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 is approximately 6,421 as of February 2026. This represents an increase of 217 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,204. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,361 in June 2024 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tablelands has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. When using state projections, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities. Tablelands is expected to expand by 144 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 1.3% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Tablelands has seen approximately 10 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totaling 53 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 3 approvals recorded. On average, 3.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $277,000, under regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers. In this financial year, there have been $3.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Tablelands shows roughly half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 20th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options while bolstering demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 750 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tablelands is projected to grow by 84 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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 may affect this region. Notable projects 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.

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While Tablelands retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.2%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Tablelands has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%. The area's unemployment rate is 0.9% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, but workforce participation lags at 48.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

A moderate 21.2% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Leading employment industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notable concentration, with employment levels at 7.1 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 9.9% versus the regional average of 16.1%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. From September 2024 to September 2025, Tablelands' labour force decreased by 0.6%, with employment decreasing by 0.2%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Tablelands' employment mix suggests 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

The Tablelands SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,675 and an average income of $52,450 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,003 (median) and $57,648 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Tablelands fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the largest segment comprises 26.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,688 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. 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

The dwelling structure in Tablelands, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tablelands was higher at 50.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.8%) or rented (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,329, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Tablelands was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Tablelands' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 41.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 17.1% in primary education, 15.8% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing 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 positive outcomes for Tablelands residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups.

Private health cover is extremely low at 46% (~2940 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most common conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (6.3%), with 72.6% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 19.2% residents aged 65+ (1235 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes rank higher than the general population nationally.

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

Tablelands, as per data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. Its population composition was 67.4% citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Tablelands, accounting for 54.3%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.1%), English (26.9%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Italian ancestry was overrepresented at 7.9% in Tablelands versus 2.4% regionally, South African at 0.9% versus 0.5%, and Croatian at 0.9% versus 0.2%.

Tablelands's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Tablelands 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 comprises 15.8% of Tablelands' population compared to Rest of Qld's percentage. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 13.2% to 15.8%, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.1%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 11.3% to 9.3%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.3%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Tablelands' age profile by 2041. The 35-44 cohort is expected to grow at a rate of 8%, adding 85 residents to reach 1,098. However, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 25-34 cohorts.