Innisfail
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Innisfail's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at approximately 9,522 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 265 people, a growth rate of 2.9%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 9,257. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,472 in June 2024 and the addition of 54 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 179 persons per square kilometer. Innisfail's growth rate since the Census places it within 2.3 percentage points of its SA3 area (5.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilised. Projected demographic shifts indicate an overall population decline of 246 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably 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 ending June 2021, totalling 116 homes. As of April 2026, eight approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The population has declined in recent years, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $357,000, lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices.

In the current financial year, $12.9 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Innisfail has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally for development activity. However, there has been an increase in development activity recently. The types of new building activity show a split of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 80.0% houses. This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Innisfail reflects a low-density area with approximately 313 people per approval.

With population projections indicating stability or decline, housing demand pressures are expected to remain reduced, benefiting potential buyers.

Innisfail has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, with the following list providing details on those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Innisfail's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 8.7%.

There were 4,032 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 4.8% higher than Rest of Qld's 3.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation was lower at 52.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had a strong presence with an employment share 4.2 times the regional level, while construction was less prominent at 6.1% compared to the regional 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5% alongside a 4.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.2 percentage points. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs) to Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Innisfail's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Innisfail's median taxpayer income was $43,558 and average income was $52,183 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. By March 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Innisfail would be approximately $48,659 and $58,294 respectively, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Innisfail falling between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution-wise, 28.9% of Innisfail residents earned between $800 and $1,499, while the broader area's leading bracket was $1,500 to $2,999 at 31.7%. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remained in Innisfail, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

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 evaluation, consisted of 80.3% houses and 19.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Innisfail was at 35.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (20.5%) or rented (44.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,192, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median 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, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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

In Innisfail, educational challenges are evident with university qualification rates at 14.1%, 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 most prevalent at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (29.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.5% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education. Innisfail operates a network of 10 schools educating approximately 2,504 students, comprising 6 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. The area serves as an educational hub with 26.3 school places per 100 residents, notably higher than the regional average of 14.9, attracting students from nearby communities.

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. These stops are served by five different routes that together offer 133 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 310 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 19 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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

Innisfail faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data revealing notable prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~4,399 people) have private health cover, which is significantly lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (7.3%). Conversely, 65.6% declare no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Rest of Qld. Innisfail has 22.5% (2,146 people) aged 65 and over, slightly lower than the 23.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Innisfail was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Innisfail's cultural diversity was above average, with 18.9% of its population born overseas and 18.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Innisfail, comprising 56.2% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 7.4% of Innisfail's population compared to 3.3% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (20.7%), English (20.2%), and Other (13.5%). Notably, certain ethnic groups had higher representations: Australian Aboriginal at 11.6% in Innisfail compared to 11.3% regionally, Italian at 7.6% versus 7.5%, and Maltese at 1.2% against 1.1%.

Innisfail's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Innisfail is 41 years, which matches Rest of Queensland's average but is somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Queensland, 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 expected to grow by 20%, reaching 837 people from a previous total of 697. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting Innisfail's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.