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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Gordonvale's population is estimated at around 8771 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1827 people (26.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6944 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7913 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 166 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 153 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Gordonvale's growth of 26.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the Gordonvale statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 5428 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 51.5% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Gordonvale was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Gordonvale experienced approximately 76 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 382 homes. As of FY-26, 58 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of about three new residents per home built yearly between FY-21 and FY-25. Consequently, demand has significantly outstripped supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is around $428,000. In terms of commercial approvals, there have been approximately $13.6 million in FY-26, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gordonvale exhibits 201.0% 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 4,521 residents by 2041. Development pace appears reasonable in relation to projected growth, though increasing competition may arise as the population expands.

Gordonvale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could affect the region: Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3 from 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 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.9%, Gordonvale has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Gordonvale's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.9% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 4,067 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 62.9%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has a lower presence, at 14.1% compared to the regional 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Gordonvale's labour force decreased by 1.2%, while employment declined by 2.7%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gordonvale's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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. This data is from the latest postcode level ATO figures aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, incomes are higher, with Rest of Qld's median income at $53,146 and average income at $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth from 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,328 (median) and $63,227 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Gordonvale's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 45th and 48th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the majority of residents, 35.7% or 3,131 people, fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is similar to regional levels at 31.7%. After housing expenses, 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

Gordonvale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 95.2% houses and 4.7% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gordonvale was 31.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.6% and rented ones at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. Median weekly rent was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Gordonvale's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents were also lower, at $320 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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, which is 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'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 common at 9.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. Two routes serve these stops, offering a total of 235 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Gordonvale is moderate, with residents on average being 405 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 33 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 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

Gordonvale's health data shows favourable results with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately half (around 4,385 people) of Gordonvale residents have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.5% and 7.5% of residents respectively. About 70.1% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 71.7%. Around 16.3% (1,429 people) are aged 65 or over, with seniors in Gordonvale demonstrating strong health outcomes compared to 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's cultural diversity was below average, with 88.7% being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 52.1%. The 'Other' category comprised 1.7%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 1.5%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (27.2%) and English (26.4%) were top, while Other (8.3%) was lower than the regional average of 15.1%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal (7.4%), Italian (5.3%), and Maltese (0.5%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 4.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.6%, and the 0-4 cohort has risen from 5.6% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 13.9%, and the 45-54 group has fallen from 12.8% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Gordonvale, with the 25-34 age group set to grow by 69%, reaching 1,943 people from its current figure of 1,149.