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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Mossman's population is estimated at around 2093 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 158 people (8.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1935 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2087, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 173 persons per square kilometer. The suburb of Mossman's 8.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected, with the suburb of Mossman expected to increase by 288 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.5% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Mossman averaged around 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 45 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.6 new residents per dwelling has been observed between FY-21 and FY-25, 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.

This financial year, $5.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mossman has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns, although recent periods show moderated activity. All new construction comprises standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and 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 count of 516 people per dwelling approval reflects Mossman's quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Mossman adding approximately 282 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction maintains a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include the Mossman River Intake project, also known as the Alternate Water Intake Project. Additionally, two Principal Cycle Network projects are planned: one from Mossman to Newell Beach and another from Cooya Beach to Mossman, with stage three of the latter underway. Stage two of the Cooya Beach Road project is also included in this list. Furthermore, the Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025 is noted as potentially 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.

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 lifestyle and retail sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate is 9.3%, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025886 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is 1.3 percentage points higher than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Mossman stands at 56.6%, lower than Regional Queensland's 64.5%. Census data shows that only 6.7% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in retail trade, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services. Mossman has a strong focus on retail trade, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has a lower presence at 11.8% compared to Regional Queensland's 16.1%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. From December 2024 to December 2025, Mossman's labour force decreased by 0.8%, and employment declined by 5.0%, leading to a 4.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment grow by 0.7% and the labour force expand by 1.0%, with unemployment rising by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mossman's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Mossman suburb's median taxpayer income is $41,672 and average is $49,539 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Regional Qld having a median of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $46,406 and average at $55,167, considering Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates Mossman's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 13th and 15th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Mossman is 30.0%, earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (627 residents), similar to surrounding region's 31.7% in the same category. 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, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mossman was 33.2%, similar to Regional Qld's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (25.7%) or rented (41.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Mossman was $250, compared to Regional Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 prevalent at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 8.1% while certificates make up 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~980 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma (7.3%) and arthritis (7.0%). 67.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.2%, compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Mossman's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 85.9% being Australian citizens and 85.7% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 90.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 49.1%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (24.6%), English (24.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (13.7%). Notably, Mossman had a higher percentage of New Zealanders at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 0.9%. Welsh and Italian populations were also disproportionately represented at 0.7% and 5.1%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 2.4%.

Mossman hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mossman's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 13.4% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up a relatively smaller proportion at 8.6%, compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 15-24 has increased from 10.8% to 12.6%, while the 65-74 cohort has risen from 11.9% to 13.4%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 15.9% to 13.4%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 10.1% to 8.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Mossman, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 77%, adding 68 residents to reach a total of 156. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 63% of population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for both the 15-24 and 5-14 age cohorts.