Mareeba

Population growth drivers in Mareeba are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mareeba's population is around 12,732 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 907 people (7.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,825 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,602 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 186 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Mareeba's 7.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.4%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 46.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying 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, an above-median population growth for Australia's regional areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,430 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 18.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Mareeba has averaged around 72 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 360 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 45 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $279,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $16.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Mareeba has slightly more development (12.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving 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 with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Mareeba will gain 2,300 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Mareeba 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 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Haren Street Residential Aged Care Facility, Mareeba Retail Centre, Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint, and Homes for Queenslanders - Mareeba Social Housing, 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.

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

Mareeba features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 8.3%. As of December 2025, 5,703 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.3% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.0% 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 retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.8 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.5% versus the regional average of 16.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.1% alongside a 4.6% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 3.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mareeba. 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 Mareeba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Mareeba SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,075, with an average of $54,654. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,641 (median) and $60,070 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mareeba all fall between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 29.3% of the population (3,730 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.4% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 21st percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Mareeba, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.3% houses and 10.6% 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 Mareeba was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 40.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.9%) or rented (32.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,495, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $285, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Mareeba's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.5% of all households, comprising 24.7% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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 performance in Mareeba is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Mareeba faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~5,958 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5 and 6.6% of residents, respectively, while 69.3% declared themselves as 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 22.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,799 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors 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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 19.0% of its population born overseas and 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Mareeba is Christianity, which makes up 58.6% of people in Mareeba, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mareeba are Australian, comprising 24.6% of the population, English, comprising 23.3% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, and Italian, comprising 10.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 8.8% of Mareeba (vs 3.9% regionally), Spanish at 0.6% (vs 0.3%) and Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.2%).

Mareeba's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Mareeba is close to the Regional Qld figure of 41 but modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 14.0% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 10.9%. Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.6% to 11.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Mareeba's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 28% (492 people), reaching 2,272 from 1,779. Meanwhile, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 123.