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 around 2,335 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 237 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,098. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 2,335 in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 32 persons per square kilometer. Palm Island's growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.4%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 93.2% of overall population gains recently.

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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, above median population growth is expected in national regional areas. The area is projected to increase by 400 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 17.1% over the 16 years.

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 recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 73 homes were approved, with none yet approved in FY26.

The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 0.2. This supply has been meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new properties is $516,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Palm Island shows 208.0% higher development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice.

All recent development has been 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, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Palm Island is projected to add 400 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 40% nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to affect this area. Key projects include the Bruce Highway upgrade program from Townsville to Ingham, North and Far North Queensland REZs, maintenance of the Queensland National Land Transport Network, and the Queensland Energy Roadmap - SuperGrid Infrastructure Program. Below is a list detailing those most likely to be 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 Palm Island face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Palm Island has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 78.4%. This rate is significantly higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation on Palm Island lags at 25.4% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses show that no residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area has a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Construction is under-represented on Palm Island, with only 2.5% of its workforce compared to 10.1% in Regional Qld. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.5%, while employment declined by 36.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 12.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years, by 13.7%. Applying these industry-specific projections to Palm Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.8% over five years and 16.2% 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 Palm Island SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,420 and an average of $65,328. This is slightly below the national average. Regional Queensland's median income was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,602 (median) and $72,749 (average). 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 - $1,499, unlike surrounding regions where more people fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 87.4% of income retained, but 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, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership on Palm Island was 1.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 0.0% and rented dwellings at 98.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655. The median weekly rent figure on Palm Island was $125, while Regional Qld had a figure of $345. Nationally, Palm Island's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 constitute the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 3.7 people, which exceeds the Regional Queensland 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,211 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and heart disease, impacting 7.2 and 4.3% of residents respectively. 83.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 7.6% of residents aged 65 and over (176 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional 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 wider region, with 94.2% citizens, 98.3% born in Australia, and 56.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the prevalent religion on Palm Island (82.2%), compared to Regional Qld's 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (74.0%, substantially higher than regional average of 3.9%), Other (16.4%, substantially higher than regional average of 6.9%), and Australian (4.3%, notably lower than regional average of 26.5%).

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Palm Island are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 74.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%, Other, comprising 16.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%, and Australian, comprising 4.3% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%.

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

Palm Island's median age stands at 26 years, significantly younger than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's 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%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.8% to 12.6%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 0.9% to 2.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.1% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 15.9% to 13.9%. Demographic projections suggest Palm Island's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort expected to grow steadily, increasing by 114 people (30%) from 376 to 491. Conversely, numbers in the 5 to 14 age range are projected to decrease by 6.