Malanda - Yungaburra

Malanda - Yungaburra has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, Malanda - Yungaburra's population is around 9,751, reflecting an increase of 656 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,095. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,585 as of June 2024 and an additional 452 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 7.8 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Malanda - Yungaburra has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 79.3% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting 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 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilised. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase of just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected. The area is expected to increase by 676 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 5.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Malanda - Yungaburra among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Malanda - Yungaburra averaged approximately 61 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 308 homes approved during this period. In the current financial year, FY-26, 57 dwellings have been approved so far. On average, each dwelling built in the area over these five years has attracted approximately 2.1 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $356,000. In terms of commercial development, $4.7 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Malanda - Yungaburra has recorded somewhat elevated construction activity, with 25.0% more dwelling approvals per person over the past five years.

Recent construction comprises predominantly detached dwellings (98.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (2.0%), preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location currently has approximately 156 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Malanda - Yungaburra is projected to add 510 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Malanda - Yungaburra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely to affect the region. Key initiatives include Atherton Hospital Redevelopment, Atherton Large Format Retail Precinct, Priors Creek Development, and Vernon Apartments. The following list details those most 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Malanda - Yungaburra has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Malanda-Yungaburra has an unemployment rate of 3.6% as of September 2025, with 4,524 residents employed. The area's unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Malanda-Yungaburra is 59.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

According to Census responses, 17.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.3 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 13.5% of Malanda-Yungaburra's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.7%, and employment declined by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and a labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Malanda-Yungaburra's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The median taxpayer income in Malanda - Yungaburra SA2 was $43,169 and the average was $54,252 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $47,447 (median) and $59,628 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Malanda - Yungaburra fall between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 27.4% of residents earn within the $1,500-$2,999 bracket (2,671 people), which is similar to surrounding regions where 31.7% occupy this range. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 88.7% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 26th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Malanda-Yungaburra, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Malanda-Yungaburra stood at 51.1%, with mortgaged properties at 28.0% and rented ones at 20.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $260, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Malanda-Yungaburra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,430 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Malanda - Yungaburra has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.2% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 38.1% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Malanda - Yungaburra fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

In Malanda-Yungaburra trail region, 21.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common (14.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 41.9% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (30.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Malanda - Yungaburra's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Malanda - Yungaburra indicates positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,563 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.6%) and mental health issues (7.0%). 67.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.6%, compared to 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

Malanda - Yungaburra is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Malanda-Yungaburra, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity: 87.9% were citizens, 84.8% born in Australia, and 95.3% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion (51.3%), slightly lower than Rest of Qld's 52.2%. Top ancestry groups were English (30.0%), Australian (28.9%), Irish (9.8%).

Notably, German (5.1%) and Scottish (8.4%) groups were more represented compared to regional averages.

Malanda - Yungaburra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Malanda - Yungaburra is 51, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.1% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.5%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.5%. From 2021 to present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Malanda - Yungaburra's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 186 people (74%) from 252 to 439. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 54% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts.