Palm Island

Palm Island is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Palm Island's population was approximately 2,098 people as of February 2021. By June 2024, this had increased to around 2,287 people, a rise of 189 individuals (9.0%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures and address validation since the Census date. The population density in Palm Island was approximately 31 persons per square kilometer as of June 2024. Between February 2021 and June 2024, Palm Island's population grew by 9.0%, outpacing the SA3 area (3.8%) and the SA4 region. Natural growth was the primary driver of this increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts and the latest annual ERP population numbers, Palm Island is expected to increase by 404 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Palm Island recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Palm Island has granted around 14 residential property approvals annually on average over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 73 homes were approved during this period, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26.

The average new resident per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was approximately 0.2. This suggests that supply has been meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost of new properties during this period was $516,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Palm Island shows 213.0% higher development activity per person, indicating greater buyer choice in the area.

All recent developments have consisted of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 206 people per dwelling approval in the location, suggesting an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Palm Island is projected to add 404 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Palm Island has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this region. Key initiatives include Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrades, North and Far North Queensland Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid.

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 Palm Island face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Palm Island's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 76.4%. Compared to Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, this is 72.3% higher.

Workforce participation on Palm Island lags significantly at 25.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses show that no residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (2.2 times the regional average), education & training, and public administration & safety. Construction employment is under-represented at 2.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 10.1%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.0% while employment declined by 16.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 4.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Palm Island's employment should increase by 7.8% over five years and 16.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Palm Island SA2 had a median income of $54,420 and an average of $65,328 among taxpayers. This is slightly below the national average. Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Palm Island as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,813 and $71,802 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Palm Island all fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 26.8% of individuals earn between $800 - $1499, unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% earn between $1500 - $2999. Despite modest housing costs with 87.4% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.

Palm Island is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Palm Island, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership on Palm Island was 1.5%, with remaining dwellings either mortgaged at 0.0% or rented at 98.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent on Palm Island was $125, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.

Palm Island has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.4% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 11.1% couples without children, and 30.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 3.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 6.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 3.8% and certificates at 17.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 20.8% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 0.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Palm Island faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,186 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Diabetes and heart disease are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.2 and 4.3% of residents respectively. 83.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 7.3% of residents aged 65 and over (167 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Palm Island's cultural diversity aligns with its region's average. Its population comprises 94.2% citizens, 98.3% born in Australia, and 56.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominates Palm Island, with 82.2%, compared to 52.2% in the rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (74.0%), Other (16.4%), and Australian (4.3%). These figures differ from regional averages: Australian Aboriginal is substantially higher (74.0% vs 3.9%), Other is substantially higher (16.4% vs 6.9%), while Australian is notably lower (4.3% vs 26.5%).

Palm Island hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Palm Island's median age is 26 years, which is younger than the Rest of Queensland average of 41 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Palm Island has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (19.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.1%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.1%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.8% to 13.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 0.9% to 2.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 21.2% to 19.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group has fallen from 11.6% to 9.8%. Demographic projections suggest that Palm Island's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort expected to grow steadily, adding 116 people (a 32% increase) to reach 484 residents. Conversely, the number of residents aged 5 to 14 is projected to decrease.