Earlville

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

As of Nov 2025, Earlville's population is estimated at around 4,474, reflecting a growth of 274 people since the 2021 Census which reported 4,200 people. This increase represents a 6.5% rise. AreaSearch estimates this population based on the resident population of 4,440 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date, using ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024. Earlville's population density is 1,267 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 6.5% since the census is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA4 region's 7.8%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 39.0% to Earlville's population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by this data and years post-2032. The suburb is projected to increase its population by just below the median rate of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an expected expansion of 467 persons to reach a total of around 4,941 by 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 9.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Earlville recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Earlville shows around 20 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 101 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling adds about 2.4 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $490,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. This year, Earlville has seen $4.6 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Earlville has slightly more development activity, at 34.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, construction activity has eased recently. New building activity is split evenly between detached houses (50.0%) and medium to high-density housing (50.0%), providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Earlville's population growth is expected to add around 314 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the suburb will gain approximately 418 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections and providing good conditions for buyers.

Earlville has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 15 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Far North Private Hospital, Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2, and Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 5 - Foster Road. The following list details those projects most 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Earlville recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Earlville has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 2,177 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 4.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.9%, and a workforce participation rate of 53.5%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.7% employment versus regional 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the year ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.3%, employment declined by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.8 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of Qld's growth in employment and labour force. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years (Sep-22 to Sep-27) and 13.7% over ten years (Sep-22 to Sep-32). Applying these projections to Earlville's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Earlville's median income among taxpayers was $45,578 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $54,655 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,954 (median) and $62,301 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 28th percentile ($700 weekly), while household income sits at the 11th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 25.6% of residents fall within the $400 - 799 bracket (1,145 people). In contrast, the metropolitan region has a predominance of residents in the $1,500 - 2,999 category at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Earlville displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Earlville's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Earlville stood at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 37.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Earlville was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Earlville's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national average of $375.

Earlville features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.6% of all households, including 20.1% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Earlville aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Earlville trail regional benchmarks, with 20.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally as of the latest data (2021). Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 28.6%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data (2020).

This includes 9.7% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education. Our Lady Help of Christians School provides local educational services within Earlville, with an enrollment of 493 students while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1030) as of the latest data (2016), with balanced educational opportunities. The one school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (11.0 places per 100 residents vs 22.4 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Earlville has eight functioning public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by nine different routes that together facilitate 927 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average being located 414 meters from the nearest stop.

On an average day, there are 132 trips across all routes, which equates to about 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Earlville is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Earlville faces significant health challenges, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,185 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 7.7% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. As of 2016 data, the area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,060 people), which is higher than the 15.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Earlville's cultural diversity is notable, with 24.0% of residents born overseas and 16.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Earlville, accounting for 55.3% of its population. While this is higher than the average of Rest of Qld, Judaism's presence is more pronounced in Earlville at 0.2%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.9%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (13.4%). Notably, Korean residents comprise 0.9% of Earlville's population, higher than the regional average of 0.4%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginals make up 6.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 6.7%, and Samoans constitute 0.3%, matching the regional figure.

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

Earlville's median age is 43 years, higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 9.7% of Earlville's population, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25-34 age group grew from 12.5% to 13.6%, the 45-54 group declined from 13.6% to 12.1%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.5% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Earlville's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 27%, adding 166 residents to reach 775. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.