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

The estimated population of the suburb of Palm Cove is around 2,742 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 292 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,450. The current population figure is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,659 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 119 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 770 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 11.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.5%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032. 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 expected to grow by 479 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 12.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Palm Cove has seen approximately 21 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 109 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has attracted an average of 2 new residents per year during this period, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these dwellings is $457,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $25,000 in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Palm Cove has slightly more development, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. All new construction comprises 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 exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Palm Cove is expected to grow by 352 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet housing demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified ten such projects that are expected to impact 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 projects likely to have the most relevance.

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. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.8%. It has 1,407 residents in work, which is 1.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation lags at 60.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. A moderate 22.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Accommodation & food has notable concentration with levels at 2.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment by 2.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years for Palm Cove, based on its employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2023, Palm Cove had median income among taxpayers of $53,043. Average income stood at $64,611. This was lower than national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,300 (median) and $71,014 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranked at 37th percentile, family income at 49th percentile, and personal income also modestly ranked in Palm Cove. Income analysis revealed 29.4% of population, equivalent to 806 individuals, fell within $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to regional average of 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remained for other expenses. Palm Cove'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

Palm Cove's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.6% houses and 33.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Cove was at 42.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 30.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Palm Cove was recorded at $365, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Palm Cove's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than 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 making up 2.2%. 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%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This rate is also higher than that of the SA4 region at 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%. In total, 22.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education. This includes 7.7% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes offering a total of 193 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 287 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars dominate at 86%, while walking accounts for 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.2% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. 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 exceptional results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,448 people), leading the average SA2 area. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (9.3%) and mental health issues (7.6%). Notably, 68.0% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. Palm Cove has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Palm Cove align with national rankings for 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, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 11.0% speaking languages other than English at home and 36.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.9%. Judaism, at 0.4%, was overrepresented compared to Rest of Qld's 0.1%.

Top ancestral groups were English (34.2%), Australian (18.4%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Welsh (1.3%) French (1.2%), and Spanish (0.8%) were also overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Palm Cove ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Palm Cove's median age at 53 years is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Palm Cove, making up 20.4% of the local population compared to the Rest of Qld's average. Meanwhile, those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 7.7%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.7% to 7.9%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 19.2% to 20.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.6% to 13.6%. By 2041, Palm Cove is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 16%, reaching 648 people from a previous total of 559. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.