Earlville

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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the broader area, the estimated population of Earlville as of May 2026 is around 4,455. This figure reflects an increase of 255 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,200. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 4,438 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,262 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Earlville's growth rate of 6.1% since the census is close to that of its SA3 area at 6.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb of Earlville is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to expand by 431 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 9.3% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Earlville when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Earlville has seen approximately 22 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 112 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of about 2.7 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past five financial years, suggesting healthy demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $490,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, around $55,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Earlville has seen slightly more development, with 49.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period between FY-21 and FY-25. 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 departure from existing housing patterns (currently 60.0% houses).

This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Earlville shows characteristics of a low density area, with around 221 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Earlville adding 414 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, 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 10% nationally

Fourteen projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Bayview Heights Reservoir Refurbishment, Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2, and Bayview Heights to White Rock Underground Cable Project. The following list details those most likely 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 assessment indicates Earlville faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Earlville has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 2,160 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.3% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is lower at 60.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that only 11.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.7% employment, compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.8%, and employment declined by 2.8%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 2.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, 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 during the same period. These figures are below Regional Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%, current estimates for Earlville's median income would be approximately $50,756 as of March 2026, with the average estimated at $60,864 during this period. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income in Earlville ranks at the 28th percentile ($700 weekly), while household income sits at the 11th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 25.6% of residents (1,140 people) fall within the $400 - 799 bracket, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Earlville, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Earlville displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Earlville, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Earlville was 31.8%, similar to Regional Qld's level. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 30.6% and rented dwellings 37.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below the Regional Qld average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Earlville was $290, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Earlville's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 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 account for 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 Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Earlville's educational qualifications lag behind regional averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 20.5% have university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (15.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.7% of residents holding such qualifications - 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 education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Earlville has eight operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by nine different routes that together facilitate 927 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents located an average of 414 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Earlville residents commute outward, predominantly using cars (90%). Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 132 trips per day, equating to around 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 49% of Earlville's total population (~2,176 people) has private health cover, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (7.7%).

About 66.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. Earlville has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,087 people), higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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% born overseas and 16.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated Earlville's religion, comprising 55.3%. Judaism was overrepresented in Earlville at 0.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (25.9%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (13.4%). Notably, Korean (0.9% vs regional 0.2%), Australian Aboriginal (6.0% vs 3.9%), and Samoan (0.3% vs 0.2%) were overrepresented in Earlville.

Earlville hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Earlville's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years, and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 10.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 age group is smaller compared to Regional Queensland. Since 2021, the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.1%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 12.1%. By 2041, Earlville's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 136 residents to reach a total of 738. Conversely, the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decline in population.