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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Palm Island has an estimated 2,335 residents, up from 2,098 at the 2021 Census — a change of 237 people, or 11.3%. Growth has averaged 1.2% a year over five years, faster than 75% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 93.2% of that increase. Density is about 32 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Palm Island stands at approximately 2,335 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 237 residents (11.3%) compared to the 2021 Census count of 2,098. This demographic shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 2,335 and address validation records compiled since the Census. With this population level, the density translates to 32 persons per square kilometer, which ensures a spacious residential environment. The 11.3% growth rate recorded since the 2021 Census outpaced the broader SA3 region at 3.4% as well as the SA4 territory, positioning the locality as a leader in regional growth.
The expansion of the population was mostly powered by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 93.2% of the total demographic gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for individual SA2 localities published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this data, or for projections extending beyond 2032, Queensland State Government SA2 projections published in 2023 with a 2021 baseline are applied. Because these state-level projections omit age breakdowns, AreaSearch scales growth proportionally using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (based on 2022 data) for individual age groups. Factoring in these expected demographic transitions, the locality is projected to experience population expansion above the median of national regional areas, with a projected increase of 400 residents by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, indicating a total rise of 17.1% over a 16-year timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
73 new dwellings have been approved in Palm Island over the past five years, an average of 14 a year. That places the area in the 60th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Few approvals have been recorded in the most recent months, well below the longer-run average; the latest ABS periods are still being reported. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Palm Island has seen an average of approximately 14 building approvals for residential properties annually, totaling 73 residential dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 0 registrations recorded so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.8 new occupants per constructed home during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, the local property market displays a healthy equilibrium between supply and demand, fostering stable market conditions, while newly built properties average a construction value of $516,000, which is higher than the regional benchmark and points to a focus on premium construction.
When compared against the Rest of Qld, Palm Island experiences 208.0% higher development activity per resident, giving prospective buyers a wider selection of properties. In addition, all recent construction has consisted of standalone houses, preserving the low-density profile of the community and emphasizing detached properties that appeal to buyers looking for space. The area averages roughly 213 individuals for every approved residential dwelling, which points to a growing marketplace. Long-term forecasts indicate that Palm Island will add 400 new residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Maintaining the current pace of construction should ensure that the incoming supply of housing easily matches local demand, creating favorable buying opportunities and potentially facilitating growth that exceeds current demographic forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Palm Island
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Palm Island. A further 60 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $11.1 billion. 16 are already under construction and 15 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning changes are primary drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified 0 developments currently planned that are anticipated to affect this specific area. Key projects scheduled in the broader region include the Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program, North and Far North Queensland REZs, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and the Queensland Energy Roadmap - SuperGrid Infrastructure Program, with details on the most relevant initiatives listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA)
A series of underwater art installations near Townsville, including the 'Coral Greenhouse' at John Brewer Reef and the 'Ocean Siren' at The Strand. It is the only underwater art museum in the Southern Hemisphere.
Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program
Concurrent upgrades to improve safety and efficiency on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham. Current scope includes a new northbound overtaking lane between Leichhardt Creek and Lilypond Creek, wide centre line treatments, pavement strengthening in 5 sections, and upgrades to the Christmas Creek rest area for heavy vehicles.
Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery
A 128MW AC solar farm paired with a 128MW/256MWh battery energy storage system across approximately 190 hectares of private land near Rollingstone, approximately 55km northwest of Townsville. The project will supply approximately 55,000 homes with clean energy and offset around 200,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. In November 2025, the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water determined that no further EPBC assessment or approval is required. The project was originally developed by ESCO Pacific as the Rollingstone Solar Farm and acquired by OX2 in 2023.Townsville City Council approved the amended project including co-located BESS in December 2024. Grid connection studies are underway with construction scheduled for mid-2027 to mid-2029 and operations expected to begin in 2029.
North Queensland Bio-Energy Facility (Ingham)
The North Queensland Bio-Energy (NQBE) facility is a proposed $640 million integrated sugar, ethanol, and renewable power plant located on an 80-hectare site south of Ingham. As of early 2026, the project remains in the planning phase while awaiting favorable market conditions and finalized financing. The facility is designed to process sugarcane into 350,000 tonnes of raw sugar annually, produce up to 200,000 litres of ethanol per day, and export approximately 110-115 MW of renewable energy to the national grid.The project was recently a focal point in the 2026 Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities, which seeks to address regulatory and investment barriers for such industrial hubs.
Orient Road Water Security Project
A project to improve water security in the Ingham area, funded under the Building our Regions program. The project involved the extension of the water main along Orient Road.
Moduline Ingham Expansion - Factory and Showroom
Proposed ~4,400 sqm manufacturing facility with ~550 sqm office and retail showroom for Moduline in Ingham CBD. Development Application lodged 24 Feb 2025 for Medium Impact Industry (furniture manufacturing, display and sales) across multiple lots fronting Herbert St and Lynn St. State assessment (SARA) advice issued 17 Mar 2025. Project aims to modernize production, expand local jobs and renew the town centre retail presence.
Dutton Street Culvert Crossing Project
Construction of a culvert crossing on Dutton Street to provide a linkage between the north and south of Ingham during flood events. The project was fully funded under the National Flood Infrastructure Mitigation Program.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Priority Projects
A list of priority projects for the Hinchinbrook Shire, including upgrades to marine and tourism infrastructure, recycling facilities, and digital connectivity. Specific projects include the Dungeness Marine Access Upgrade, Wallaman Falls Eco and Adventure Tourism, and Forrest Beach Boat Ramp Facilities.
51 residents of Palm Island are employed, from a labour force of 407. Unemployment sits at 87.5%, with participation at 25.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in Palm Island is evenly distributed between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, featuring strong representation in essential service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 87.5%. By March 2026, there were 51 employed residents, and the unemployment rate sat 83.6% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, highlighting a clear need for jobs growth, while workforce participation is notably low at 25.0% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a minimal 0.0% of the working population performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Local jobs are heavily concentrated in the sectors of health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The concentration is particularly pronounced in health care & social assistance, where employment is 2.2 times the average of the region. Conversely, construction is underrepresented, employing only 2.5% of the local workforce compared to 10.1% in Regional Qld. This residential enclave appears to provide few local employment options, as shown by the disparity between the count of the Census working population and the resident population. Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics for the 12-month period ending March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 1.9% while employment numbers fell by 55.3%, resulting in a 14.9 percentage point increase in unemployment. Over the same period, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, the labor force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment edge up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand in Palm Island. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the expected growth rates vary widely by industry. Projecting these industry-specific trends onto the local employment composition suggests that Palm Island's employment will rise by 7.8% over five years and 16.2% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Palm Island is $977 a week (about $51,000 a year), with median personal income at $380 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,420 a year against an average of $65,328. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest postcode ATO data released by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, the median income of taxpayers in the Palm Island SA2 is $54,420, while the average income stands at $65,328. This sits slightly below the national benchmark, and compares to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Applying the Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures as of March 2026 would be roughly $60,602 for the median and $72,749 for the average. Based on the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes on Palm Island are positioned between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally.
Looking at income brackets, the $800 - 1,499 bracket includes 26.8% of the local population (625 individuals), contrasting with the surrounding region where 31.7% of residents earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Even though housing expenses are low with residents keeping 87.4% of their earnings, the overall level of disposable income places the area in the 5th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Palm Island had 491 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 8% apartments. 0% are owned with a mortgage, 99% rented and 2% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $125 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 12.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 51.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The breakdown of housing types in Palm Island at the time of the latest Census stood at 87.7% separate houses and 12.3% alternative housing types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to Regional Qld where separate houses made up 76.4% and other dwellings accounted for 23.6%. Meanwhile, home ownership in Palm Island was low compared to Regional Qld at 1.5%, with all other occupied dwellings being either rented (98.5%) or mortgaged (0.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was recorded at $2,167, which is notably higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $125, compared to $345 in Regional Qld.
Nationally, Palm Island's mortgage repayments exceed the Australian median of $1,863, while local rents are lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Palm Island counted 491 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 546 today, averaging 3.7 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 11% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 76.4%, consisting of couples with children at 27.5%, couples without children at 11.1%, and single-parent households at 30.0%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 23.6%, with single-person households representing 21.3% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size stands at 3.7 individuals, which is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
6.8% of adults in Palm Island hold a university qualification, including 4.4% with a bachelor degree and 1.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 98% of areas nationally. A further 17.9% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 459 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 667 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region presents low levels of educational attainment, with university completion rates at 6.8%, which is below the national average of 30.4%. This situation presents both a key challenge and a potential focus area for educational development. Among university qualifications, Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.0%. Vocational training represents 21.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, consisting of advanced diplomas at 3.8% and certificates at 17.9%. School and study participation is quite high in the area, with 30.1% of the population currently undertaking formal studies.
Within this cohort, 20.8% are enrolled in primary schooling, 6.3% are attending secondary school, and 0.6% are enrolled in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
83.7% of residents in Palm Island report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 75% of areas nationally. 3.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 13.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Palm Island records notable healthcare challenges, as shown by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with typical medical conditions observed in both younger and older demographics, while the level of private health insurance coverage is slightly below the SA2 average at approximately 52% of the population, representing about 1,211 residents. The most prevalent medical issues diagnosed among residents are diabetes and heart disease, affecting 7.2% and 4.3% of the community respectively, while 83.7% of the population reported no chronic health issues, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Healthy profiles are particularly common among working-age individuals who show low rates of chronic disease. Residents aged 65 and older represent 7.6% of the population (176 individuals), which is below the 20.4% mark seen in Regional Qld. Health indicators for the senior population present some difficulties, with national rankings matching those of the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Palm Island is largely Australian-born, at 98.3% of residents, with 43.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian Aboriginal (74.0%) and Australian (4.3%). 74.0% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Palm Island aligns closely with the regional averages for cultural metrics, with citizens representing 94.2% of the population, Australian-born individuals making up 98.3%, and 56.6% of residents speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, which is practiced by 82.2% of the local population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding ancestral backgrounds, the three most common heritages in Palm Island are Australian Aboriginal at 74.0% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 3.9%, Other at 16.4%, which is higher than the regional average of 6.9%, and Australian at 4.3%, which is lower than the regional average of 26.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Palm Island is 26, younger than 100% of areas nationally. 30.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 26 years makes Palm Island's population younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Palm Island has a higher proportion of residents aged 5 - 14 (19.7%) but fewer residents aged 65 - 74 (5.3%). The proportion of 5 - 14 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 10.8% to 12.6% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 0.9% to 2.1%.
Conversely, the 45 to 54 group decreased from 11.6% to 9.1% and the 15 to 24 group fell from 15.9% to 13.9%. Projections suggest the age structure of Palm Island will shift by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 114 people (30%) from 376 to 491, while the number of residents in the 5 to 14 age group is projected to drop by 6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Palm Island
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,098 at the 2021 Census → 2,335 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (318011466). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.