Port Douglas

Population growth drivers in Port Douglas are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Port Douglas's estimated population is around 3,997. This reflects an increase of 347 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,650. The change is inferred from AreaSearch validation of resident population data following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 393 persons per square kilometer. Port Douglas's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.1%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Future population dynamics forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas, with Port Douglas expected to expand by 1,145 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 27.0% over the 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

Port Douglas has seen approximately 10 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 51 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 6.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $2,102,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments. In FY26, $659,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally, Port Douglas shows around 66% of construction activity per person, placing it among the 28th percentile of assessed areas. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing dwellings.

The area's building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (36.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 596 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Port Douglas is projected to add 1,080 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Port Douglas has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones include 71-85 Port Douglas Road Development Site (Fairmont Resort Refused), BeCHe Estate, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Redevelopment, and The Davidson by Gurner (Port Douglas Resort). Below is a list of 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 2.0%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of September 2025.

There are 2,507 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.1% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to the regional level at 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include accommodation & food services, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share four times higher than the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 7.0% compared to the regional 16.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. In the past year, labour force decreased by 1.6%, employment declined by 2.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. By contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, with varying growth rates between sectors. Applying these projections to Port Douglas's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

In financial year 2023, Port Douglas had a median income among taxpayers of $45,118 and an average level of $55,853. This was lower than the national average of $53,146 for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $49,589 and the average at $61,388, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($824 weekly) and household income at the 25th percentile. The largest segment comprises 32.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,311 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile. The area's 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

Port Douglas' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 36.5% houses and 63.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Douglas was 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 Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Port Douglas was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Port Douglas' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,474 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $350 compared to 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 account for 58.9% of all households, including 14.7% that are couples with children, 36.8% that are couples without children, and 7.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 regionally 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 prominent with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (14.6%) and certificates (27.1%).

Educational participation is high at 27.8%, comprising primary education (8.2%), secondary education (6.5%), and tertiary education (4.5%).

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 of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Port Douglas with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (1,972 people), compared to 47.1% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.2 and 6.9% of residents respectively, while 74.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld.

As of 2021, 20.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (827 people), which is lower than the 21.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Port Douglas was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Douglas has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 17.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Douglas, accounting for 39.1%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.4% vs 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (30.8%), Australian (20.4%), and Other (9.7%). Notably, Spanish (2.3%) French (1.3%), and Hungarian (0.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Port Douglas compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 0.8%, and 0.3% respectively.

Port Douglas hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

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 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 24.8% of Port Douglas' population, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort comprises only 5.1%. This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have lowered the median age to 43 years. Notable shifts include an increase in the 25-34 age group from 21.6% to 24.8%, a decrease in the 45-54 cohort from 12.7% to 10.9%, and a drop in the 55-64 group from 16.5% to 14.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Port Douglas, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age group at 40%, adding 395 residents to reach 1,387. The 15-24 group is expected to grow by only 1%, adding just 4 residents.