Malanda

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

Based on ABS population updates, AreaSearch validates new addresses for Malanda statistical area (Lv2), estimating its population at around 2,002 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,000. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,962 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 45 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Malanda (SA2) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Moving forward, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally. AreaSearch projects Malanda's population to grow by 177 persons to reach 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 9.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Malanda recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Malanda shows around 8 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 43 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 3.4 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually over these years.

Demand has been outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and increases buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $465,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY-26, $742,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Malanda has 16.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 58th percentile nationally. All recent development has consisted of detached dwellings, maintaining Malanda's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space with family homes. With around 265 people per dwelling approval, Malanda exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Malanda is expected to grow by 182 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

No changes were identified by AreaSearch that could affect the region's performance. Major projects and initiatives planned include North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid. The following details projects expected to have significant impact:.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Malanda recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Malanda has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025847 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1% above the Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation in Malanda lags at 49.4%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence, with 6.1% employment compared to the regional 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparisons. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, and employment declined by 4.2%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point unemployment rate rise. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts indicate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.9% over ten years. Applying these projections to Malanda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Malanda, median income is $38,320 and average income is $48,732. This is below the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Malanda as of September 2025 is approximately $42,118, with average income at around $53,561. Census data indicates that incomes in Malanda fall between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The majority (29.1%) of residents earn between $400 - $799 annually, compared to the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains in Malanda, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Malanda, as per the latest Census, consists of 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Malanda stands at 42.3%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (28.5%) or rented (29.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure is recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $270. Nationally, Malanda's median mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Malanda features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 67.6% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Malanda shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 17.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (32.6%). Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.4% in primary, 10.3% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Malanda is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant challenges for Malanda with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~931 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.2%) and asthma (9.0%). However, 62.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Qld's 67.5%. Malanda has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 29.1% (582 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 25.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Malanda are strong, even better than the general population in terms of health metrics.

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

Malanda's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 86.5% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Malanda, comprising 51.2% of people, compared to 52.6% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.8%), English (28.1%), and Irish (9.6%).

Notably, German representation is higher at 4.8%, New Zealanders make up 0.9%, and Maori people account for 0.8% in Malanda compared to regional percentages of 4.3%, 0.6%, and 0.3% respectively.

Malanda ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Malanda's median age was 50 years in the census, which is significantly older than Rest of Qld's 41 and higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile showed that those aged 65-74 were particularly prominent at 14.4%, while the 25-34 group was smaller at 6.9% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds was well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-census data showed that the 15-24 age group had grown from 8.4% to 10.1%, while the 65-74 cohort had declined from 15.7% to 14.4% and the 55-64 group had dropped from 15.1% to 14.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Malanda's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand considerably, increasing by 78 people (82%) from 96 to 175. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 64% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Both the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.