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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.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Cooktown has an estimated 3,194 residents, up from 2,746 at the 2021 Census — a change of 448 people, or 16.3%. Growth has averaged 2.5% a year over five years, faster than 86% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 64.0% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of regional ABS demographic releases alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Cooktown has an estimated population of approximately 3,194 as of Aug 2026. This marks an expansion of 448 people (16.3%) compared to the 2,746 people recorded in the 2021 Census. Such growth is derived from an estimated resident population of 3,170 determined by AreaSearch via the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 18 validated new addresses added since the Census date. Demographic density stands at 1.5 persons per square kilometer, ensuring considerable room per resident.
With an increase of 16.3% since the 2021 census, the suburb of Cooktown outperformed both the SA4 region (3.5%) and the Rest of Qld, establishing itself as a standout growth area locally. Overall gains were predominantly propelled by natural growth, accounting for roughly 64.0% of recent population additions. SA2-level projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as the base year) are utilised by AreaSearch, supplemented by Queensland State Government SA2 projections released in 2023 (based on 2021 data) for post-2032 timeframes or uncovered locations. Because state figures omit cohort breakdowns, AreaSearch incorporates proportional weighting derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (2022 base data) across individual age brackets. Looking ahead, long-term expansion in the suburb of Cooktown is projected to track slightly below the national non-metropolitan median, with aggregated SA2 estimates anticipating an addition of 284 persons by 2041, representing cumulative growth of 8.1% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
120 new dwellings have been approved in Cooktown over the past five years, an average of 24 a year. That places the area in the 78th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 8 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 26 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 88% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 14, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An evaluation of ABS building approval records mapped by AreaSearch indicates that Cooktown averages roughly 24 approved residential dwellings each year, totaling approximately 120 residential approvals across the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 14 logged to date in FY-25. Over this same timeframe spanning the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an influx averaging 2.7 people per year for every newly erected residence points to solid buyer demand capable of underpinning local property values, with expected construction costs averaging $516,000 per dwelling in step with regional building trends.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $2.8 million in the current financial year, underscoring that local property activity is primarily residential. Recent residential building activity consists of 88.0% standalone houses alongside 12.0% medium and high-density formats, preserving the community's traditional low-density urban footprint while supplying family-oriented dwellings for buyers prioritizing space. Residential development metrics show approximately 60 people per dwelling approval, highlighting an expanding construction sector. Future demographic modeling suggests Cooktown will add 260 residents through to 2041 relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current residential building volumes appear well calibrated to absorb this influx, fostering balanced conditions for purchasers while offering capacity for development to outpace baseline expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cooktown
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Cooktown, worth an estimated $202 million. A further 49 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $3.99 billion. 16 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, tourism and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Regional development and economic performance are heavily shaped by local capital investments, major works, and strategic planning programs. AreaSearch has highlighted 2 projects anticipated to exert a meaningful local influence. Prominent developments and frameworks include the Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service Redevelopment, Gigers Residential Subdivision, Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, and Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, with priority initiatives outlined below.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service Redevelopment
The Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) Redevelopment is a $200 million regional hospital transformation delivered by Health Infrastructure Queensland for Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service. The project expands bed capacity from 16 to 24, adds a modern emergency department, birthing suite, operating theatre, and outpatient specialist facilities to replace aging infrastructure. Enabling works tenders and detailed architectural design are progressing ahead of major construction.
Gigers Residential Subdivision
Greenfield residential subdivision at 2 Hope Street, Cooktown, reconfiguring one lot into 12 residential lots under Cook Shire DA/4310 with operational works approval DA/4590. Currently under construction as an elevated cul-de-sac offering lots from 902sqm to 1,756sqm. Supported by the Queensland Government's $1.1 million Residential Activation Fund to deliver trunk infrastructure including water, sewer, underground power, and NBN.
Mossman River Intake (Alternate Water Intake Project)
Development of a second water intake on the Mossman River, approximately 5 km downstream of the Mossman Gorge Visitors Centre, to improve water security and resilience for the Mossman-Port Douglas catchment. The intake will use a submerged gallery system to extract raw water and pump it to the existing Mossman Water Treatment Plant, supplementing the Rex Creek intake which currently serves around 7,000 people across Port Douglas, Craiglie and Mossman. The project is co-funded through the National Water Grid Fund's WISER initiative, with the Australian and Queensland governments contributing $10 million of the $16.4 million construction cost.Development approval was granted in October 2023, preliminary design and all approvals are complete, and a pre-RFT briefing was held in July 2025. Council intends to issue a Request for Tender in August 2025, award the design and construction contract in January 2026, and complete construction by June 2027.
Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Redevelopment
Proposed mixed-use renewal of the Port Douglas marina into a modern waterfront precinct, including a 5-star hotel, new superyacht berths, dining and retail, and a limited number of residences. Earlier development applications were withdrawn and the asset was marketed for sale; the marina continues operating while long-term redevelopment options are reviewed.
KAYA VILLAS
Four luxury freehold villas (each four bedrooms with private pool) on individual titles with no body corporate fees, located on Warner Street in central Port Douglas. DA approved with construction underway; one villa previously marketed as remaining for sale. Target completion indicated for late 2025.
Port Douglas Skatepark Replacement
Douglas Shire Council is progressing the replacement and upgrade of the existing Port Douglas Skatepark with a modern community facility. The design phase has concluded following extensive public consultation, and the project is positioned for construction pending external government grant funding allocation.
49 Macrossan Street (Mixed-Use Development Site)
DA-approved site for a premium mixed-use (residential and commercial) development on Port Douglas' main street.
Port Douglas Splash Park
Bespoke splash park with a rainforest meets reef nature theme, zero depth, designed for families and visitors.
1,510 residents of Cooktown are employed, from a labour force of 1,587. Unemployment sits at 4.9%, with participation at 62.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 2,481, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A capable local labour pool defines Cooktown, underpinned by strong representation across essential service industries, a jobless rate of 4.9%, and a 2.0% expansion in local jobs over the prior year per aggregated statistical area metrics from AreaSearch. Employed residents totaled 1,510 as of March 2026, accompanied by an unemployment rate sitting 0.9% higher than the 3.9% recorded across Regional Qld, while local participation closely mirrors the Regional Qld benchmark of 64.2%. Only 9.2% of workers reported working from home during the Census, a figure likely influenced by prevailing Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment drivers for local workers are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, as well as construction. Concentration in public administration & safety is particularly pronounced, capturing a workforce share 2.3 times the broader regional benchmark. Conversely, manufacturing comprises a minimal footprint, employing only 0.8% of local workers relative to 5.6% across Regional Qld. Comparing Census resident workers with local workplace counts highlights a constrained internal job base. AreaSearch's review of broader statistical data from SALM and the ABS shows that across the 12 months to March 2026, jobs grew by 2.0% alongside a 1.7% increase in the workforce, prompting a 0.3 percentage points drop in the unemployment rate. Over the same duration, Regional Qld recorded job growth of 0.1% and workforce growth of 0.3%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. Further context regarding long-term staffing demand stems from Jobs and Skills Australia national forecasts from Mar-26. When applied to the local workforce mix, these national industry benchmarks—which project overall employment to rise by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years—indicate Cooktown's employment base could expand by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (calculated via simple weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes without factoring in localized population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Cooktown is $1,215 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $678 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $66,211 a year against an average of $75,830. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxation data by postcode analyzed by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 demonstrates elevated earnings in the suburb of Cooktown on a national scale, recording a median income of $66,211 and an average income of $75,830. These figures outpace Regional Qld, where the median stands at $53,146 and the average is $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated figures reach approximately $73,733 for the median and $84,444 for the average as of March 2026. Across national Census benchmarks, local household, family, and individual earnings all sit within the 14th to 24th percentiles.
Distribution metrics indicate that 27.9% of residents (891 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, closely mirroring the wider metropolitan proportion of 31.7%. Despite affordable housing outlays allowing residents to keep 86.8% of their earnings, overall disposable income places at only the 17th percentile across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Cooktown had 986 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 86% detached houses and 1% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 39% rented and 38% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $230 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 18.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock at the most recent Census was dominated by separate houses at 86.1%, with semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and other residential formats comprising 13.9%, compared with 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Outright home ownership in Cooktown reached 37.6%, comfortably surpassing regional levels, while mortgaged properties accounted for 24.0% and rental accommodation made up 38.5%. Housing costs remain distinctly affordable, with the typical monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 sitting well below the Regional Qld benchmark of $1,655 and the national level of $1,863. Similarly, median weekly rent of $230 is considerably lower than the $345 seen regionally and the $375 recorded nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cooktown counted 986 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,147 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 81% of areas nationally, against 28% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of dwellings at 62.8%, split between couples with children at 22.0%, childless couples at 27.5%, and single parent households at 12.1%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 37.2%, consisting of single-person residences at 33.8% and group living situations at 3.7%. Across the area, the median household size of 2.3 people sits below the Regional Qld standard of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
20.2% of adults in Cooktown hold a university qualification, including 14.1% with a bachelor degree and 3.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 75% of areas nationally. A further 35.6% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 631 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 874 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher educational attainment presents an area for ongoing improvement, as 20.2% of residents possess a university degree compared with the national standard of 30.4%, creating a clear target for local educational programs. Bachelor degree holders constitute 14.1% of the population, with postgraduate degree holders at 3.3% and graduate diploma recipients at 2.8%. Vocational qualifications are widespread, with 45.7% of individuals aged 15+ holding technical credentials, broken down into 10.1% with advanced diplomas and 35.6% with certificate-level awards. Participation in study is robust, with 33.6% of the population actively enrolled in an educational program.
Broken down by tier, 14.9% attend primary school, 10.0% are in secondary education, and 3.0% are enrolled in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Cooktown means driving: households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
73.2% of residents in Cooktown report no long-term health condition. 4.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
General wellness indicators among residents are encouraging, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and morbidity metrics demonstrating alignment with Australian standards and balanced prevalence rates across all demographics. Private health insurance participation is notably elevated, covering approximately 57% of all residents (~1,828 people) in contrast to 52.5% across Regional Qld. Arthritis and mental health conditions represent the most prevalent diagnoses locally, recorded among 8.1 and 6.3% of the community, respectively, whereas 73.2% of residents reported having no diagnosed chronic medical conditions compared with 67.6% across Regional Qld. Favourable health outcomes are particularly evident among residents under 65.
The community also includes 693 people aged 65 and over, making up 21.7% of the population compared to 20.3% regionally, with seniors achieving health benchmarks that sit higher nationally than those of the broader local populace.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cooktown is largely Australian-born, at 84.9% of residents, with 10.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.7%) and English (25.4%). 12.5% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics for the locality sit below broader national figures, with Australian citizens making up 81.2% of the populace, 84.9% of residents born domestically, and 89.2% communicating exclusively in English at home. Christianity represents the leading religious affiliation, observed by 48.5% of residents relative to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding parental lineage, the leading ancestral backgrounds reported include Australian at 27.7%, English at 25.4%, and Australian Aboriginal at 12.5%, the latter markedly exceeding the 3.9% regional benchmark. Specific minority ancestries show distinctive representation as well, with New Zealand ancestry accounting for 0.9% (matching 0.9% regionally), Maori heritage at 0.8% (matching 0.8%), and German ancestry recorded at 4.4% (against 4.7% across the region).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cooktown is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 18.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographic distribution closely tracks broader regional patterns, showing a maximum divergence of 2.9 percentage points from Regional Qld benchmarks. The estimated median age remains at 44, matching the 2021 Census outcome and exceeding both the Regional Qld figure of 41 and the Australian benchmark of 38 recorded at that Census. The most noticeable cohort shift since the Census occurred across the 45 - 64 bracket, declining from 29.7% to an estimated 27.3%. Long-term projections indicate that the 65+ age group will absorb the bulk of growth through to 2041, increasing by 128 residents (18%) to reach 821 individuals, while younger cohorts and children are forecast to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Cooktown
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 last month all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 18 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,746 at the 2021 Census → 3,194 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30675). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.