Palmwoods
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Palmwoods are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Palmwoods' population is approximately 13,344 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,701 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,643. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,207 in June 2024 and an additional 520 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer. Palmwoods' growth rate of 14.6% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average, indicating strong population growth in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.8% to overall population gains during recent periods.

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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future demographic trends project above median population growth for Australia's regional areas. Palmwoods is expected to grow by 2,399 persons to reach a total of approximately 15,743 by 2041, representing a gain of 16.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Palmwoods was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Palmwoods averaged approximately 153 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 769 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.4 new residents per dwelling has been gained since FY21 to FY25. The average construction cost value for new homes is $283,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year, commercial approvals totalled $21.6 million, indicating moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Rest of Qld, Palmwoods has 12.0% less new development per person but ranks in the 86th percentile nationally, showing robust developer interest. New building activity comprises 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character. The location has approximately 108 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections estimate Palmwoods will add 2,262 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth exceeding current forecasts.

Palmwoods has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 35 projects likely impacting this region. Notable initiatives include Palmwoods Garden Village Expansion, Bamboo Estate, Palmwoods Sports Complex Master Plan, and Palmwoods Supermarket. The following details projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Palmwoods demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Palmwoods has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.5%.

The area's unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation is similar at 59.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, construction employment levels are 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 3.4% compared to the regional average of 5.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data showing fewer working residents than expected based on population. In the year ending June 2025, Palmwoods' labour force decreased by 2.3%, with a 1.4% decline in employment, leading to a 0.8 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palmwoods' industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Palmwoods. The median income among taxpayers was $48,618, with an average of $63,257. This is below the national average. Rest of Qld had a median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Palmwoods would be approximately $55,420 (median) and $72,107 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,795 weekly), while personal income sits at the 35th percentile. Income brackets show that 34.5% of Palmwoods' population (4,603 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This reflects patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Palmwoods is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Palmwoods' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palmwoods was at 38.6%, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (43.5%) or rented (17.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was recorded at $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Palmwoods' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Palmwoods features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.8% of all households, including 34.2% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.2%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Palmwoods exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Palmwoods' residents aged 15+ have 24.7% university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.8%, with advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 29.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.9% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 4.0% in tertiary.

Palmwoods has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 1,076 students, serving typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 1047). All 4 focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents are 8.1, below the regional average of 10.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Palmwoods has 17 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 34 routes operating in total, offering 666 weekly passenger trips combined.

Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average located 531 meters from the nearest stop. The service frequency averages 95 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Palmwoods's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Palmwoods's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. The rate of private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~6,832 people), slightly lagging the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and mental health issues (8.4%). A majority, 68.0%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across Rest of Qld. The area has 19.9% residents aged 65 and over (2,662 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Palmwoods ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Palmwoods was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 80.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Palmwoods is Christianity, which comprises 46.5% of the population. However, Buddhism appears to be overrepresented, making up 1.9% compared to 1.4% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 34.7%, Australian at 26.6%, and Scottish at 9.5%. Notably, German (5.2% vs 5.0%), South African (0.6% vs 0.5%), and French (0.6% vs 0.6%) ethnic groups are also overrepresented in Palmwoods compared to regional averages.

Palmwoods hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Palmwoods's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and significantly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 55-64 are notably prominent at 14.6%, while those aged 25-34 make up a relatively smaller proportion at 10.1%. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of individuals aged 15 to 24 has increased from 10.7% to 11.8%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 15.2% to 13.2%. By 2041, Palmwoods's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 40%, adding 537 residents and reaching a total of 1,879 individuals. Conversely, the number of individuals aged 15 to 24 is forecasted to decrease by 50%.