Yarrabah

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Yarrabah's population is around 2,659 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 154 people (6.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,505 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,659 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 16.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Yarrabah's 6.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 97.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 746 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 28.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Yarrabah has seen around 10 new homes approved annually, totalling 53 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $476,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Yarrabah has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. New development consists of 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing to attract space-seeking buyers. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (71.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 692 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Yarrabah will gain 746 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Yarrabah has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Cairns Smart Green Economy Initiative, the Smart water meter program 2023-2026, the Leak Detection Program 2022-2025, and CairnsPlan 2016, 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.

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.

Employment conditions in Yarrabah face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Yarrabah has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 74.2%. As of December 2025182 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 70.2% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (36.3% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 4.9 times the regional average. In contrast, retail trade employs just 1.8% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 10.0%. 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4% combined with employment decreasing by 55.2%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 30.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Yarrabah. 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 Yarrabah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.9% over five years and 16.4% 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 Yarrabah SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Yarrabah SA2's median income among taxpayers is $43,613 and the average income stands at $51,839, compared to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $47,935 (median) and $56,976 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 17th percentile ($1,254 weekly), while personal income sits at the 0th percentile. Income brackets indicate the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 31.1% of the community (826 individuals), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 89.3% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 23rd percentile nationally.

Yarrabah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Yarrabah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 71.4% houses and 28.6% 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 Yarrabah lagged that of Regional Qld, at 11.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (0.7%) or rented (88.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,392, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $150, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Yarrabah's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yarrabah features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 85.8% of all households, comprising 35.8% couples with children, 9.9% couples without children, and 36.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.2%, with lone person households at 11.1% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 4.5 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Yarrabah 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 (3.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 2.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (0.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (5.2%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.1% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 0.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Yarrabah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Yarrabah, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,217 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be diabetes and heart disease, impacting 8.6 and 5.1% of residents, respectively, while 77.5% declared themselves as 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 8.2% of residents aged 65 and over (218 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Yarrabah was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Yarrabah was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 0.2% of its population born overseas and 81.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Yarrabah is Christianity, which makes up 88.8% of people in Yarrabah, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Yarrabah are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 89.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%, Other, comprising 7.0% of the population, and Australian, comprising 1.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%.

Yarrabah hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 25, Yarrabah is materially younger than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, Yarrabah has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (18.9%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (3.9%). This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 1.2% to 3.3% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 20.7% to 17.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 10.2% to 7.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Yarrabah's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 222 people (52%) from 424 to 647. The 55 to 64 group displays more modest growth at 2%, adding only 5 residents.