Magnetic Island
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Magnetic Island reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Magnetic Island's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 2,670. This figure represents an increase of 195 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,475. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; the resident population was 2,638 as of June 2024, with an additional 92 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 52 persons per square kilometer. Magnetic Island's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area since the 2021 Census. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.8% of overall population gains recently.

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. These state projections lack age category splits; AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally; Magnetic Island is expected to grow by 109 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of approximately 2.9% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Magnetic Island when compared nationally

Magnetic Island has seen approximately 16 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 81 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, and an additional two approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.6 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is $407,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals, predominantly focused on residential development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Magnetic Island has 153% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. New building activity consists of 95% detached houses and 5% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 104 people moving in for each dwelling approval, Magnetic Island exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Magnetic Island will gain 77 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Magnetic Island has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

No local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting the region. Key initiatives include Weststate Private Hospital, Douglas Water Treatment Plant Clarifiers Upgrade (scheduled completion 2025), Bruce Highway upgrade program from Townsville to Ingham (commenced 2018), and Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery project (commencement planned for Q4-2023).

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

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

Magnetic Island has a skilled workforce with prominence in tourism and hospitality. The unemployment rate was 7.0% as of June 2025.

There were 1,105 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lagged at 47.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food (2.5 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (11.3%), and retail trade. The labour force decreased by 1.8% and employment declined by 4.8% during June 2024 to June 2025, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.9 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, which when applied to Magnetic Island's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

Magnetic Island's median income among taxpayers was $39,504 in financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO records. The average income on Magnetic Island stood at $51,856 during this period. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively in 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, current estimates for Magnetic Island's median income would be approximately $44,130 and the average income would be around $57,928. The 2021 Census indicated that incomes in Magnetic Island fall between the 3rd and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 dominates on Magnetic Island with 28.8% of residents (768 people), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe on Magnetic Island, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Magnetic Island is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Magnetic Island, as evaluated at the Census 2016, comprised 83.6% houses and 16.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Magnetic Island was 49.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.4% and rented ones at 27.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,353, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Magnetic Island was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Magnetic Island's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Magnetic Island features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 58.9% of all households, including 11.8% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 4.8%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Magnetic Island performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable with university qualification rates at 28.6% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and Rest of Qld's rate of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 26.6%.

A significant 22.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Magnetic Island State School serves local educational needs within Magnetic Island, with an enrollment of 125 students as of a recent report. The school demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) and offers balanced educational opportunities, focusing exclusively on primary education while secondary options are available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited, with only 4.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transport on Magnetic Island shows there are currently 51 active transport stops in operation. These include a mix of ferry and bus services. Two individual routes serve these stops collectively offering 500 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good with residents typically located approximately 320 meters from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency across all routes stands at around 71 trips per day, which equates to roughly nine weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data for Magnetic Island indicates significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 1,233 people, compared to Queensland's average of 53.3% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.4% of residents) and mental health issues (7.9%).

Around 63.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. As of 2021, 36.1% of Magnetic Island's population is aged 65 or over, totaling around 964 people, higher than the Queensland average of 14.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors on Magnetic Island are notably strong, surpassing those of the general population in various health metrics.

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

Magnetic Island's cultural diversity was above average, with 7.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.6% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.3%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 2.6%, compared to 0.9% in the rest of Queensland.

The top ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (23.7%), and Irish (11.8%). French (0.8%), Scottish (9.3%), and Dutch (1.7%) ethnicities were notably overrepresented on Magnetic Island compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 7.7%, and 1.0% respectively.

Magnetic Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Magnetic Island's median age is 57 years, which is higher than Queensland's average of 41 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 23.7%, while those aged 15-24 are less common at 6.2%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the age group of 75 to 84 has grown from 8.2% to 9.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 9.1% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 23.7% to 21.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show that the age group of 85+ is expected to rise substantially by 58 people (76%), reaching 135. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 75% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for those aged 5-14 and 15-24.