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

Analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch indicates that, as of Feb 2026, Mossman's estimated population is around 2,104. This figure reflects an increase of 169 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,935. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,089 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 174 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mossman's growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (6.2%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers including overseas migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for national regional areas, with Mossman expected to increase by 308 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 11.0% over the 17 years.

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 shows Mossman averaged around 9 new dwelling approvals per year 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 contributed an average of 2.2 new residents per year, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes 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 Rest of Qld, Mossman has slightly more development activity (14.0% above regional average per person over the past five years), offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

All new construction consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus 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 its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Mossman adding 231 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

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

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 notable representation in lifestyle and retail sectors. The unemployment rate is 8.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025859 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 4.7%, which is 0.6 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Mossman is lower at 55.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 6.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in retail trade, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services. Retail trade has a significant presence with an employment share that is 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.8%, compared to the regional average of 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Mossman's labour force decreased by 2.0% while employment declined by 5.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and an increase in labour force of 2.1%, with the unemployment rate rising by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mossman's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation 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 suburb is $41,672, with an average of $49,539 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Rest of Qld's median income is $53,146 and average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $45,802 (median) and $54,448 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Mossman fall between the 13th and 15th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 30.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (631 residents), consistent with surrounding region trends 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, consisted of 82.7% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mossman was at 33.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.7%) or rented (41.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Mossman's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below 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 Rest of Qld 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 indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives to improve this figure. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 45.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (37.3%).

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

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, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 985 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma, impacting 7.3% of residents, and arthritis, affecting 7.0%. Approximately 67.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (502 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.9% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia on 85.7%, and speaking English only at home on 90.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mossman as of 2016, making up 49.1% of its population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian (24.6%), English (24.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (13.7%).

The latter was significantly higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: New Zealanders made up 1.2% of Mossman's population, compared to 0.9% regionally; Welsh residents were at 0.7%, versus 0.5%; and Italians constituted 5.1%, against a regional average of 2.4%.

Mossman hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mossman's median age is 43 years, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeding the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 13.2%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group grew from 10.8% to 12.6%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 15.9% to 13.1%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.2% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Mossman's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 81%, adding 59 residents to reach 133. Senior residents (65+) will drive 64% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.