Malanda - Yungaburra
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Malanda-Yungaburra's population was around 9,781 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 686 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,095 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,587 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 413 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 7.8 persons per square kilometer. Malanda-Yungaburra's 7.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (7.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 79.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections were used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. These state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation was expected, with the area expected to increase by 676 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in an increase of 4.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Malanda - Yungaburra has averaged approximately 61 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 308 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, including 20 so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built has attracted approximately 2.1 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $465,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year, $4.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, highlighting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Malanda - Yungaburra has had slightly more development activity, averaging 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

Recent construction comprises predominantly detached dwellings at 98.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 2.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 156 people per dwelling approval, Malanda - Yungaburra exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts suggest that Malanda - Yungaburra will gain approximately 480 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply is expected to adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Malanda - Yungaburra has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones are Atherton Hospital Redevelopment, Priors Creek Development, Atherton Large Format Retail Precinct, and Vernon Apartments. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Malanda - Yungaburra has been broadly consistent with national averages

Malanda-Yungaburra has a skilled workforce with 4,568 residents employed as of June 2025. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, below Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Workforce participation is 54.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.3 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (13.5%), and education & training. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5% and employment declined by 2.5%, raising unemployment by 1 percentage point. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8%.

By Sep-25, QLD's unemployment rate is 4.2%, with national unemployment at 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Malanda-Yungaburra's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Malanda-Yungaburra has lower incomes than the national average. The median income is $42,429 and the average is $53,957. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures: median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $47,397 (median) and $60,275 (average). Census data reveals that Malanda-Yungaburra's household, family and personal incomes fall between the 20th and 21st percentiles nationally. The data shows 27.4% of the population (2,679 individuals) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% fall within this range. Housing costs are modest with 88.7% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at the 26th percentile nationally and 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 compared to Non-Metro Qld's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Malanda - Yungaburra was 51.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (28.0%) or rented (20.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $260, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $270. Nationally, Malanda - Yungaburra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

In Malanda-Yungaburra, 21.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common (14.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (30.4%).

Educational participation is high at 27.8%, comprising primary education (11.6%), secondary education (10.1%), and tertiary education (2.2%). Six schools operate in Malanda-Yungaburra, educating approximately 1,360 students. The region has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 968) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with five primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Malanda - Yungaburra is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Malanda-Yungaburra faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,597 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.6 and 7.0% of residents respectively. However, 67.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.5% across Rest of Qld. The area has 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,700 people), which is higher than the 25.1% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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 August 2016, had a population with low cultural diversity: 87.9% were citizens, 84.8% were born in Australia, and 95.3% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion (51.3%), slightly below Rest of Qld's 52.6%. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.0%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, German (5.1%) and New Zealand (0.9%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.3% and 0.6%, respectively. Scottish ancestry was also relatively high at 8.4%.

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 median age of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.4% locally, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 6.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.0% to 8.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Malanda - Yungaburra's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 190 people (77%) from 248 to 439. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 55-64 age cohorts.