Mareeba

Population growth drivers in Mareeba are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Mareeba is around 12,677, reflecting an increase of 852 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.2% rise from the previous figure of 11,825 residents. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the ABS ERP data release from June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 12,602 for Mareeba and surrounding areas. This level of population results in a density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Mareeba has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or 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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Mareeba expected to increase by 2,430 persons to reach a total of 15,107 residents by 2041, reflecting an 18.6% rise over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Mareeba averaged around 72 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 360 homes. As of FY-26, 36 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed, suggesting solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $403,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers.

In FY-26, there have been $16.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Mareeba shows moderately higher development activity, with 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Mareeba will gain 2,355 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Mareeba has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Mareeba Retail Centre, Haren Street Residential Aged Care Facility, Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint, and Homes for Queenslanders - Mareeba Social Housing. 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.

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

Mareeba's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 6.1%, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

There are 5,833 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 2.2% higher than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mareeba specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 13.5% of its workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months prior, Mareeba's labour force decreased by 1.5%, employment by 3.1%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point unemployment rate rise. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 national employment forecasts project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mareeba's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Mareeba had a median taxpayer income of $45,578 and an average income of $52,997. These figures are below the national averages of $61,315 (median) and $71,323 (average). In Rest of Qld, median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on a 13.99% increase from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes in Mareeba are approximately $51,954 (median) and $60,411 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Mareeba rank between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows 29.3% of Mareeba's population earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% fall within this bracket. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains in Mareeba, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Mareeba, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 89.3% houses and 10.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mareeba was 40.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.9% and rented dwellings at 32.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mareeba was $1,495, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Mareeba was $285, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $270. Nationally, Mareeba's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,495 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 69.5% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 28.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.0% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Mareeba's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,531 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 949. Education provision is balanced, with three primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Mareeba are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Mareeba's health indicators show below-average results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~6,110 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 69.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's figure of 67.5%. Mareeba has 21.9% of its population aged 65 and over (2,776 people), lower than the Rest of Qld's figure of 25.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mareeba was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mareeba had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 19.0% of its population born overseas and 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mareeba, accounting for 58.6% of people, compared to 52.6% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (24.6%), English (23.3%), and Italian (10.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 8.8%, Spanish at 0.6%, and Croatian at 0.8%.

Mareeba hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Mareeba is 41 years, which matches Rest of Queensland's average but is older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Queensland, Mareeba has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.7% to 11.8%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 10.6% to 11.7%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group decreased from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mareeba's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 2,271 people from 1,724. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is projected to decline by 134 people.