Gordonvale

Population growth drivers in Gordonvale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Gordonvale is around 7,687. This reflects a growth of 743 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,944. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 7,376 in June 2025, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 184 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 134 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 10.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 adopted. 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. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for the suburb of Gordonvale, placing it in the top 10 percent of regional areas nationally. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 4,667 persons, reflecting a gain of 56.7% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Gordonvale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Gordonvale has received approximately 76 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 383 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 88 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling is estimated to accommodate 2.5 new residents per year during this period, suggesting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is around $428,000.

This financial year has seen approximately $13.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady investment activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gordonvale exhibits 203.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. All new constructions have been detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 106 people per dwelling approval, Gordonvale displays characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gordonvale is projected to add approximately 4,356 residents by 2041. Development activity is keeping pace with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Gordonvale 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 six projects likely to affect this region. Notable initiatives include the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project, Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3 from Edmonton to Gordonvale, Cairns South State Development Area, and Mount Peter Priority Development Area. 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.

Gordonvale has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Gordonvale has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 3608 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 4.2%, which is 0.2% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Gordonvale is similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses show that only 11.0% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Gordonvale has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 14.1%, compared to the regional rate of 16.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.6% while employment declined by 5.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with an unemployment rate increase of 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, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gordonvale's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Gordonvale is $50,339, with an average of $57,526, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. As of March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest a median income of approximately $56,058 and an average income of $64,061 in Gordonvale. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Gordonvale rank modestly, between the 45th and 48th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 35.7% of residents (2,744 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses.

Gordonvale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Gordonvale, as per the latest Census, 95.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gordonvale stood at 31.3%, with mortgaged properties at 43.6% and rented ones at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Gordonvale was $320, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Gordonvale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gordonvale has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.2% of all households, including 31.5% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Gordonvale faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.2%, while certificates make up 34.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 11.2% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gordonvale has 18 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by two routes, offering a total of 235 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered moderate, with residents typically living 405 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode at 92%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 11% of residents work from home, which might be due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 33 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 13 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Gordonvale are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Gordonvale shows below-average health indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,843 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.5 and 7.5% of residents respectively. 70.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,314 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Gordonvale is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Gordonvale had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 52.1%. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' religious category, comprising 1.7% compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (27.2%), English (26.4%), and Other (8.3%) were the most represented groups. There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnicities: Australian Aboriginal at 7.4% (vs regional 3.9%), Italian at 5.3% (vs regional 2.4%), and Maltese at 0.5% (vs regional 0.4%).

Gordonvale's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Gordonvale is 38 years, which is slightly lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 13.9% of the population in Gordonvale, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage. Conversely, the 75-84 age cohort makes up 5.2%, which is lower compared to Regional Queensland. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.9%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 16.0% to 13.5%, and the 55-64 age group has fallen from 12.7% to 11.5%. Population projections for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Gordonvale, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 73%, adding 725 people and reaching a total of 1,717 from its current figure of 991.