Tablelands

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tablelands's population is around 6,421 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 217 people (3.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,204 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,361 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Tablelands has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.7% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilized, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth for locations outside of capital cities is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 144 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.3% 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 seen around 10 new homes approved each year, totalling 53 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 3.5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $277,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $3.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Tablelands shows approximately half the construction activity per person while it places among the 20th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 750 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Tablelands is expected to grow by 84 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 44 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Enviroplas Recycling Plant, Mareeba Retail Centre, Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint, and Haren Street Residential Aged Care Facility, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 3.1%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Tablelands has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of only 3.1%. As of December 2025, 2,515 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (47.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 21.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, 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%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1% combined with employment decreasing by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Tablelands. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. 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 industry-specific projections to Tablelands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Tablelands SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $43,675 and an average of $52,450 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,003 (median) and $57,648 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Tablelands all fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 26.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,688 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 88.2% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Tablelands, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Tablelands was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 50.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.8%) or rented (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,329, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Tablelands's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.1% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 41.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Tablelands residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,940 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.2 and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 72.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,235 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Tablelands was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 67.4% of its population being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Tablelands is Christianity, which makes up 54.3% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Tablelands are Australian, comprising 27.1% of the population, English, comprising 26.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 7.9% of Tablelands (vs 2.4% regionally), South Australian at 0.9% (vs 0.5%), and Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.2%).

Tablelands's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 43 years, Tablelands's median age is somewhat higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and substantially exceeds the 38-year national average. The 35 - 44 age group shows strong representation at 15.8% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.2% to 15.8% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.1%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 9.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Tablelands's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 8%, adding 85 residents to reach 1,098. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 25 to 34 cohorts.