Tully

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Tully's estimated population is around 2,473. This reflects an increase of 105 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,368. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,440 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 189 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tully has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered 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. Future population trends suggest a median increase outside capital cities, with Tully expected to grow by 328 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.4% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Tully according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Tully shows approximately 9 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 49 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.3 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value for new homes is $371,000.

This financial year, Tully has seen $6.0 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Tully maintains similar construction rates per person, indicating market balance consistency with the broader area. Recent building activity consists exclusively of detached houses, preserving Tully's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously implied (84.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. Tully has approximately 310 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Tully is projected to grow by 357 residents through to 2041. Development pace appears reasonable in relation to projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area notably. Key projects include North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid, with the following list providing more details on 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.

Employment performance in Tully has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Tully has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 4.9% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, Tully has 1,320 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is 0.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

The workforce participation rate in Tully is 55.9%, lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment in Tully is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notably, employment in agriculture, forestry & fishing is at 8.0 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance has a lower representation at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 16.1%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Tully's labour force decreased by 1.0%, while employment decreased by 2.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov-25, Queensland's employment has contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tully's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 4.2% over five years and 10.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Tully had a median taxpayer income of $49,460 and an average income of $60,007. This is lower than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,361 (median) and $65,954 (average). The 2021 Census records Tully's personal income rank at the 34th percentile ($727 weekly), with household income at the 18th percentile. Income analysis reveals 30.6% of Tully's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing 87.4% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Tully, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.8% houses and 16.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tully was 36.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.8% and rented dwellings at 41.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,100, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Tully was $250, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Tully's mortgage repayments were well below the Australian average of $1,863.

Tully features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 61.7% of all households, including 21.5% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.3%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households making up 6.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (28.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Tully are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Tully. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which is around 1,260 people. This compares to 46.8% across the rest of Queensland. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.0 and 6.1% of residents respectively. 70.5% of residents declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.1% across the rest of Queensland. As of 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (556 people), this is lower than the 23.6% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Tully has a cultural diversity level above average, with 21.8% of its population born overseas and 17.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Tully, comprising 58.3% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category is overrepresented in Tully at 4.5%, compared to 3.3% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (23.3%), English (21.0%), and Other (13.1%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 7.6%, Italian at 7.1% compared to regional figures of 11.3% and 7.5% respectively, and Filipino at 2.0% versus a regional figure of 0.9%.

Tully's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Tully is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 17.3% of Tully's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 age group makes up 9.2%, which is lower compared to Rest of Qld. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.8% to 8.0%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.8% to 10.3%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Tully. Notably, the 85+ age group is projected to double (from 96 to 193 people), and combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting Tully's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decline in population.