic groups are notably different in representation: Australian Aboriginal at 11.6% (regional average is 11.3%), Italian at 7.6% (regional average is 7.5%), and Maltese at 1.2% (regional average is 1.1%).

Innisfail's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Innisfail is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Innisfail has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (6.9%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 10.5% to 11.5%, while the population aged 5-14 declined from 13.0% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Innisfail's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 20% (138 people), reaching 837 from 698. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting Innisfail's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.