Yarrabah

An assessment of population growth drivers in Yarrabah reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Yarrabah is around 2,669 people. This figure represents an increase of 164 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,505. The latest estimate was derived from AreaSearch's examination of the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release and subsequent address validation. This growth rate of 6.5% exceeds the SA3 area average of 5.8%, indicating Yarrabah as a region leader in population increase. Natural growth contributed approximately 98.0% to overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. Age category splits are applied proportionally using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb of Yarrabah is projected to increase by 680 persons, reflecting a total increase of 25.5% over the 16-year period.

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

Yarrabah has averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 48 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26.

The average population increase per year for each dwelling built over the past five financial years was 0.8 people. New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties is $479,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Yarrabah shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, although recent construction activity has intensified. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (83.0%) and medium to high-density housing (17.0%), preserving the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 123 people per approval, Yarrabah reflects a developing area with population forecasts indicating an increase of 680 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although growing competition among buyers is expected as the population increases.

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

Seven projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. These include the Cairns Smart Green Economy Initiative, Smart water meter program from 2023 to 2026, Cairns Transit Network, and CairnsPlan 2016. 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.

Employment conditions in Yarrabah face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Yarrabah has a mixed workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 74.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data. As of December 2025182 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 70.2% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4%. This indicates room for improvement, with workforce participation at 36.5%, significantly lower than Regional Qld's 64.5%.

Census responses show only 3.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 4.9 times the regional level. Retail trade is under-represented, with only 1.8% of Yarrabah's workforce compared to Regional Qld's 10%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4%, and employment declined by 55.2%, leading to a 30.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Yarrabah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.9% over five years and 16.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Yarrabah's median taxpayer income was $41,380 and average was $51,961 in financial year 2023. This is lower than Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $46,081 and average will be around $57,864, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. Census 2021 data shows household income ranks at the 17th percentile ($1,254 weekly) and personal income at the 0th percentile. Income analysis reveals 31.1% of locals (830 people) earn between $800 - 1,499 per week, contrasting with surrounding regions where $1,500 - 2,999 is predominant at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.3% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

Yarrabah's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.4% houses and 28.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarrabah was at 11.3%, with the rest mortgaged (0.7%) or rented (88.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,392, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Yarrabah was recorded at $150, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Yarrabah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yarrabah features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 85.8 percent of all households, including 35.8 percent couples with children, 9.9 percent couples without children, and 36.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.2 percent, with lone person households at 11.1 percent and group households comprising 1.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 4.5 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 3.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 2.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (0.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (0%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (5.2%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.1% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 0.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Yarrabah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Yarrabah faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low in Yarrabah, at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,275 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are diabetes (affecting 8.6% of residents) and heart disease (5.1%), while 77.5% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population in Yarrabah demonstrates better than average health outcomes. However, the area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over (8.3%, or 221 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Yarrabah has a cultural diversity level above average with 0.2% of its population born overseas and 81.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Yarrabah, accounting for 88.8% of people, significantly higher than the regional Queensland average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups in Yarrabah are Australian Aboriginal (89.7%), Other (7.0%), and Australian (1.2%).

This is notably different from the regional averages of 3.9% for Australian Aboriginal and 26.5% for Australian ancestry.

Yarrabah hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Yarrabah's median age at 26 years is significantly younger than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and is substantially below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Regional Queensland, Yarrabah has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (19.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.0%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 1.2% to 3.4%, while the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 20.7% to 17.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group has fallen from 10.2% to 8.0%. Demographic projections indicate that Yarrabah's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 198 people (49%) from 403 to 602. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to remain unchanged with a growth of 0% (1 person).