Suburb profile · Rest of Qld
Malanda has an estimated 2,007 residents, up 0.4% since the 2021 Census, with 40 projects tracked in the area around Malanda.
Updated 15 Oct 2026.
Order a reportDraw your own catchment
You are viewing the free Snapshot. Dashboard puts rankings, rents, projects and services on one screen, and Full adds every chapter with charts and maps. Dashboard and Full are included with AreaSearch Operator and Pro, or unlocked by the area's Area Expert. You need to log in to open them.
Situated 1,355 kilometres northwest of the Brisbane CBD, the suburb of Malanda had an estimated population of around 2,007 as of Aug 2026. That figure draws on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released each year, together with national address file data refreshed every quarter. It reflects only minimal change since the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,000 people. The local market features above-average numbers of children per family, strong outright home ownership, a notable share of residents aged 85 and over, and an elevated presence of those aged 75 to 84. It also has a pronounced base of retail trade employment and affordable housing options. Residents skew towards retirement age, older Australians and elderly residents, and incomes sit in the lower quartile. Significant infrastructure and major project spending is planned that should support performance and demand, while population growth has been limited.
Malanda-Yungaburra, in Queensland, Australia, is known for its lush landscapes, rich biodiversity and quaint village charm.
Free with an AreaSearch account. Pro is not needed.Free. Built in your browser.
01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Situated 1,355 kilometres northwest of the Brisbane CBD, the suburb of Malanda had an estimated population of around 2,007 as of Aug 2026. That figure draws on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released each year, together with national address file data refreshed every quarter. It reflects only minimal change since the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,000 people. The local market features above-average numbers of children per family, strong outright home ownership, a notable share of residents aged 85 and over, and an elevated presence of those aged 75 to 84. It also has a pronounced base of retail trade employment and affordable housing options. Residents skew towards retirement age, older Australians and elderly residents, and incomes sit in the lower quartile. Significant infrastructure and major project spending is planned that should support performance and demand, while population growth has been limited.
Malanda-Yungaburra, in Queensland, Australia, is known for its lush landscapes, rich biodiversity and quaint village charm.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 1,937 in 2006 and 1,985 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 2,007 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 65 to 74, 15.4%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $400 - 799, 29.1%.
Malanda ranks in the 83rd percentile nationally for infrastructure drivers and the 43rd for education.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Malanda is $430 a week, down 10.4% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 33% below Regional Qld.
33% below Regional Qld on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses: $285 in 2017, $460 in 2024. A break means no rent was reported that year. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $430 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | -10.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Cairns | $545 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Cairns, over 12 months | +6.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional Qld | $640 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent, Regional Qld, over 12 months | +6.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, QLD | $632 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, QLD, over 12 months | +7.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
AreaSearch tracks 40 projects in and around Malanda, 16 of them under construction.
The $86.4 million redevelopment of Atherton Hospital delivered modern healthcare infrastructure for the Tablelands region. Key components include a new four-storey Clinical Services Building housing a state-of-the-art emergency department, medical imaging, maternity services with birth suites, operating and endoscopy theatres, and a sterilising unit.
Priors Creek Parklands is a major Atherton CBD precinct revitalisation led by Tablelands Regional Council. The project is transforming a former rail corridor into a family-focused parklands and mixed-use destination with an open-air amphitheatre and main stage, nature walk trail, public amenities, fitness and leisure areas, shared paths, event spaces, and…
A three-storey mixed-use development providing 27 affordable rental units (12 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom) with ground-floor commercial premises for potential food outlets, offices, shops, or healthcare services, complementing the adjacent Priors Creek Development.
A major retail development spanning 16,400sqm designed to revitalise the Tablelands economy. The precinct features a new Bunnings Warehouse as the anchor tenant, alongside a Harvey Norman and other national large-format retailers. The project includes specialised showrooms, hardware supplies, and garden centres with over 400 parking spaces.
A small-scale neighbourhood shopping centre proposed by Tom Hedley's HEDZ Constructions Pty Ltd, comprising two single-storey buildings with four retail tenancies delivered across two stages. Stage 1 will see three tenancies built at the front of the site, with a fourth tenancy at the rear forming Stage 2.
Cairns Water Security Stage 1 is a $472 million integrated drinking water supply project at Gordonvale, delivered by John Holland for Cairns Regional Council.
The $535 million Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3 upgraded and duplicated 10.5km of the Bruce Highway between Edmonton and Gordonvale - the busiest two-lane section between Brisbane and Cairns.
The Cairns South State Development Area (SDA) is a 1,159-hectare industrial zone across two non-contiguous areas declared in November 2018 and varied in February 2020.
A 72MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic facility spanning 110 hectares on the Atherton Tablelands. The project utilises approximately 196,000 solar modules to generate 147GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power over 18,000 homes.
Parkside Estate is a boutique residential subdivision of 25 lots in the southern Cairns growth corridor at Edmonton. Lot sizes range from 622 to 923 square metres, catering to families seeking generous land in a quiet, community-focused setting.
Sugarworld Estate is a masterplanned residential land estate in Edmonton by JAC Group, comprising The Heights and The Terrace precincts near Sugarworld Adventure Park. The estate provides fully serviced residential lots with mountain and Cairns district views, around 20 minutes from Cairns CBD and the airport.
Pinecrest is a master planned residential community at Mount Peter, about 15 minutes south of Cairns CBD. The estate is being delivered in staged releases, with Rocky Creek Stage 3 lots currently promoted for sale and further subdivision approvals progressing through Cairns Regional Council.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 23 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 1, 2026 7, 2027 9, 2028 1, 2029 1, 2030 1, 2031 0, 2032 1, 2033 1, 2034 0, 2035 1. 5 have no completion year.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS building approvals | 6.4 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 12 | ABS building approvals | 23rd percentile nationally |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Malanda include: Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 (Under Assessment). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure projects impacting the suburb of Malanda are primarily focused on Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal.
While specific investment values are not publicly disclosed for all projects impacting the suburb of Malanda, the area shows active development across multiple infrastructure categories within 15km.
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the suburb of Malanda demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Malanda compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Malanda area has seen 23 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Malanda's current population of 2,007 has been supported by 12 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Malanda has seen 6.4 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 6.3 approvals in Regional Qld. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 171 people in the suburb of Malanda, compared to one for every 152 in Regional Qld.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Malanda's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 12, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Malanda has grown by approximately 80 people, while 62 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.3 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Malanda is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,007 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +0.4% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 46 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 2,000 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 7 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 43.77 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Malanda was estimated to be approximately 2,007 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 1,985 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Malanda has added approximately 7 people and shown a 0.35% increase from the 2,000 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Malanda is estimated at 46 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Malanda has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.3% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Malanda is driven by: Interstate migration (79.0%), Overseas migration (21.0%), Natural increase (0.0%). The primary driver is Interstate migration, contributing 79.0% of overall population gains.
Malanda ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 51 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 31.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 17.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 16.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 40.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 51 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 4.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 13.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 9.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 6.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 9.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 13.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 15.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 11.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 4.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Malanda at 51 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 51 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 51 years as at August 2026, Malanda is 10 years older than the Regional Qld 2021 Census average (41 years) and 13 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Malanda compared to the Regional Qld region is the 75 - 84 group, making up 11.7% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Malanda compared to the Regional Qld region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 6.8% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Malanda show significant variance compared to Regional Qld. The most over-represented age groups are 85+ year-olds (4.7% vs 2.3%) and 75-84 year-olds (11.7% vs 7.1%). The most under-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (6.8% vs 12.6%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 17.8% of the population in the suburb of Malanda as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 31.8% of the population in the suburb of Malanda as at August 2026.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 6% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $41,874 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 1st percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $52,861 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,120 | 2021 Census, weekly | 8th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $597 | 2021 Census, weekly | 11th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 11.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,429 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 38.5% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Malanda is approximately $44,851. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $41,874.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Malanda is approximately $56,619. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $52,861.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Malanda is approximately $44,851 compared to $60,755 in Regional Qld. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $41,874 and $56,722 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Malanda is approximately $56,619 compared to $76,631 in Regional Qld. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $52,861 and $71,544 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Malanda's households (~29.1% / 224 households) is the $400 - 799 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Malanda is the $400 - 799 group, representing about 29.1% of households. In comparison, Regional Qld's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 31.7% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Malanda is $1,120/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Malanda is $1,429/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Malanda is $597/wk.
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the suburb of Malanda had a median income among taxpayers of $41,874 with the average level standing at $52,861. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $56,722 and $71,544 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.11% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $44,851 (median) and $56,619 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Malanda is $4,167 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Malanda's disposable income is $4,167 compared to $5,480 for Regional Qld, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The labour market performance in Malanda lags significantly behind most other regions nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 53.7% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 835 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 1,626 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 879 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Malanda has approximately 835 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 5.0%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Malanda stands at 5.0%, which is 1.1 percentage points above Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Malanda is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (16.6% of employment), retail trade (12.2%), and education & training (11.5%). Other significant employers include agriculture, forestry & fishing and construction.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Malanda has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Malanda is 53.7%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This moderate participation rate suggests some residents may face barriers to workforce entry. The local rate trailing the Regional Qld average of 64.2%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The suburb of Malanda shows notable specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs 10.2% of the local workforce compared to 4.5% across Regional Qld. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 2.3, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The suburb of Malanda's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 0.8% decline, ranking 23rd out of 37 regions nationally.
Malanda shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 12.4% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 3.0% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 17.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 32.6% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 12.0% | 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 37.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 28.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 2.4% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 12.4% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 10.3% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
17.7% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Malanda have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in Regional Qld.
37.6% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Malanda have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.2% in Regional Qld.
The suburb of Malanda ranks in the 43th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Malanda are: Certificate (32.6%), Bachelor Degree (12.4%), Advanced Diploma (12.0%).
28.8% of the population in the suburb of Malanda is currently engaged in formal education, including 12.4% in primary school, 10.3% in secondary school, 2.4% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Malanda is 992, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 2 schools within the suburb of Malanda, with a combined enrollment of approximately 966 students.
The suburb of Malanda includes 1 primary school, 1 secondary school.
Malanda features high concentrations of couples without children and single parent families but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional Qld.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.3 people | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 29.9% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 21.7% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 32.0% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 13.0% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 769 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 772 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 67.6% | 2021 Census | 34th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 2.1 per family | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Malanda had 769 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has remained relatively stable to an estimated 772 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Malanda is 2.3 people. This compares to 2.5 in Regional Qld and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 67.6% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (29.9%), group households (2.6%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 520 family households, couples with children account for 21.7% of all households, couples without children at home 32.0%, and single parent families 13.0%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional Qld, the suburb of Malanda shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of Malanda have an average of 2.1 children, slightly above the Regional Qld average of 1.7. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 48.0% of the adult population are currently married, while 28.7% have never married. This compares to 45.1% married and 35.6% never married across Regional Qld.
Single-person households represent 29.9% of all households in the suburb of Malanda, similar to the average for Regional Qld of 25.6%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.6% of households, below the Regional Qld average of 4.0%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
Malanda is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 13.5% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 4.6% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 95.4% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 88.5% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 86.5% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
Malanda was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 86.5% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Malanda was found to be Christianity, which makes up 51.2% of people in Malanda. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Malanda are Australian, comprising 30.8% of the population, English, comprising 28.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 4.8% of Malanda (vs 4.7% across Regional Qld), New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%) and Maori at 0.8% (vs 0.8%).
13.5% of the suburb of Malanda population was born overseas, compared to 19.8% across Regional Qld.
4.6% of the population in the suburb of Malanda speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 9.6% in Regional Qld.
3.9% of the suburb of Malanda population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 3.9% in Regional Qld.
88.5% of the suburb of Malanda population holds citizenship, compared to 84.9% in Regional Qld.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Malanda is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 29.2% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 42.3% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 92.1% | 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,300 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 20th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 28.5% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 0.9% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $250 | 2021 Census, weekly | 14th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 22.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 65th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 26.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 73rd percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Malanda, 42.3% of homes are owned outright, 28.5% are owned with a mortgage, and 29.2% are rented.
According to the latest data, 92.1% of dwellings in the suburb of Malanda are houses.
In the suburb of Malanda, 7.0% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 0.9% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Malanda stands at 42.3%, compared to 33.4% in Regional Qld.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Malanda is $1,300, compared to $1,655 in Regional Qld.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Malanda is $686, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Malanda, households with mortgages typically spend 26.8% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 22.3% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Malanda is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Malanda shows mortgage holders spending 26.8% of income on repayments (vs 25.3% in Regional Qld), while renters spend 22.3% of income on rent (vs 22.9% in Regional Qld).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Malanda consists of 92.1% detached houses, 0.9% semi-detached dwellings, 7.0% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Malanda consumes approximately 14.2% of median household income ($4,850 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Malanda show attached dwellings contributing 0% of approvals compared to 8% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 100% of applications versus 92% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. The area shows minimal growth in housing density compared to other Australian locations.
Health performance in Malanda is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 46.1% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | |
| No long-term health condition | 62.7% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 7.8% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 71.3% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
Around 46.1% of people in the suburb of Malanda are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 53.3% in Regional Qld.
In the suburb of Malanda, 7.8% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.3% of people in Regional Qld require similar assistance.
9.0% of people in the suburb of Malanda are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.4% of the population across Regional Qld is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 4.4% of the suburb of Malanda population, while in Regional Qld, 4.2% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
5.5% of people in the suburb of Malanda have heart disease. Across Regional Qld,4.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Malanda, 46.1% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional Qld sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 53.3%.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 1.6 km away and the nearest GP 1.8 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 40 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 40th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 1.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 1.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest supermarket | 10.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 15.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 16.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 16.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 16.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 16.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 16.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There is 1 long day care centre with 45 places in Malanda, about 1.9 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Malanda is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Malanda.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Malanda compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Malanda has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 17% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Malanda is $430 a week, -10.4% over 12 months to Jun 2026.
Malanda is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
Malanda ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 6% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
The labour market performance in Malanda lags significantly behind most other regions nationally.
Malanda shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist.
Malanda features high concentrations of couples without children and single parent families but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional Qld.
Malanda is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics.
Malanda is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Malanda is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport in Malanda: transport access 31/100.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Malanda has an estimated 2,007 residents, up 0.4% since the 2021 Census, with 40 projects tracked in the area around Malanda.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 15 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Malanda.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026 and taxable income FY 2024. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31737). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, infrastructure projects, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Malanda from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Malanda with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 31 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 31st percentile nationally |
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.4 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 11.6% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
