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 the 2021 Census. By November 2025, this had increased to around 2,276 people, reflecting a growth of 178 people (8.5%) since the census. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,287 in June 2024 and address validation post-census. The population density was approximately 31 persons per square kilometer at this time. Palm Island's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.6%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth was primarily responsible for 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to have an above median population growth of national regional areas by 2041. The latest annual ERP population numbers project an increase of 404 persons by this year, reflecting a total increase of 18.2% 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 recorded around 14 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 73 homes were approved, with none so far in FY26.

The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five financial years was 0.2. This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth beyond projections. New properties are constructed at an average value of $516,000, somewhat higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Palm Island shows 213.0% higher development activity per person, further enhancing buyer choice.

Recent development has been entirely 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 AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Palm Island is projected to add 415 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 infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program, North and Far North Queensland Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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%.

This rate is 72.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation on Palm Island lags significantly at 26.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Health care & social assistance has particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Construction, however, is under-represented, with only 2.5% of Palm Island's workforce compared to 10.1% in Rest of Qld. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.0%, but 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%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these 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 2022 shows Palm Island SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,111 and an average of $63,302. This is slightly below the national average. Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Palm Island would be approximately $59,401 (median) and $72,158 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Palm Island fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. The $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 26.8% of the community, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is more prevalent. 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

Palm Island's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Island was at 1.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (98.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,213. Median weekly rent was $125, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $202. Nationally, Palm Island's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $125 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 3.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rates are significantly lower than the Australian average, at 6.8% compared to 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common university qualifications in the area, with a rate of 4.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and above - advanced diplomas make up 3.8% while certificates represent 17.9%.

Educational participation is notably 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.

Palm Island's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Palm Island's health outcomes show notable results with common health conditions present across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,165 people), slightly below the average SA2 area rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are diabetes (7.2%) and heart disease (4.3%). A majority (83.7%) report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of Qld's 66.2%. Only 7.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (167 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 24.3%. While seniors face health challenges requiring more attention, overall outcomes show improvement compared to broader population figures.

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, accounting for 82.2%, compared to the regional average of 70.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (74.0%), Other (16.4%), and Australian (4.3%). These figures differ significantly from the region's averages: Australian Aboriginal is substantially higher (74.0% vs. 8.1%), Other is also higher (16.4% vs. 4.6%), while Australian is notably lower (4.3% vs. 27.4%).

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 significantly younger than Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to the rest of Queensland, 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 12.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.8% to 12.3%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 0.9% to 2.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 21.2% to 19.7%, and the 45 to 54 age group has fallen from 11.6% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Palm Island's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, adding 117 people (a 32% increase) from 366 to 484. Conversely, the number of residents aged 5 to 14 is expected to decrease by 8.