Innisfail Estate

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Innisfail Estate and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025, the suburb's estimated population is around 1,500. This reflects an increase of 46 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,454 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,494 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 467 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Innisfail Estate's 3.2% growth since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 47 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, projected to expand by 18 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Innisfail Estate, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Innisfail Estate recorded 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 16. This minimal residential development activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction activity due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures may vary considerably given such low approval numbers.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national averages, Innisfail Estate has much lower development activity. Recent construction comprised 50% standalone homes and 50% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 75% houses. This change is due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With approximately 333 people per dwelling approval, Innisfail Estate exhibits low density characteristics. Given its stable or declining population, housing pressure in Innisfail Estate may decrease, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Innisfail Estate should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Innisfail Estate has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact the area. Key projects include Ella Bay Integrated Resort and Residential Community, North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, and Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Innisfail Estate lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Innisfail Estate has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 7.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In this period, 669 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags at 50.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 5.2 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with only 3.6% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% while employment decreased by 2.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an unemployment rate increase of only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Innisfail Estate. These projections indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Innisfail Estate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.7% over ten years. However, it is important to note that this extrapolation does not take into account localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Innisfail Estate's median income among taxpayers was $46,503 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $55,712 during the same period. These figures are below those of Rest of Qld, which had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimates suggest Innisfail Estate's median income will be approximately $53,009 and the average will be around $63,506, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Innisfail Estate fall between the 16th and 21st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment comprises 432 residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which is similar to the broader area's distribution at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.8% of income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 20th percentile nationally.

Innisfail Estate is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Innisfail Estate's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.0% houses and 25.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Innisfail Estate was at 33.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.2% and rented ones at 47.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,277, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in the area was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $250. Nationally, Innisfail Estate's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,277 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Innisfail Estate features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 63.5% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (28.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education. The area has educational provision through Innisfail State College and Innisfail State College - Diverse Learning Centre, serving a total of 961 students. The area's ICSEA value is 888, indicating varied educational conditions. There is one secondary school and one K-12 school in the area. As an education hub, it offers 64.1 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 14.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Innisfail Estate has ten active public transport stops, operating from 1st January 2023 onwards. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes running collectively providing twenty-six weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 152 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Innisfail Estate is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Innisfail Estate faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 49% of its total population (~739 people) have private health cover, compared to 46.4% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.0%) and mental health issues (6.7%).

About 68.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 68.1% in Rest of Qld. Around 21.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (322 people), lower than the 23.6% in Rest of Qld but broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Innisfail Estate was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Innisfail Estate, surveyed in 2016, had a higher overseas-born population at 27.1%, compared to most local markets. 30.0% spoke languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 55.2%.

Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 19.0%, significantly more than Rest of Qld's average of 3.3%. For ancestry, Australian was highest at 19.4%, followed by Other at 17.0% (higher than regional average of 8.9%) and English at 16.7% (lower than regional average of 23.1%). There were notable differences in ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was higher at 10.2% (vs regional 11.3%), Italian at 9.2% (vs regional 7.5%), and Maltese at 2.1% (vs regional 1.1%).

Innisfail Estate's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Innisfail Estate is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 12.6%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 8.9% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 10.2% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 75-84 age cohort will increase by 17 people (19%), from 94 to 112. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 75% of total population growth. Conversely, the 35-44 and 45-54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.