Palm Cove

Palm Cove lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Palm Cove statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,740. This represents an increase of 290 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,450. The change can be inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,659 in Jun 2024, along with 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 769 persons per square kilometer, roughly inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Palm Cove (SA2) saw an 11.8% growth from 2021 to Nov 2025, exceeding both the SA4 region's 8.3% and the non-metro area's growth rate. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 50.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by ABS data or years post-2032. For state projections lacking age category splits, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings inline with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally. The Palm Cove (SA2) is expected to grow by 471 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 12.7% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Palm Cove when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Palm Cove has seen around 21 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 109 homes. So far in FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling is estimated to accommodate an average of 2 new residents per year over this period, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $457,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $25,000 in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Palm Cove has slightly more development, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. All new construction has been comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (67.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 75 people per dwelling approval, Palm Cove shows characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Palm Cove is expected to grow by 348 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Palm Cove has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area's performance is significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Argentea Palm Cove Residential Estate, Deep Creek Estate, Northern Beaches Leisure Trail, and Luxury Apartments at 17 Veivers Road. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Palm Cove exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Palm Cove has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of September 2025.

There are 1,397 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.3% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 56.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food (2.4 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.2% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.8% and employment by 2.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palm Cove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. In Palm Cove, median income among taxpayers was $53,043 and average income stood at $64,611. Nationally, median income was $53,146 and average was $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,300 (median) and $71,014 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Palm Cove ranked modestly, between the 37th and 49th percentiles. Income analysis showed that 29.4% of the population (805 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional figure of 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Palm Cove displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Palm Cove, as per the latest Census evaluation, 66.6% of dwellings were houses while 33.5% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Cove stood at 42.0%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 27.7% and rented ones comprising 30.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $365 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $390. Nationally, Palm Cove's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375 per week.

Palm Cove has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 44.2% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5%, consisting of 28.2% lone person households and 2.2% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Palm Cove demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 28.2%, higher than the Rest of Queensland average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 14.6% and certificates at 24.0%.

A total of 22.7% of the population is actively pursuing education, including 7.7% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Palm Cove has 13 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes in total providing 193 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 287 meters from the nearest stop on average.

On these routes, service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Palm Cove's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Palm Cove's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen at standard levels across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,446 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 9.3% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 7.6%. A majority, 68.0%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 73.1% across Rest of Qld. As of 2016, 29.6% of Palm Cove's residents are aged 65 and over (811 people), higher than the 16.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors in Palm Cove perform better than those in the general population.

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

Palm Cove's population, as of the 2016 Census, had a higher proportion speaking a language other than English at home, with 11.0%, compared to most local markets. Overseas-born residents made up 36.2%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.9% of Palm Cove's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented in Palm Cove, comprising 0.4% compared to 0.2% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of parental ancestry or country of birth, English was the most represented group at 34.2%, significantly higher than the regional average of 28.9%. Australian and Irish were the next two highest groups, making up 18.4% and 10.0% respectively. Notably, Welsh (1.3%), French (1.2%), and Spanish (0.8%) were also overrepresented in Palm Cove compared to regional averages of 0.6%, 0.7%, and 0.4% respectively.

Palm Cove ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Palm Cove's median age is 53 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Palm Cove at 20.1%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-Census data shows the 15-24 age group grew from 6.7% to 7.9%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 16.6% to 14.1%. By 2041, Palm Cove's demographic is expected to shift notably. The 65-74 group will grow by 18%, reaching 651 people from 550. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 62% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.