Palmwoods (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Palmwoods are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Palmwoods (Qld) is around 7,673. This figure represents a 20.7% increase from the 2021 Census count of 6,357 people. The latest ABS ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 457 validated new addresses since the Census date indicate a resident population estimate of 7,590 by AreaSearch. This results in a density ratio of 321 persons per square kilometer. Palmwoods' growth rate exceeded both the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79% of overall population gains, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive influences.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 with a base year of 2021. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, Palmwoods is projected to experience above median population growth by locations outside capital cities. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 1,403 persons, reflecting a total increase of 12.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Palmwoods recorded approximately 121 residential properties granted approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 608 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 1.7 people per year over the past five financial years.

The market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $428,000, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have been $12.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Palmwoods has slightly more development, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 71 people per dwelling approval, Palmwoods shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Palmwoods adding 928 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Palmwoods Sports Complex Master Plan, Palmwoods Supermarket, Woombye - Palmwoods Local Plan Area, and Palmwoods Garden Village Expansion. 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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Palmwoods ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Palmwoods has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 3744 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 61.6%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.3% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1%, while employment declined by 1.4%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palmwoods's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Palmwoods had a median taxpayer income of $49,412 and an average of $64,291 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is approximately average nationally, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $56,325 (median) and $73,285 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Palmwoods, between the 38th and 49th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.1% of residents (2,693 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Palmwoods' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.7% houses and 9.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palmwoods was at 34.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (43.8%) or rented (21.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,878, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Palmwoods' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 76.2% of all households, including 33.4% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Palmwoods performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Palmwoods' educational qualifications lag behind national averages; 22.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common (16.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.7% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas comprise 12.2%, certificates 29.5%. Educational participation is high at 28.3%; primary education enrollment stands at 10.2%, secondary at 9.1%, and tertiary at 3.9%.

Palmwoods State School serves the local community, with an enrollment of 448 students as of [insert date]. The school's ICSEA score is 1024, indicating typical Australian educational conditions. It offers primary education only; secondary options are available in nearby areas. There are 5.8 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 10.5. Some students may attend schools outside Palmwoods.

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

The analysis indicates 12 operational public transport stops in Palmwoods, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 33 unique routes, facilitating 626 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 269 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 89 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Palmwoods are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Palmwoods shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is held by approximately 53% of Palmwoods' total population (~4,042 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 50.1%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (8.6%). 66.8% of residents report being free from medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Qld's 66.4%. Palmwoods has 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,473 people), broadly aligning with Queensland's general population health profile.

Palmwoods ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Palmwoods, as per the data provided, had a lower cultural diversity compared to the average. It was found that 81.8% of its population were born in Australia, with 90.5% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Palmwoods, comprising 48.2% of the population, which is slightly higher than the regional average of 44.6%.

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents were English (35.3%), Australian (26.1%), and Scottish (9.5%). Notably, German ethnicity was present at a higher proportion in Palmwoods compared to the region, with 5.3% versus 5.0%. Similarly, New Zealand (1.0%) and French (0.6%) ethnicities were also equally represented in both Palmwoods and the wider region.

Palmwoods hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Palmwoods is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 and well above Australia's median of 38. The 0-4 age group is over-represented at 6.0% compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 11.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.1%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Palmwoods. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 285 people (33%), from 874 to 1,160, while the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 70 people.