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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Cannonvale lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of May 2026, the estimated population of Cannonvale is around 7,674, reflecting an increase of 1,078 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 16.3% increase from the previous census figure of 6,596 people. The current population estimate of 7,653 is based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 152 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,032 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cannonvale's growth rate exceeds that of its SA4 region (7.6%) and the Rest of Qld, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch adopts 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, 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, significant population increases are forecast for Cannonvale, with an expected increase of 2,424 persons to reach a total population of approximately 10,098 by the year 2041. This projected growth reflects a 31.3% increase over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cannonvale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Cannonvale has recorded around 59 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 296 homes were approved, with a further 43 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over this period, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.
Developers are targeting the premium market segment, constructing new properties at an average expected construction cost value of $1,982,000. This financial year has seen $80.6 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Cannonvale records somewhat elevated construction activity, with 26.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.
This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years. New development consists of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% medium and high-density housing, offering a blend of attached housing types across various price ranges. With around 211 people per dwelling approval, Cannonvale shows a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Cannonvale is expected to grow by approximately 2,403 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cannonvale
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Cannonvale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Cannonvale Business Park, Whitsunday Emergency Services Hub, Cannonvale Community Hub, and Cannonvale Manufacturing Precinct. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Cannonvale Community Hub
A 1,882m2 multi-purpose facility including a modern library, meeting rooms, business and education spaces, and disaster resilience infrastructure to support the growing population.
Whitsunday Medical Centre Development
State-of-the-art medical facility providing comprehensive healthcare services to the Whitsunday region. Features include emergency department, diagnostic imaging, specialist consulting suites, and day surgery facilities.
Cannonvale Manufacturing Precinct
Light industrial and manufacturing zone featuring food processing facilities, marine equipment manufacturing, and logistics centers to support regional economic diversification.
Cannonvale Business Park
Mixed-use business park concept in the Carlo Drive industrial precinct with potential for office, light industrial, retail and conference spaces aimed at supporting local business growth in the Whitsundays.
Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct (Cannonvale)
Council-led sports and recreation precinct to deliver multi-purpose outdoor fields and indoor/outdoor courts with club and community facilities, spectator amenities and active recreation spaces, creating a regional venue for local clubs, schools and events in the Cannonvale-Airlie Beach catchment.
Whitsunday Water Treatment Facility
Advanced water treatment and recycling facility to support population growth and ensure sustainable water supply for the Whitsunday region. Includes reverse osmosis technology and advanced filtration systems.
Airlie Beach Super Retail Centre
A 2600 square meter large format retail development in Cannonvale, featuring anchor tenants BCF and Supercheap Auto, located opposite Whitsunday Plaza Shopping Centre, providing retail options for boating, camping, and automotive needs in the Whitsundays region.
Whitsunday Technology Innovation Hub
State-of-the-art technology and innovation center featuring research laboratories, startup incubator spaces, conference facilities, and collaborative work areas to foster technology development and entrepreneurship.
Employment
Employment conditions in Cannonvale rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally
Cannonvale has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7%. As of December 2025, there are 4,567 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%.
Workforce participation is high at 73.5% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include accommodation & food, retail trade, and construction, with a notable concentration in accommodation & food at 2.3 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 8.2% of Cannonvale's workforce compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%.
The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, labour force by 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cannonvale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
The suburb of Cannonvale had a median taxpayer income of $49,173 and an average income of $63,048 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below the national averages for median ($53,146) and average incomes ($66,593). By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,759 (median) and $70,210 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. In the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 63rd percentile ($873 weekly), while household income was at the 44th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 36.8% of Cannonvale's community (2,824 individuals), which is consistent with regional trends showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Cannonvale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In Cannonvale, as per the most recent Census evaluation, 58.1% of dwellings were houses while 41.8% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cannonvale stood at 20.9%, with mortgaged properties at 33.0% and rented ones at 46.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,713, exceeding Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Cannonvale was $360, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Cannonvale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Cannonvale features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 66.7% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 6.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational attainment in Cannonvale aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics
The area has university qualification rates of 18.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (33.6%).
Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Cannonvale has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 679 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 327 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outwards; cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 85%, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 8% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages 97 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The level of general health in Cannonvale is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
Cannonvale shows above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence for both young and old age groups.
The prevalence of common health conditions is low in Cannonvale, with approximately 52% of its total population (~4,005 people) having private health cover, which leads the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.7% and 6.6% of residents respectively, while 75.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. The under-65 population in Cannonvale has better than average health outcomes. The area has 12.8% of residents aged 65 and over (982 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Cannonvale are particularly strong, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
In terms of cultural diversity, Cannonvale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Cannonvale has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 24.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cannonvale, making up 39.6% of its population. While Judaism comprises only 0.1% of Cannonvale's population, this figure is equal to that of Regional Qld.
The top three ancestry groups are English at 32.2%, Australian at 25.7%, and Irish at 8.1%. Notably, New Zealanders make up 1.3% of Cannonvale's population compared to 0.9% regionally, French people comprise 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Maori people account for 1.0% against 0.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Cannonvale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern
Cannonvale has a median age of 36, which is lower than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 age group is notably over-represented in Cannonvale at 18.9%, while the 75-84 age group is under-represented at 3.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 16.1% to 18.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.8% to 11.7%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cannonvale's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 667 people (46%) from 1,450 to 2,118. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to grow modestly by 4% (37 people).