Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw
Statistical Area - sa2

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw as of August 2025 is approximately 1,798 people. This figure represents a growth of 107 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,691 people. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 1,798 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density is around 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw's growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.7%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 94.9% to overall population gains during recent periods.

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. These state projections were released in 2023 and based on 2021 data but do not provide age category splits. Therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Based on current demographic trends, a population increase just below Australia's regional areas median is expected for Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by approximately 101 persons, resulting in a total gain of 5.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 23 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with 0 recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per new home annually over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and an average dwelling construction cost of $687,000, which is moderately above regional levels. This year has seen $7.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw shows moderately higher new home approvals, at 28.0% above the regional average per person over this period, offering buyer choice while supporting current property values. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously implied (83.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes.

With around 263 people per dwelling approval, Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw exhibits a developing market. Future projections suggest an addition of 101 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence an area's performance as much as modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Key projects include Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, National Electricity Market: Renewable Energy Zone Expansions, Network Optimisation Program - Rail, and Enabling Digital Health Services for Regional and Remote Australia, with the following list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, but the unemployment rate is high at 22.8%.

As of June 2025588 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw lags behind the rest of Queensland, with a participation rate of 44.9% compared to 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, public administration & safety has an employment share 6.8 times higher than the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence with only 2.3% of employment compared to 10.1% regionally. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.4%, but employment decreased by 4.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 4.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by only 0.2%. State-level data shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% between Sep-24 and Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw's employment may increase by approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Its median income among taxpayers was $36,585 and the average income stood at $47,737, compared to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $40,869 (median) and $53,327 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw all fall between the 1st and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 35.5% of its population (638 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing costs are modest with 89.7% of income retained, however total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally.

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

In Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw, as per the latest Census, 82.7% of dwellings were houses, with 17.3% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This is similar to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 82.5% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw was at 3.8%, with the majority of dwellings being rented (96.2%). Mortgage repayments were not applicable in the area, while median weekly rent stood at $118. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had mortgage repayment and rent figures of $0 and $140 respectively. Nationally, Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 83.4% of all households, including 29.1% couples with children, 18.7% couples without children, and 25.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.6%, with lone person households at 15.4% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 3.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 7.0%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (4.2%) and certificates (34.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 17.1% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 0.6% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes Kowanyama State School and Pormpuraaw State School, collectively serving 249 students as of the latest data available (2021). The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school within Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw, demonstrating varied educational conditions across the area.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw, with younger cohorts experiencing very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 46% of the total population (~827 people) has private health cover, compared to 49.9% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes (12.4%) and heart disease (8.5%).

A majority, 74.7%, report being completely free of medical ailments, slightly lower than the 79.2% in Rest of Qld. The area has a smaller proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 8.5% (153 people), compared to 11.5% in Rest of Qld. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to being above average.

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

Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw showed lower cultural diversity with 89.4% citizens, 97.6% born in Australia, and 75.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 86.9%, compared to 64.7% regionally. Ancestry revealed 85.0% Australian Aboriginal (higher than regional average of 25.3%), 3.9% English (lower than regional average of 14.2%), and 3.9% Other (also lower than regional average of 28.1%).

Notable differences included Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.2% regionally) and Korean at 0.2% (vs 0.0%).

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw has a median age of 31 years, which is younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 16.4%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 4.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group grew from 8.6% to 11.5%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 1.4% to 3.0%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 16.5% to 14.0%, and the 25-34 group decreased from 15.9% to 13.7%. By 2041, Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw's population is projected to see significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age cohort will grow exceptionally by 83 people (156%), from 53 to 137. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 0-4 and 45-54 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.