Mareeba

Population growth drivers in Mareeba are above average 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, Mareeba's estimated population is around 12,679 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 854 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,825 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,602 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 168 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Mareeba has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with Mareeba expected to increase by 2,430 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 18.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Mareeba averaged approximately 72 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 360 homes. As of FY-26, 42 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand supporting property values. The average construction value of new homes is $403,000.

In FY-26, $16.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Mareeba has moderately higher new home approvals, 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Recent construction comprises 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Mareeba will gain 2,353 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened competition as the population grows.

Mareeba has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects include Haren Street Residential Aged Care Facility, Mareeba Retail Centre, Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint, and Homes for Queenslanders - Mareeba Social Housing. The following list 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 has a balanced workforce with white collar and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate is 7.7%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 5,764 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 3.6% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower than standard, at 54.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 13.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Some residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In a 12-month period ending in Mareeba, labour force decreased by 1.5% and employment decreased by 4.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.7 percentage points. Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Mareeba's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Mareeba had a median income among taxpayers of $45,578 and an average income of $52,997. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $50,095 (median) and $58,249 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Mareeba all fall between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 29.3% of Mareeba's population (3,714 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the regional level where 31.7% fall into this bracket. After accounting for 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

The dwelling structure in Mareeba, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 89.3% houses and 10.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mareeba stood at 40.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.9%) or rented (32.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mareeba was $1,495, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Mareeba was recorded at $285, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $270. Nationally, Mareeba's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 30.5%, consisting of 26.8% lone person households and 3.6% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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 has university qualification rates of 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 them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.9%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, with 12.0% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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 usual across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of Mareeba's total population (~6,111 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.5% of residents) and mental health issues (6.6%). Overall, 69.3% of residents report being free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 67.5%. Mareeba has a lower percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.9% (2,776 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 25.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Mareeba are above average and better than the general population's health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mareeba records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mareeba's cultural diversity was above average, 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, comprising 58.6%, 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, certain ethnic groups had higher representation: Australian Aboriginal at 8.8% (compared to 6.6% regionally), Spanish at 0.6% (compared to 0.3%), and Croatian at 0.8% (compared to 0.4%).

Mareeba's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Mareeba is 41 years, aligning with Rest of Qld's average and slightly older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mareeba has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.7%). Post 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%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mareeba's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 2,271 people from 1,724. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to decrease by 135 people.