Mareeba

Population growth drivers in Mareeba are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Mareeba's population was around 12,782 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 957 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 11,825 in Mareeba. This increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 12,752 as of June 2025 and an additional 206 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Mareeba's growth rate of 8.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (7.3%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Demographically, Australia's regional areas are projected to have above median population growth, with Mareeba expected to grow by 2,296 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.7% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mareeba among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Mareeba has averaged approximately 72 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 360 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 51 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.2 new residents is gained per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $279,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers.

In this financial year, there have been $16.0 million in commercial approvals, showing moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Mareeba has slightly more development, with 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 87.0% detached dwellings and 13.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Mareeba will gain 2,266 residents by 2041, as per the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is keeping pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

Mareeba has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Haren Street Residential Aged Care Facility, Mareeba Retail Centre, Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint, and Homes for Queenslanders - Mareeba Social Housing. 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.

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

Mareeba has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented within the town. As of December 2025, Mareeba's unemployment rate is 8.3%.

By this date, 5,703 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.3% higher than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%, indicating potential improvement needed in employment opportunities. Workforce participation in Mareeba lags behind Regional Queensland at 59.0% compared to 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.0% of residents work from home. The leading industries for employment among Mareeba residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Notably, the concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing is high at 3.8 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 13.5% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Some residents commute outside Mareeba for work opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population compared to local population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Mareeba's labour force decreased by 1.1%, and employment declined by 4.6%. This resulted in an increase in unemployment rate by 3.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Queensland experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a smaller rise in unemployment at 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth patterns vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mareeba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.5% over five years and 12.0% 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 2023 shows Mareeba SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,075 and an average of $54,654. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Regional Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates project Mareeba's median income to be approximately $51,309 and average income to be around $60,863 by March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that incomes in Mareeba fall between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Specifically, 29.3% of Mareeba's population (3,745 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which mirrors the broader area's pattern where 31.7% fall into this category. After accounting for housing costs, 85.4% of income remains in Mareeba, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

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

In Mareeba, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mareeba stood at 40.1%, with mortgaged properties at 27.9% and rented dwellings at 32.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,495, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Mareeba was recorded as $285, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Mareeba's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mareeba has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.5% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Regional Queensland average.

Mareeba faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 28.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Mareeba are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Mareeba's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent in Mareeba compared to regional Queensland averages.

Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 5,981 people), which is lower than Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.5% of residents) and mental health issues (6.6%). A total of 69.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals in Mareeba are generally typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.3% (2,849 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes for seniors in Mareeba are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Mareeba had a cultural diversity level above average, with 19.0% of its population born overseas and 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mareeba, representing 58.6% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (24.6%), English (23.3%), and Italian (10.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 8.8% in Mareeba than regionally at 3.9%. Spanish and Croatian representations were also notably higher at 0.6% and 0.8%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0.2%.

Mareeba's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Mareeba is 41 years, which matches Regional Queensland's average and is slightly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Mareeba has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.6%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (11.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 increased from 10.6% to 12.0%, while the 45-54 age group decreased from 12.5% to 11.0%. The 5-14 age group also dropped from 12.9% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mareeba's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 2,225 people from 1,748. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is projected to decline by 125 people.