Earlville

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Earlville's population is estimated at around 4500 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 300 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4200 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4449 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1274 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Earlville's 7.1% growth since census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the Earlville statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 467 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 8.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Earlville when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Earlville has seen approximately 22 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 112 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling is estimated to accommodate 2.1 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $490,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $55,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Earlville has seen slightly more development, with 48.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New development consists of 43.0% detached dwellings and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 60.0% houses.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 220 people per dwelling approval, Earlville shows a developing market with approximately 220 residents added annually through new housing supply. Future projections from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate suggest Earlville will add 392 residents by 2041 based on current development patterns. If these patterns continue, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Earlville has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified fifteen projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones 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 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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,152 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.1% compared to Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Earlville is lower at 53.5%, versus Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.7% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Many Earlville residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.4% and employment declined by 3.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and labour force grew by 2.1%. State-level data from QLD up to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that overall employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Earlville's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Earlville's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $45,578. The average income stood at $54,655. For Rest of Qld, the figures were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $50,095 and average income around $60,071, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 28th percentile ($700 weekly), with household income at the 11th percentile. The earnings profile showed that 25.6% of residents (1,152 people) fell into the $400 - 799 bracket, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category dominated at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, 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 assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Earlville was higher at 31.8%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (30.6%) or rented (37.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Earlville was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Earlville was recorded at $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Earlville's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.6% of all households, consisting of 20.1% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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

Earlville's residents aged 15+ have 20.5% university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.7%, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 28.6%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.7% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Earlville shows that there are eight active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with nine individual routes providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 927 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 414 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 132 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 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. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,198 people), compared to 50.9% across Rest of Qld.

This is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 7.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 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 (1,066 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 slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Earlville's cultural diversity was above average, with 24.0% of its population born overseas and 16.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Earlville, accounting for 55.3%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.9%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (13.4%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Korean was overrepresented at 0.9% in Earlville (vs 0.4% regionally), while Australian Aboriginal was slightly underrepresented at 6.0% (vs 6.7%) and Samoan was proportionate at 0.3%.

Earlville hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Earlville's median age is 43 years, higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 9.7% of Earlville's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group grew from 12.5% to 13.6%, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.6% to 12.1%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.5% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Earlville's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 27%, adding 163 residents to reach 775. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.