Tablelands

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tablelands reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Tablelands' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 6,413 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 209 people, a rise of 3.4%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,204. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,361 in June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tablelands has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of regional areas is anticipated nationally, with Tablelands expected to expand by 144 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Tablelands according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Tablelands has recorded approximately 10 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 53 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of around 3.5 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

Consequently, demand significantly outpaces supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $277,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers. In terms of commercial development, $3.0 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial development in the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld and nationally, Tablelands shows approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 20th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings.

The new building activity is predominantly detached houses at 89.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 11.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With an estimated count of 750 people in the area per dwelling approval, this reflects a quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Tablelands will gain 92 residents by 2041, with current construction levels suggesting that housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Tablelands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Enviroplas Recycling Plant, Mareeba Retail Centre, Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint, and Haren Street Residential Aged Care Facility. The following list details those expected to have the 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, Tablelands has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Tablelands has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%.

The area has shown employment stability over the past year. There are 2,551 residents in work, with an unemployment rate that is 0.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. However, workforce participation lags significantly at 42.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area has a particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 7.1 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 9.9% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The limited employment opportunities locally are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7% and labour force expanded by 2.1%, but unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that 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 projections to Tablelands's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Tablelands SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $42,652 and an average of $51,397. This is 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 suggest approximately $48,619 (median) and $58,587 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates Tablelands incomes fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 26.3% of individuals earning between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing costs are modest with 88.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 16th percentile nationally.

Tablelands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Tablelands, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 82.5% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tablelands stood at 50.0%, with mortgaged properties at 29.8% and rented dwellings at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,329, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Tablelands was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $140. Nationally, Tablelands' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tablelands has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.1% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, with 41.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 17.1% in primary, 15.8% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Tablelands's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows that Tablelands residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts. As of 2016-17, approximately 46% (~2975 people) of the total population had private health cover, which is lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 49.9%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in Tablelands are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2% and 6.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 72.6% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to the Rest of Qld's figure of 79.2%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 19.0% (1221 people), than the Rest of Qld's rate of 11.5%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Tablelands are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Tablelands has a lower than average cultural diversity, with 67.4% of its population being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Tablelands, comprising 54.3% of the population, compared to 64.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Tablelands are Australian (27.1%), English (26.9%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, Italian ancestry is overrepresented at 7.9%, South African at 0.9%, and Croatian at 0.9%.

Tablelands's median age exceeds the national pattern

Tablelands's median age is 43 years, which is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 15.4% of Tablelands' population, compared to Rest of Qld. The 5-14 cohort makes up 8.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 13.2% to 15.4%, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 11.3% to 9.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, Tablelands' age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35-44 cohort is expected to grow by 11%, adding 111 residents to reach 1,098. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 25-34 cohorts.