Tablelands
Statistical Area - sa2

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

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Tablelands' population is approximately 6,413 as of August 2025. This represents an increase of 209 people, a 3.4% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,204. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,361 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 40 since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tablelands has shown resilience with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, surpassing its SA3 area's growth. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth, contributing approximately 54.0% of overall gains in 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 using 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking ahead, regional areas across the nation are anticipated to experience lower quartile growth. Tablelands is expected to expand by 144 persons to reach 2041, with an increase of 1.4% in total over the 17 years based on the latest population numbers.

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. Development approval data provided by the ABS is on a financial year basis: 53 dwellings approved over the past five years, from FY21 to FY25, with one approval so far in FY26. On average, 3.5 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years. This has led to demand outpacing supply, which typically increases competition among buyers and puts upward pressure on prices.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $340,000, below regional levels, offering more affordable housing choices. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $3.0 million, 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, placing it among the 20th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings.

New building activity comprises 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 750 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Tablelands will gain 92 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Tablelands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Enviroplas Recycling Plant, Mareeba Retail Centre, Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint, and Haren Street Residential Aged Care Facility. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, Tablelands has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Tablelands' workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, 0.4% lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent. As of June 2025, 2,552 residents are employed, with workforce participation at 42.7%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing dominates with an employment share 7.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 9.9% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3%, but employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and a labour force expansion of 2.0%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with an 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 Tablelands' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 had a median income among taxpayers of $42,652 and an average of $51,397. Both figures are below the national averages. Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Tablelands would be approximately $47,647 (median) and $57,416 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Tablelands all fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 26.3% of the community (1,686 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are modest, with 88.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 17th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Tablelands, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 82.5% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tablelands was higher at 50.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.8%) or rented (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,329, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $140. Nationally, Tablelands' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,329 versus 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 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. There are 8 schools operating within the area, educating approximately 354 students. The educational mix consists of 7 primary and 1 K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 5.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.4, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling.

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 relatively positive outcomes for Tablelands residents with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 46% (~2,975 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of Qld's 49.9%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (6.3%). Around 72.6% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 79.2%. Tablelands has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.0% (1,221 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 11.5%. Health outcomes among seniors in Tablelands are particularly strong, performing 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' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 67.4% of its population being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Tablelands is Christianity, accounting for 54.3% of the population, compared to 64.7% across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Tablelands are Australian (27.1%, regional average: 15.4%), English (26.9%, regional average: 14.2%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, Italian (7.9% vs regional 2.1%), South African (0.9% vs regional 0.3%), and Croatian (0.9% vs regional 0.2%) groups are overrepresented in Tablelands compared to the region's averages.

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

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