Malanda - Yungaburra

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 is around 9,751 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 656 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,095 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,585 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 452 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 7.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Malanda - Yungaburra has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 79.3% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 676 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.2% 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 around 61 new dwelling approvals annually, with 308 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 62 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.1 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $356,000. Additionally, $4.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Malanda - Yungaburra records somewhat elevated construction (25.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. Recent construction comprises 98.0% detached dwellings and 2.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 156 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Malanda - Yungaburra adding 510 residents by 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Atherton Hospital Redevelopment, Atherton Large Format Retail Precinct, Priors Creek Development, and Vernon Apartments, 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Malanda - Yungaburra has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Malanda - Yungaburra has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 4,497 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (58.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.3 times the regional average. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 13.5% of Malanda - Yungaburra's workforce compared to 16.1% in Regional Qld. 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 decreased by 1.2% alongside a 2.9% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Malanda - Yungaburra. 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 Malanda - Yungaburra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Malanda - Yungaburra SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $43,169 and an average of $54,252 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $47,447 (median) and $59,628 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Malanda - Yungaburra all fall between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 27.4% of residents (2,671 people), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 88.7% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just 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

Dwelling structure within Malanda - Yungaburra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.1% houses and 4.9% 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 Malanda - Yungaburra was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 51.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.0%) or rented (20.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,430, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Malanda - Yungaburra's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

Educational qualifications in Malanda - Yungaburra trail regional benchmarks, with 21.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (30.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Malanda - Yungaburra residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,563 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.6% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 67.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,695 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.9% of its population being citizens, 84.8% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Malanda - Yungaburra is Christianity, which makes up 51.3% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Malanda - Yungaburra are English, comprising 30.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.1% of Malanda - Yungaburra (vs 4.7% regionally), New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%) and Scottish at 8.4% (vs 7.8%).

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

With a median age of 51, Malanda - Yungaburra notably exceeds the Regional Qld figure of 41 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (16.1% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (6.5%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, 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 (65+) will drive 54% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.