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 around 6,416 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 212 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,204 people. 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 level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tablelands has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so 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 nationwide, with Tablelands expected to expand by 144 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.4% 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, a total of 53 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 3.5 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically increases competition among buyers and puts upward pressure on prices. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $277,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In the current financial year, $3.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development. When 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.

This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity in Tablelands consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, 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 per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Tablelands will gain 89 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects likely impacting the area. Key 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 relevant.

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 both white and blue collar jobs, representing various sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%. Over the past year, there's been relative employment stability.

There are 2,551 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 0.9% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 48.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 21.2% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (7.1 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (9.9%), and education & training.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tablelands' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Tablelands SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $43,675 and an average of $52,450. This is below the national average. Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Tablelands SA2 as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,003 (median) and $57,648 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Tablelands fall between the 11th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 26.3% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, consistent with broader metropolitan trends 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 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 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 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tablelands was at 50.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.8%) or rented (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,329, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Tablelands's 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 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 constitute 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, which is 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 has university qualification rates at 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 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 notably 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 for Tablelands residents shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,938 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (6.3%). A majority, 72.6%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.0% residents aged 65 and over (1,221 people), with strong health outcomes among seniors ranking 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, with 67.4% of its population being Australian 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% of the population, slightly higher than the 52.2% recorded across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (27.1%), English (26.9%), and Irish (8.2%).

Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Italian was overrepresented at 7.9%, compared to 2.4% regionally; South African stood at 0.9% versus 0.5%; and Croatian was at 0.9% against 0.2%.

Tablelands's median age exceeds the national pattern

Tablelands's median age is 43 years, which is higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group comprises 15.4% of Tablelands' population, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage. The 5-14 cohort makes up 8.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 13.2% to 15.4%, while 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%. Demographic modeling suggests Tablelands' age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 35-44 cohort is projected to grow by 11%, adding 111 residents to reach 1,098. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 25-34 cohorts.