Innisfail
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Innisfail's population is approximately 9,522 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 265 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,257. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 9,472, with an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 179 persons per square kilometer. Innisfail's 2.9% population increase since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's 5.2% growth, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 79.4% of overall population gains during recent periods in Innisfail.

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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. According to these projections, 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 has averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 116 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choices for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $357,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $12.9 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to the rest of Queensland. Innisfail has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to the Rest of Qld and places among the 52nd percentile nationally for development activity, which has picked up in recent periods. This reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows an equal split between detached houses (50.0%) and attached dwellings (50.0%), marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 80.0% houses. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence regional performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project impacting the area: Ella Bay Integrated Resort and Residential Community. Other key projects include North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, and Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance.

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

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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%.

As of that date, 4,032 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 4.8% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lagged at 52.2%, compared to the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment was concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (4.2 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment stood at 6.1%, below the regional average of 10.1%.

Many residents commuted 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, the Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 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 Innisfail's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations not accounting for localised population projections.

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

Innisfail's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $43,558, with an average of $52,183 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages; Rest of Qld's median income was $50,780 and average income was $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). The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Innisfail falling between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 28.9% of Innisfail's community earns between $800 and $1,499 annually (2,751 individuals), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains, 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, 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 the rest being mortgaged (20.5%) or rented (44.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Innisfail was $1,192, lower than 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 at $1,192 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 36.8%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Queensland.

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 the Australian 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 prominent, 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: 11.5% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Innisfail has a robust network of 10 schools educating approximately 2,504 students, with varied educational conditions across the area. The educational mix includes 6 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. Innisfail functions as an education hub with 26.3 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.9, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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 facilitate 133 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is deemed good, with residents on average being located 310 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 19 trips per day across all routes, 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, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (~4,399 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (7.3%). A total of 65.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Rest of Qld. Innisfail has 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,146 people), lower than the 23.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, generally mirroring those of the broader population.

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 had a cultural diversity level above the 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. Notably, the category 'Other' was overrepresented in Innisfail, making up 7.4% of the 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%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 11.6%, Italian at 7.6%, and Maltese at 1.2%.

Innisfail's median age exceeds 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 concentration of residents aged 0-4 (6.9%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 10.5% to 11.5%, while the age group of 5 to 14 declined from 13.0% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Innisfail's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 837 people from 697. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.