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 Nov 2025, Gordonvale's population is estimated at around 7,999, reflecting an increase of 1,055 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 15.2% increase from the previous population count of 6,944 in the suburb. AreaSearch validated this estimate by examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), which indicated a resident population of 7,656, along with an additional 166 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 140 persons per square kilometer for Gordonvale. The suburb's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (7.8%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It is noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Exceptional growth is predicted for Gordonvale over the period to 2041, with an expected increase of 5,441 persons, reflecting a gain of 66.3% in total over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Gordonvale experienced around 73 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 365 homes. So far in FY-26, 36 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents per year were associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpacing supply which typically puts upward pressure on prices. New properties are constructed at an average value of $428,000, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to regional norms.

Additionally, $5.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gordonvale records 189.0% more building activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with around 142 people per dwelling approval. Future projections show Gordonvale adding 5,306 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Gordonvale has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could affect this region: Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3 (Edmonton to Gordonvale), Mount Peter Priority Development Area, Cairns South State Development Area, and North Queensland Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Residential Rehabilitation Service. The following list provides details on those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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While Gordonvale retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.4%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Gordonvale has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. As of June 2025, 3993 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is at 62.9%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 14.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.5%, with a 2.6% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Gordonvale. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gordonvale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Gordonvale had a median income among taxpayers of $50,339. The average income stood at $57,526. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $57,381 (median) and $65,574 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Gordonvale, between the 45th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 35.7% of locals (2,855 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses.

Gordonvale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Gordonvale, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.2% houses and 4.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Gordonvale was higher at 31.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (43.6%) or rented (25.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Gordonvale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area has educational challenges with university qualification rates at 13.9%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.2% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.8%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 34.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.5% in primary, 11.2% in secondary, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education. Gordonvale's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,673 students. The area shows varied educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 868. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school.

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

Gordonvale has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together offer 235 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the service is moderate, with residents typically living 405 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 33 trips per day across both routes, equating to roughly 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Gordonvale's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Gordonvale residents. Prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~3,999 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.5% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 70.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across the Rest of Qld. As of June 2021, 16.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,295 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Gordonvale are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Gordonvale's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens and born in Australia, speaking English only at home (92.9%). Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 52.1%. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.7%, compared to 1.5% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the highest at 27.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 21.9%. English follows with 26.4%, and Other stands at 8.3%, notably lower than the regional average of 15.1%. There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 7.4% (vs 6.7%), Italian at 5.3% (vs 3.8%), and Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

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

The median age in Gordonvale is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matches Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 13.6% of the population in Gordonvale compared to Rest of Qld, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 4.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.6%, and the 0-4 cohort has risen from 5.6% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 13.8%, and the 55-64 group has fallen from 12.7% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Gordonvale, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 86%, reaching 1,948 people from its current total of 1,047.