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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Tully's population is estimated at around 2,479 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 111 people (4.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,368 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,440, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 190 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Tully has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected for Tully, with an anticipated growth of 313 persons to reach approximately 2,792 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.0% in total 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 for Tully shows around 9 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 49 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has resulted in 2.3 new residents annually during this period, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these new homes is $371,000. This financial year has seen $6.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating Tully's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Tully maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with broader market trends.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving Tully's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (84.0% at Census), reflecting persistent demand for family homes amidst densification trends. Tully has approximately 310 people per dwelling approval, confirming its low-density market status. By 2041, Tully is projected to grow by 346 residents, with development keeping pace with this projected growth despite increasing competition among buyers as the population expands.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable 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 outlining those most pertinent.

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. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% as of September 2025. In this month, 1,320 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Tully was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 4.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and manufacturing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notably high representation with employment levels at 8.0 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.9%, employment decreased by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 1.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7% and labour force expanded by 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Tully's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.0% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 30 June 2023, 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). By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,361 (median) and $65,954 (average), based on a 9.91% increase from the Wage Price Index since June 2023. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 34th percentile ($727 weekly), while household income is at the 18th percentile. Income analysis shows that 30.6% of Tully's population (758 individuals) fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.4% of income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

Tully is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Tully, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 83.8% houses and 16.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Tully was higher than that of Non-Metro Qld, at 36.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (22.8%) or rented (41.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,100, below the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Tully's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tully features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average 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 make up the remaining 38.3%, consisting of 32.1% lone person households and 6.4% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (28.0%).

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

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Tully is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Tully faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which totals around 1,263 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.0% and 6.1% of residents respectively. However, 70.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 570 people, which is higher than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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's cultural diversity is 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 comprises 4.5% of Tully's population, compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, Australian-born parents are the most represented group in Tully at 23.3%, followed by English-born parents at 21.0%. This is lower than the regional average of 29.6%. The 'Other' ancestry category comprises 13.1% of Tully's population, substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Certain ethnic groups are notably divergent in their representation: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 7.6%, compared to 3.9% regionally; Italian is also overrepresented at 7.1%, compared to 2.4%; Filipino is overrepresented at 2.0%, compared to 0.9%.

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

The median age in Tully is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but inline with Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.5% of Tully's population compared to Rest of Qld's figure. The 5-14 cohort is less prevalent in Tully at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 6.8% to 8.0%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.8% to 9.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Tully. The 85+ age group is expected to double (from 94 to 188 people), leading the demographic shift. Notably, combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting Tully's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to decrease in population.