Palm Island

Palm Island is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Palm Island's population was estimated at 2,323 as of February 2026, reflecting an increase of 185 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.7% increase from the previous census figure of 2,138 people. The latest ABS ERP data release (June 2024) and subsequent address validation were used to estimate this population. This results in a density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Palm Island's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.8%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to expand by 404 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Palm Island recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Palm Island has received around 13 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years from FY2021 to FY2025, totalling an estimated 69 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY2026. Each new home has attracted approximately 0.2 new residents annually during this period.

The average construction value of these properties is $351,000. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Palm Island experiences 191% more building activity per person. All developments have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 79 people per dwelling approval in the location.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Palm Island is projected to grow by 405 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in this area at present. No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the region. Key initiatives previously considered include upgrades to the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham, regional enterprise zones in North and Far North Queensland, maintenance under the Queensland National Land Transport Network plan, and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid project.

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 Palm Island face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Palm Island's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate stands at 70.3%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025135 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 66.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation on Palm Island is significantly lower at 27.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses show that only 0.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Health care & social assistance employment levels are particularly notable, at 2.0 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 2.4% of Palm Island's workforce compared to 10.1% in Rest of Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the disparity between Census working population and resident population counts. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.3%, while employment declined by 11.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 4.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Palm Island. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Palm Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 16.0% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Palm Island's median income is $52,258 and average income is $63,468. This is below the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Palm Island would be approximately $57,437 (median) and $69,758 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Palm Island fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.3% of residents earn $400-$799 weekly, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. This indicates constrained household budgets for a significant portion of Palm Island's population. While housing costs are modest, with 87.4% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.

Palm Island is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Palm Island's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership on Palm Island was at 2.2%, with dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (97.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent on Palm Island was recorded at $125, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Palm Island's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Palm Island has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.9% of all households, including 27.6% couples with children, 11.2% couples without children, and 30.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.1%, consisting of 21.1% lone person households and 3.7% group households. The median household size is 3.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Palm Island faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 7.3%, 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 4.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational pathways account for 22.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 4.5% and certificates at 18.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 21.0% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 0.5% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Palm Island is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Palm Island faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,216 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be diabetes and heart disease, impacting 7.2 and 4.3% of residents respectively. 83.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 7.2% of residents aged 65 and over (167 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Palm Island records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Palm Island's cultural diversity aligns with its region, with 93.2% citizens, 97.8% born in Australia, and 56.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominates Palm Island, at 81.7%, compared to 52.2% in Rest of Qld. Top ancestry groups are Australian Aboriginal (72.6%), Other (16.4%), and Australian (4.6%).

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Palm Island are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 72.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%, Other, comprising 16.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%, and Australian, comprising 4.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%.

Palm Island hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Palm Island's median age is 27 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and the Australian median of 38. The island has a higher concentration of residents aged 5 - 14 (19.0%) compared to the Rest of Qld (16.0%), but fewer residents aged 65 - 74 (5.0% vs. 12.0%). This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national average of 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.1% to 13.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 0.9% to 2.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.6% and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 20.8% to 19.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Palm Island's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 118 people (31%) from 383 to 502. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort is projected to decline by 2 people.