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

As of November 2025, Tablelands' population is approximately 6,413, reflecting a growth of 209 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.4% change from the previous population count of 6,204. The inferred growth is based on an estimated resident population of 6,361 in June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tablelands has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%, surpassing the SA3 area's growth rate. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, regional areas across the nation are anticipated to have lower quartile population growth. Based on current trends, Tablelands is projected to expand by 144 persons to reach a total of approximately 6,557 by the year 2041, representing an increase of 1.4% over the 17-year period.

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. This results in an average of 3.5 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value for new properties is $277,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, $3.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. 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, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings.

New building activity is dominated by detached houses at 89.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 11.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 750, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Tablelands will gain 92 residents by 2041. 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 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 44 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 likely to be most relevant.

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

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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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, representing various sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of June 2025.

Compared to the rest of Queensland (Rest of Qld), Tablelands had an unemployment rate that was 0.4% lower at 3.9%, but its workforce participation rate lagged significantly at 42.7% versus Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors in Tablelands are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, 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%.

Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3%, but employment declined by 0.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force expand by 2.0%, with unemployment rising by only 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tablelands's 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' median income among taxpayers is $42,652. The average income in the area is $51,397. This is below the national average. Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Using Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Tablelands as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,619 (median) and $58,587 (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 in Tablelands earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This is consistent with broader trends across metropolitan regions where 31.7% fall into the same category. Housing costs are modest, with 88.2% of income retained after expenses. However, 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

In Tablelands, as per the latest Census, 93.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 6.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 82.5% houses and 17.6% 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, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Tablelands was $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $140. Nationally, Tablelands' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 comprise 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, which is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 11.3%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - 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. A network of eight schools operates within Tablelands, educating approximately 354 students. The educational mix includes seven primary schools and one K-12 school. Limited local school capacity (5.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.4) means many families travel 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. Prevalence of common health conditions is 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 (~2,975 people), compared to 49.9% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.2 and 6.3% of residents respectively. 72.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.2% across Rest of Qld. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,221 people), which is higher than the 11.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even 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, surveyed in June-August 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens, with 67.4% being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 54.3% of Tablelands' population, compared to 64.7% across Rest of Qld.

In ancestry, Australian (27.1%) and English (26.9%) were the top groups, significantly higher than regional averages of 15.4% and 14.2%, respectively. Irish ancestry was also notable at 8.2%. Italian, South African, and Croatian ancestries were overrepresented in Tablelands compared to regional averages: Italian at 7.9% vs 2.1%, South African at 0.9% vs 0.3%, and Croatian at 0.9% vs 0.2%.

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

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 indicates 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 decreased from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, Tablelands' age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35-44 cohort is expected to grow by 11%, adding 111 residents to reach 1,098. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 25-34 cohorts.