Port Douglas

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

As of Nov 2025, Port Douglas's population is estimated at around 4,062, reflecting an increase of 412 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Port Douglas by AreaSearch in Jun 2024 was 4,057 residents. This increase includes 387 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 399 persons per square kilometer. Between 2021 and 2025, Port Douglas's growth of 11.3% exceeded its SA3 area (6.5%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed about 97.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is forecast to increase by 1,146 persons, reflecting a gain of 25.0% over 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Port Douglas had approximately 11 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 55 homes. As of FY26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $2,102,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $2.8 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Port Douglas shows around 75% of construction activity per person and places among the 30th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (36.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends.

The estimated count of 553 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Port Douglas adding 1,016 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Port Douglas has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include the 71-85 Port Douglas Road Development Site (Fairmont Resort Refused), BeCHe Estate, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Redevelopment, and The Davidson by Gurner (Port Douglas Resort). The following list details those most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Port Douglas significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Port Douglas has a well-educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of June 2025.

There are 2,491 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors among residents include accommodation & food, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share of 4.9 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 7.0% compared to the regional 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 1.7% and employment declined by 2.0%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Douglas's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Port Douglas had a median taxpayer income of $45,118 and an average income of $55,853. Nationally, the averages were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,430 (median) and $63,667 (average), based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($824 weekly) and household income at the 25th percentile. The largest income segment is 32.8%, with residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,332 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile. Port Douglas' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Port Douglas displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Port Douglas, as per the latest Census evaluation, 36.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 63.4% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Queensland had 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Douglas stood at 29.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.6% and rented ones at 42.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,474, lower than Non-Metro Queensland's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Port Douglas was $350, compared to $310 in Non-Metro Queensland. Nationally, Port Douglas's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Port Douglas features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.9% of all households, including 14.7% couples with children, 36.8% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households comprising 8.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

The educational profile of Port Douglas exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable with university qualification rates at 30.2% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area average of 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 14.6% and certificates make up 27.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education. Port Douglas State School and Newman Catholic College - Port Douglas Campus serve a total of 225 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1015) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and one secondary institution. Local school capacity is limited at 5.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.5, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Port Douglas's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis shows Port Douglas had low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. Private health cover was approximately 49%, compared to 47.1% in rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. Most common conditions were arthritis (7.2%) and mental health issues (6.9%), with 74.4% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 71.7% in rest of Queensland.

Residents aged 65 and over comprised 20.7%, lower than the 21.7% in rest of Queensland. Senior health outcomes performed better than general population metrics.

Port Douglas was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Douglas, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, exhibits higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas. Here, 17.2% of residents speak a language other than English at home, while 38.1% were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Douglas, with 39.1% adherents.

Notably, Judaism, though a minority, is more prevalent here (0.4%) compared to the rest of Queensland (0.2%). In terms of ancestry, English (30.8%), Australian (20.4%), and Other (9.7%) are the top groups. Some ethnicities show significant deviations: Spanish (2.3% vs regional 0.9%), French (1.3% vs 0.8%), and Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%) are notably overrepresented in Port Douglas compared to the broader region.

Port Douglas hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Port Douglas has a median age of 43 years, which is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 24.8% of Port Douglas' population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 5.1%. This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have lowered the median age by 1.1 years to 43. The 25-34 age group has grown from 21.6% to 24.8%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 10.9%. The 55-64 group has also dropped from 16.5% to 14.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Port Douglas, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 38%, adding 378 residents to reach 1,386. The 15-24 group is expected to show no growth, adding only 0 residents.