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 of May 2026, is approximately 6429 people. This figure indicates a rise of 225 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6204 people. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6420 in June 2025 and an additional 43 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Tablelands' growth rate of 3.6% since the 2021 Census exceeds its SA4 region's average of 3.5%, positioning it as a growth leader within the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.5% to overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

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. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Examining future trends, lower quartile growth is anticipated for locations outside capital cities. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Tablelands' area is expected to expand by 140 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 2.0% over the 16-year period.

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 homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 53 homes. As of FY26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 3.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates a significant demand exceeding 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 boosting demand for established properties. Recent construction consists of 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population density is around 750 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tablelands is projected to grow by 131 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, Enviroplas Recycling Plant, Mareeba Retail Centre, and Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

While Tablelands retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.1%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Tablelands has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, 2,515 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%. This is below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, but workforce participation lags at 46.8% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%.

A moderate 21.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows notable concentration, with employment levels at 7.1 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 9.9% versus Regional Qld's 16.1%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1%, employment fell by 1.4%, causing unemployment to drop by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Tablelands' employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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 Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $48,636 (median) and $58,408 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Tablelands all 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, with 1,690 residents in this cohort. This aligns with the broader area where this group also represents 31.7%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.2% of income retained, but 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

The dwelling structure in Tablelands, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tablelands stood at 50.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,329, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Tablelands was $230, compared to Regional Qld's $345. 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 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 comprise the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households making up 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's 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 held by 33.9% of residents aged 15+, with 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 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. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions largely in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,944 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (6.3%). 72.6% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. As of June 20XX, the area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,290 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, 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, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 67.4% of its population being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 54.3% of Tablelands' population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.1%), English (26.9%), and Irish (8.2%).

Italian ancestry was notably higher in Tablelands at 7.9%, compared to 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

Tablelands's median age is 43 years, which is higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.2% of Tablelands' population compared to Regional Queensland, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 8.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 13.2% to 15.3%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort declined from 11.3% to 9.6%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.3%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Tablelands' age profile by 2041, with the strongest growth expected in the 35 to 44 cohort (9%), adding 91 residents to reach 1,074. Population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 25 to 34 cohorts.