Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Palmview has an estimated 8,359 residents, up from 5,236 at the 2021 Census — a change of 3,123 people, or 59.6%. Growth has averaged 13.6% a year over five years, faster than 98% of areas nationally. 1,366 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 82.0% of that increase. That puts 448 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the population of the suburb of Palmview is estimated at approximately 8,359, drawing on AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS regional updates alongside post-Census address validations. This represents an addition of 3,123 people (59.6%) compared to the 2021 Census tally of 5,236 people. Such growth stems from an estimated resident population base of 8,095 identified in the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 1,366 validated new addresses logged after the Census. With a resulting density of 447 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers generous personal space and substantial capacity for future expansion.
Outpacing both the Rest of Qld benchmark of 9.4% and national figures, the 59.6% surge since the 2021 census establishes the suburb of Palmview as a prominent regional growth center. Inflows from interstate migration served as the primary catalyst, delivering around 82.0% of recent population gains, complemented by positive contributions from natural increase and overseas migration. Population modelling incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 projections published in 2024 (anchored to 2022). For locations lacking this coverage, or extending past 2032, Queensland State Government SA2 series published in 2023 (utilising 2021 data) are used. Because these state figures omit age cohort breakdowns, AreaSearch allocates cohort distributions using proportional weightings from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data). Demographic forecasts indicate extraordinary expansion that ranks within the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationwide, with the suburb of Palmview projected to add 8,961 persons by 2041 across aggregated SA2 data, representing an overall rise of 104.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
1,459 new dwellings have been approved in Palmview over the past five years, an average of 291 a year. That places the area in the 98th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 35 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 223 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 92% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 180, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch shows that Palmview averages roughly 291 residential approvals annually. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), 1,459 residential dwellings received approval, alongside 180 logged to date in FY-25. Across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an average of 3.4 new residents arrived per constructed dwelling, indicating that demand continues to outrun construction supply, creating competitive buyer conditions and upward valuation momentum. The anticipated construction cost for new homes averages $436,000, coming in under regional benchmarks and pointing to relatively affordable building opportunities.
Concurrently, commercial building approvals have reached $51.7 million in the current financial year, underlining substantial commercial development. Detached houses constitute 92.0% of recent residential building activity, while medium and high-density housing makes up 8.0%, preserving the district's low-density profile with space-oriented family residences. Reflecting its ongoing urban growth, Palmview registers roughly 58 people per approval. According to latest quarterly figures from AreaSearch, Palmview is anticipated to expand by 8,697 residents by 2041. Provided ongoing building rates persist, residential development should sufficiently accommodate housing requirements, sustaining accessible market conditions and potentially facilitating growth exceeding current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Palmview
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 5 current infrastructure and development projects inside Palmview, worth an estimated $3.61 billion. A further 69 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $30.3 billion. 21 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, planning frameworks, and capital investments play a decisive role in shaping local development. AreaSearch has highlighted 19 significant projects influencing the district, headlined by major undertakings such as the Palmview State Schools Complex, Aussie World Water Park Expansion, Harmony at Palmview, and Village Green Palmview.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Aussie World Water Park Expansion
An approved $60 million expansion of the Aussie World theme park to include a large Australiana-themed waterpark with 16 waterslides, waterplay and function areas, food, drink, and retail outlets. The project includes a new two-storey car park and is expected to attract 800,000 visitors annually by 2031.
Palmview State Schools Complex
New state-of-the-art primary, special, and secondary schools complex in Palmview. The $109 million Palmview State Secondary College opened in 2023, joining the primary and special schools to form the Palmview Learning Community. Ongoing construction and facility rollouts are adding year levels through to 2027.
Village Green Palmview
Village Green is a boutique masterplanned residential community at Palmview on the Sunshine Coast, developed by Peet. Taking shape since 2020, the estate is designed around 20ha of preserved habitat and future parkland, with a new state primary school and special school within the community and a secondary school planned. Recent stages have delivered the Thistle Place park, with the project offering close access to Mooloolaba and Caloundra beaches, Sunshine Coast Airport, and future direct access to the Bruce Highway.The masterplan provides for up to 800 dwellings.
Harmony at Palmview
AVID Property Group's $3 billion flagship masterplanned community spanning 378 hectares. The project will deliver 4,800 homes for 12,000 residents, featuring a 15,250sqm town centre, Queensland's first Grand Linear Park, and 60km of pedestrian and cycling paths. Recent milestones include the opening of Symphony Way (Bruce Highway connection) and the commencement of the second Grand Linear Park.
Ruby Developments Tourist Park
Proposed tourist park on a 34 ha site opposite Corbould Park racecourse. Sunshine Coast Council approved Stage 1 with conditions, comprising 77 campsites, 40 cabins, 24 safari tents and associated facilities, while refusing Stage 2 and the short-term accommodation component. Ruby Developments Pty Ltd has appealed to the Planning and Environment Court seeking approval of the full proposal subject to amended conditions. As of mid-2026 no publicly reported final court determination has been identified.
Sippy Downs Social Housing Project
Development of 26 social homes as part of Queensland's record $5.6 billion social housing investment to provide more accessible housing options on the Sunshine Coast. The project includes accessible design features for seniors and people with disabilities, and construction is due to start soon as part of 240 social homes under construction or contract across the Sunshine Coast region.
Sippy Downs - Palmview Local Plan Area
A core component of the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme, this Local Plan Area (LPA) defines the strategic growth and conservation framework for the central Sunshine Coast region east of the Bruce Highway. The plan focuses on compact urban growth near the University of the Sunshine Coast and Sippy Downs Town Centre while strictly managing environmental constraints. Key priorities include protecting the Mooloolah River National Park and floodplain, managing building heights (with a focus on high-density residential zones), and ensuring infrastructure delivery in the emerging Palmview masterplanned community.Following major public consultation in late 2025, the project is currently in the post-consultation review phase where submissions are being analyzed to determine final scheme amendments.
45 Sippy Downs Drive High Density Development
A two-tower high-density development featuring 89 apartments designed by K Architecture. The project includes a 7-storey building fronting Central Drive and a 5-storey building fronting Spring Street, separated by a central communal terrace and landscaped area. Located within the education precinct less than 1km from the University of the Sunshine Coast, the development features a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, and kick and play area.
4,756 residents of Palmview are employed, from a labour force of 4,954. Unemployment sits at 4.0%, with participation at 81.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 6,043, about 72% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Palmview features an established, qualified labor force with strong representation across essential services, a low unemployment rate of 4.0%, and stable employment patterns over the past year. In March 2026, 4,756 residents were employed, matching the Regional Qld unemployment benchmark of 3.9%, while labor force participation reached 81.5%, well above the 64.2% recorded for Regional Qld. Census records show 15.0% of workers working from home, a metric influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. Health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade represent the leading employment sectors for local workers. Finance & insurance shows notable concentration, employing residents at 2.9 times the regional rate.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.6% of local employment against 4.5% across the region. Comparisons between local working counts and resident worker numbers indicate that this predominantly residential suburb generates limited employment within its own borders. AreaSearch examination of ABS and SALM statistical series indicates that across the 12-month period, employment recorded no net change while the labor force expanded by 0.9%, causing a 0.8 percentage points increase in unemployment. Over the same timeline in Regional Qld, employment edged up 0.1%, the workforce grew 0.3%, and unemployment rose 0.1 percentage points. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia national projections from Mar-26 provide context for local employment demand across five and ten-year horizons. Nationally, employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Weighting Palmview's specific industry distribution against these projections indicates potential local employment expansion of 7.0% across five years and 14.3% across ten years (representing an illustrative weighting model excluding local population adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Palmview is $2,306 a week (about $120,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,001 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,081 a year against an average of $77,884. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on aggregated postcode ATO figures for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Palmview recorded a median income of $64,081 and an average income of $77,884. These figures exceed national benchmarks as well as the respective Regional Qld figures of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates indicate a median income of approximately $71,361 and an average of $86,732. In the 2021 Census, Palmview's personal, family, and household earnings placed between the 78th and 83rd percentiles nationally.
Income distribution shows 48.1% of residents (4,020 people) situated in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, compared to 31.7% in the broader region. Housing expenditures absorb 18.1% of income, while strong wage levels position disposable earnings in the 79th percentile and place the area in the 8th decile for SEIFA income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Palmview had 1,676 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 1% apartments. 63% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 12% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $510 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month, a total housing cost higher than 94% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 22.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that separate houses account for 93.0% of Palmview's housing stock, with semi-detached, apartments, and other configurations making up 7.0%, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Fully owned homes represent 12.1% of dwellings, trailing regional ownership rates, while 63.1% are mortgaged and 24.8% are rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment stands at $2,000, higher than the Regional Qld median of $1,655 and the national level of $1,863. Median weekly rent is $510, substantially higher than the Regional Qld figure of $345 and the Australian median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Palmview counted 1,676 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 2,676 today, averaging 3.0 people each. 45% are couples with children, more than in 89% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 11% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households comprise 83.4% of all dwellings, consisting of couples with children (45.2%), couples without children (24.4%), and single parent families (11.7%). The remaining 16.6% consists of non-family arrangements, including lone person residences (10.6%) and group homes (6.2%). The median household size is 3.0 people, exceeding the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
27.0% of adults in Palmview hold a university qualification, including 19.9% with a bachelor degree and 4.9% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 30.1% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 939 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,034 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary qualification levels in the area outperform regional benchmarks, with 27.0% of residents aged 15+ possessing university credentials compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Qld. Bachelor degrees account for 19.9%, postgraduate degrees comprise 4.9%, and graduate diplomas represent 2.2%. Vocational education is also widespread, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (30.1%). Formal study participation is elevated, with 34.5% of residents enrolled in educational programs. Among the population, 12.1% attend primary school, 8.4% attend secondary school, and 6.9% are enrolled in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Palmview means driving: households keep an average of 1.9 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
77.9% of residents in Palmview report no long-term health condition. 2.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes for Palmview residents compare favorably to national standards, with low rates of common health conditions observed across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is extensive, encompassing roughly 58% of residents (~4,853 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. Mental health conditions (8.0%) and asthma (7.9%) are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, while 77.9% of residents report no medical ailments, outperforming the Regional Qld figure of 67.6%. Health indicators are strong among residents under 65. People aged 65 and over make up 5.2% of the population (434 people), well below the 20.3% observed regionally, with senior residents exhibiting above-average health and strong national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Palmview is largely Australian-born, at 75.1% of residents, with 11.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.3%) and Australian (26.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Palmview is above average, with 24.9% of residents born abroad and 11.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity represents the leading religious affiliation at 39.5%. The Other religion category demonstrates the clearest divergence from regional trends, comprising 1.1% locally versus 0.8% across Regional Qld. Regarding parental ancestry, the three most common backgrounds in Palmview are English (31.3%), Australian (26.9%), and Scottish (7.2%). Additional ethnic representations exceeding regional levels include South Australian backgrounds at 1.0% (compared to 0.5% regionally), New Zealand backgrounds at 1.1% (compared to 0.9%), and Dutch backgrounds at 1.6% (compared to 1.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Palmview is 29, younger than 98% of areas nationally. 37.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Palmview exhibits a heavy concentration of family cohorts. Updated estimates for August 2026 show that young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) account for 38.3% of the community, compared to 25.5% across Regional Qld, while seniors aged 65+ comprise 5.2%, versus 20.4% regionally. The estimated median age in August 2026 is 29, matching the 2021 Census and sitting 12 years younger than the Regional Qld median of 41 and below the national median of 38 from that Census. The 45 - 64 age cohort has decreased from 17.4% at the Census to an estimated 15.5%.
Projections to 2041 anticipate that young to middle aged adults will experience the largest expansion, growing by 3,831 residents (120%) to 7,032.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Palmview
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 5 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1,366 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (5,236 at the 2021 Census → 8,359 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL32264). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.