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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Palm Island's population is around 2,287 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 189 people (9.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,098 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,287 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Palm Island's 9.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth for national regional areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 404 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.7% in total over the 17 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 around 14 residential properties granted approval each year, with 73 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $516,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Palm Island shows 213.0% higher development activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 206 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Palm Island adding 404 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program, North and Far North Queensland REZs, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid, with the below list 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 Palm Island face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Palm Island possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 78.4%. As of December 2025, 89 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 74.4% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (25.1% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 0.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 2.5% of Palm Island's workforce compared to 10.1% in Regional Qld. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, 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 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Palm Island. 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 Palm Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.8% over five years and 16.2% 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 Palm Island SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,420, with an average of $65,328. This is just 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 $59,813 (median) and $71,802 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Palm Island all fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 26.8% of the community (612 individuals), unlike trends in the surrounding region where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. While housing costs are modest with 87.4% of income retained, the 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 (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 Palm Island lagged that of Regional Qld, at 1.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (98.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $125, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Palm Island's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 76.4% of all households, comprising 27.5% couples with children, 11.1% couples without children, and 30.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.7 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (6.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead 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+ – advanced diplomas (3.8%) and certificates (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.

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 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 slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,186 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and heart disease, impacting 7.2 and 4.3% of residents, respectively, while 83.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 7.3% of residents aged 65 and over (167 people), which is 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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 94.2% of its population being citizens, 98.3% born in Australia, and 56.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Palm Island is Christianity, which makes up 82.2% of people in Palm Island, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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

At 26 years, Palm Island's median age is materially younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, Palm Island has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (19.3%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (5.1%). This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.8% to 13.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 0.9% to 2.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 21.2% to 19.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.6% to 9.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Palm Island's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 116 people (32%) from 367 to 484. Conversely, numbers in the 5 to 14 age range are expected to fall by 2.