Magnetic Island

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Magnetic Island's population is around 2,676 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 201 people (8.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,475 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,638 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 52 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Magnetic Island's 8.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 71.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 109 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 2.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Magnetic Island has seen around 26 new homes approved each year, with 131 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $324,000, consistent with regional patterns. Additionally, $1.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Magnetic Island has 149.0% more building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice. New building activity consists of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% 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 per dwelling approval, Magnetic Island shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Magnetic Island will gain 71 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Weststate Private Hospital, Douglas Water Treatment Plant Clarifiers Upgrade, Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program, and Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Magnetic Island faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Magnetic Island features a well-educated workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, and an unemployment rate of 6.3%. As of December 2025, 1,104 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (49.1% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.3% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3% alongside a 1.3% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Magnetic Island. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Magnetic Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Magnetic Island SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $38,259 while the average income stands at $50,957. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $42,050 (median) and $56,007 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Magnetic Island all fall between the 3rd and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 28.8% of the community (770 individuals), unlike trends in the metropolitan region where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Magnetic Island, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.6% houses and 16.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Magnetic Island was higher than that of Regional Qld, at 49.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.4%) or rented (27.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,353, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Magnetic Island's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 58.9% of all households, comprising 11.8% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 4.8% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Regional 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (28.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of Qld (20.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (26.6%).

A substantial 22.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 50 active transport stops operating within Magnetic Island, comprising a mix of ferries and buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 500 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 321 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 64%, with 16% walking and 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 16.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 71 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Magnetic Island's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Magnetic Island residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,233 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.4 and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 63.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 36.5% of residents aged 65 and over (977 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Magnetic Island records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Magnetic Island was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 7.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 27.6% born overseas. The main religion on Magnetic Island is Christianity, which makes up 41.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 2.6% of the population, compared to 1.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups on Magnetic Island are English, comprising 32.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Magnetic Island (vs 0.5% regionally), Scottish at 9.3% (vs 7.8%) and Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.1%).

Magnetic Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 57 years, Magnetic Island's median age is considerably higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (24.2%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (6.1%) than in Regional Qld. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.2% to 9.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 8.6% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 23.7% to 21.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Magnetic Island's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 61 people (85%) from 73 to 135. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 75% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.