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, as of August 2025, is approximately 13,290. This figure represents a growth of 1,647 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,643. The increase was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 13,207 in June 2024 and an additional 500 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer. Palmwoods' growth rate of 14.1% since the Census exceeded both the non-metro area's average (8.6%) and national average, indicating significant growth. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 78.8% of this population gain.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these 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 based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 2,399 persons, reflecting a total gain of 17.4%.

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. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 769 approvals from FY21 to FY25, with 4 approved in FY26 so far. Each dwelling has supported an average of 2.4 new residents annually over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand that may bolster property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $428,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This year, $21.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Palmwoods has 12.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 86th percentile nationally, suggesting robust developer interest. New building activity comprises 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character while accommodating some denser developments. The population density is approximately 108 people per dwelling approval, indicating a growing market.

Future projections anticipate Palmwoods adding 2,316 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Palmwoods Garden Village Expansion, Bamboo Estate, Palmwoods Sports Complex Master Plan, and Palmwoods Supermarket. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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

Palmwoods has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.5% as of June 2025.

There are 6,860 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction shows notable concentration at 1.3 times the regional average.

Public administration & safety has lower representation at 3.4% versus the regional average of 5.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.3% and employment declined by 1.4%, leading to an unemployment rate drop of 0.8 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. By Sep-25, QLD's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palmwoods's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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. 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 an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $54,311 (median) and $70,664 (average). The 2021 Census shows household income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($1,795 weekly), with personal income at the 35th percentile. Income brackets indicate 34.5% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range (4,585 individuals). After housing, 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

The dwelling structure in Palmwoods, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Non-Metro Qld's composition of 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palmwoods was at 38.6%, comparable to Non-Metro Qld's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (43.5%) or rented (17.9%). In Palmwoods, the median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, which is higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Palmwoods was recorded at $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Palmwoods's 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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

Educational qualifications in Palmwoods show 24.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 41.8% holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high at 28.3%, comprising primary education (9.9%), secondary education (9.3%), and tertiary education (4.0%).

Palmwoods has four schools with a combined enrollment of 1,076 students. It has an ICSEA score of 1047, indicating typical Australian school conditions. All four schools focus on primary education; secondary options are available in nearby areas. There are 8.1 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 10.6, suggesting some students may attend schools outside Palmwoods.

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

Transport analysis shows 17 active stops operating in Palmwoods. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 34 individual routes serving these stops, providing a total of 666 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is moderate; residents typically live 531 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 95 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per 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' health metrics align closely with national benchmarks, exhibiting common health conditions across both young and elderly residents.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~6,804 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.1 and 8.4% of residents respectively. A total of 68.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 66.4% in Rest of Qld. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 19.9%, comprising 2,651 people. Health outcomes among seniors are notably 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, assessed for cultural diversity, showed a predominantly Australian-born population with 80.4%, of which 89.4% were citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 95.7%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 46.5% of residents.

Notably, Buddhism had a higher representation in Palmwoods at 1.9% compared to the regional average of 1.4%. The top three ancestral groups were English (34.7%), Australian (26.6%), and Scottish (9.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: German was slightly overrepresented at 5.2%, South African at 0.6%, and French also at 0.6%.

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

Palmwoods' median age is 44 years, which is marginally higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 55-64 year-old group comprises 14.6% of Palmwoods' population, while the 25-34 year-old group makes up 10.1%, both figures differing from Rest of Qld's averages. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents 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' population is projected to undergo significant demographic shifts. The 25-34 age group is forecasted to grow by 41%, adding 543 residents to reach a total of 1,879. Meanwhile, the number of individuals aged 15 to 24 is expected to decrease by 43%.