Mossman

Mossman 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 and AreaSearch validations, as of November 2025, Mossman's estimated population is around 2,099. This reflects an increase of 164 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,935. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,089 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 174 persons per square kilometer. Mossman's growth of 8.5% since the 2021 census exceeded its SA3 area (6.1%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for the Mossman statistical area (Lv2), with an expected increase of 303 persons to 2041 reflecting a total increase of 11.2%.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mossman according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Mossman averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 47 homes. As of FY26, 7 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, each dwelling has attracted an average of 2.2 new residents per year, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes in Mossman is $312,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year, $5.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mossman has slightly more development activity, with 14.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

All new construction in Mossman consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and focusing on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (83.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 449 people, reflecting Mossman's quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Mossman adding approximately 235 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Mossman has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact the area, with key ones being the Mossman River Alternate Water Intake Project, the Mossman River Intake (Alternate Water Intake Project), the Principal Cycle Network - Mossman to Newell Beach, and the Principal Cycle Network: Cooya Beach to Mossman (stage 3) & Cooya Beach Road (stage 2). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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Employment conditions in Mossman face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mossman's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in lifestyle and retail sectors. The unemployment rate, as of September 2025, stands at 8.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

At this time, 862 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Mossman lags behind at 52.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in retail trade, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services. The area has a notable employment specialization in retail trade, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.8% employment compared to the regional figure of 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force in Mossman decreased by 2.1%, while employment declined by 5.9%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 3.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7% and labour force expanded by 2.1%, leading to an increase in unemployment rate of just 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Mossman. These projections suggest national employment will 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 Mossman's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The median taxpayer income in Mossman is $41,672 and the average is $49,539 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest a median income of approximately $45,802 and an average of $54,448 in Mossman. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Mossman fall between the 13th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment comprises 629 residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with surrounding regions at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Mossman, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.7% houses and 17.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mossman was 33.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.7% and rented ones at 41.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Mossman was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Mossman's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 65.5% of all households, including 23.6% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 37.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 10.9% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Mossman faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47%, covering around 983 people out of the total population.

This is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.3% and 7.0% of residents respectively. Around 67.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across the rest of Queensland. Mossman has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.9%, with around 501 people falling into this age category, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Mossman are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Mossman ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mossman's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.9% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (85.7%), and speaking English only at home (90.6%). The predominant religion in Mossman is Christianity, accounting for 49.1% of the population, compared to 42.7% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Mossman are Australian (24.6%), English (24.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (13.7%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 5.8%.

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: New Zealanders comprise 1.2% of Mossman's population compared to 0.9% regionally, Welsh people make up 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Italians constitute 5.1% compared to 4.3%.

Mossman hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mossman's median age is 43 years, which is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The percentage of residents aged 65-74 in Mossman is 13.1%, compared to the Rest of Qld figure. The 25-34 age group, however, makes up only 9.1% of Mossman's population. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has grown from 10.8% to 12.3%, while those aged 65-74 increased from 11.9% to 13.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 declined from 15.9% to 13.7%, and the 45-54 age group decreased from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, Mossman's age profile is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85+ is expected to grow by 83%, adding 64 individuals to reach a total of 142. Senior residents (aged 65+) will drive 66% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, populations in the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decline.