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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw's population is around 1,798 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 107 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,691 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 1,798 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw's growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.7%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 94.9% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, a population increase just below Australia's regional median is expected. The area is projected to grow by 101 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 5.6% over the 17 years.

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 7 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 35 homes. As of FY26, there have been 0 approvals recorded so far. On average, 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been observed between FY21 and FY25. The market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, with new homes being built at an average value of $687,000.

This financial year has seen $7.0 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 27.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space for families.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies, reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 263 people per dwelling approval, Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw shows a developing market. Population forecasts indicate that the area will gain 101 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that might impact this area. Notable projects include Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, and Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, with the following list detailing 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 Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw has a balanced workforce with 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 stands at 18.9%, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 44.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 6.8 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.4%, but employment decreased by 4.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 4.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by just 0.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.3% 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

Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw's income level was lower than average nationally in financial year 2022. Its median income among taxpayers was $36,585 and the average income stood at $47,737. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated incomes would be approximately $41,703 (median) and $54,415 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw all fell between the 1st and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 35.5% of the population (638 individuals) fell within the $800 - $1,499 income range, contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Housing costs were modest, with 89.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked 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

The dwelling structure in Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.7% houses and 17.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 82.5% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kowanyama-Pormpuraaw was at 3.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (96.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $0, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $118, considerably less than Non-Metro Qld's $1,517 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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 has lower university qualification rates at 7.0%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 high at 32.1%, including 17.1% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 0.6% in tertiary education. The area has educational provision through Kowanyama State School and Pormpuraaw State School, serving a total of 249 students. Educational conditions vary across the region.

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. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~827 people), compared to 49.9% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. Diabetes and heart disease are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 12.4 and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 74.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 79.2% across Rest of Qld.

The area has 8.5% of residents aged 65 and over (153 people), lower than the 11.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite 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, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016 data, had a population with 89.4% being Australian citizens, 97.6% born in Australia, and 75.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 86.9%, compared to 64.7% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian Aboriginal (85.0%), English (3.9%), and Other (3.9%).

These percentages differed significantly from regional averages: Australian Aboriginal was substantially higher (25.3%), while English and Other were notably lower (14.2% and 28.1%, respectively). Notably, Samoan ancestry was overrepresented at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 0.2%, and Korean ancestry was also present at 0.2%.

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 makes up 16.4%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort is at 4.9%. Between 2021 and now, the 55-64 age group has increased from 8.6% to 11.5%, and the 75-84 cohort has risen from 1.4% to 3.0%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 14.0%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 15.9% to 13.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow 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 expected to decrease in numbers.