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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Palm Cove's population is estimated at around 2,803 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 353 people (14.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,450 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,803, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 787 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Palm Cove's 14.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.5%), along with the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 50.0% 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, 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. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the suburb of Palm Cove expected to grow by 481 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.2% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Palm Cove has seen around 22 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 110 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), 28 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling is estimated to bring in around 2.8 new residents per year on average over these five years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $457,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. Additionally, $25,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Palm Cove has seen slightly more development, with 18.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period ending June 2025.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. All new construction in Palm Cove over this period 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 despite 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 481 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate as of June 2026. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Argentea Palm Cove Residential Estate, Deep Creek Estate, Northern Beaches Leisure Trail, and Luxury Apartments at 17 Veivers Road. The following list details those likely 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 has been broadly consistent with national averages

Palm Cove has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,502 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 60.9%, below Regional Qld's 64.5%. A moderate 22.2% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. 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%, compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force increased by 0.3% while employment decreased by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's 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 constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in Palm Cove was $53,043. The average income stood at $64,611. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,069 (median) and $71,951 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Palm Cove rank modestly, between the 37th and 49th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 29.4% of the population (824 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Palm Cove, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 66.6% houses and 33.5% other dwellings. In Regional Qld, this was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Cove was 42.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 30.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Palm Cove was $365, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Palm Cove's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $365 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's 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, all serving buses. These stops are served by two routes offering a total of 193 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 287 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car use dominates at 86%, while 9% walk. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

In 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), 22.2% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averages 27 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Palm Cove's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Palm Cove's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is present at approximately 53% of the total population, which is higher than the average SA2 area (~1,480 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.3% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 68.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally similar to regional averages. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.4%, with 852 people in this age group compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Palm Cove rank nationally in line with 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 showed higher cultural diversity compared to most nearby areas, with 11.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.9%. Judaism, however, was more prevalent in Palm Cove at 0.4%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups were English (34.2%), Australian (18.4%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Welsh (1.3%), French (1.2%), and Spanish (0.8%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.5%, and 0.3% respectively.

Palm Cove ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Palm Cove's median age stands at 53 years, significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Palm Cove at 20.4%, compared to the Regional Qld average of 9.4% and the national average of 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 65-74 cohort grew from 19.2% to 20.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 6.7% to 7.8%. The 45-54 age group, however, declined from 16.6% to 14.4%. By 2041, Palm Cove's demographic is expected to shift notably. Leading this change, the 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 20%, adding 115 people to reach 687 from 571. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 56% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group grows modestly by 2%, adding just 3 people.