Yarrabah

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Yarrabah is around 2,659. This figure represents an increase of 154 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,505. The current estimate reflects resident population data from AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 16.7 persons per square kilometer. Yarrabah's growth of 6.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average of 5.9%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 98.0% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of national regional areas, with Yarrabah expected to expand by 746 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 28.1% over the 17 years.

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

Yarrabah averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 48 homes were approved, with none so far in FY26.

The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years was 0.8. This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties was $479,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Yarrabah shows similar construction activity per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns.

However, recent construction activity has intensified. This activity is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (83.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 17.0%. This maintains Yarrabah's traditional low density character, appealing to those seeking space in family homes. With around 123 people per approval, Yarrabah reflects a low density area. Future projections estimate Yarrabah adding 746 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Ten projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones including the Cairns Smart Green Economy Initiative, Smart water meter program from 2023 to 2026, Leak Detection Program from 2022 to 2025, and CairnsPlan 2016. The following list details those considered 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's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 67.1%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025233 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate stands at 63.1% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Yarrabah is significantly lower at 36.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicate that only 3.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Yarrabah has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 4.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, retail trade is under-represented, with only 1.8% of Yarrabah's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 10.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.8% while employment declined by 41.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 22.4 percentage points in Yarrabah. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. 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. Applying these projections to Yarrabah's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 7.9% over five years and 16.4% over ten years.

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

The median taxpayer income in Yarrabah is $41,380 and the average is $51,961 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,481 (median) and $57,110 (average). Census data shows household income ranks at the 17th percentile ($1,254 weekly) and personal income at the 0th percentile. Income distribution reveals that 31.1% of Yarrabah's population falls within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing costs are modest, with 89.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.4% houses and 28.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yarrabah was at 11.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (0.7%) or rented (88.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,392, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $150, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Yarrabah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863, and rents were 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% of all households, including 35.8% couples with children, 9.9% couples without children, and 36.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.2%, with lone person households at 11.1% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 4.5 people, larger than the Rest of Qld 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 the 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,270 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are diabetes (8.6%) and heart disease (5.1%). 77.5% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. Only 8.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (215 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with national rankings higher than 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's cultural diversity was above average, with 0.2% of its population born overseas and 81.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Yarrabah, making up 88.8% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were 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 has a median age of 25, which is significantly younger than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Yarrabah has a higher concentration of 15-24 year-olds at 18.9%, but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 3.9%. This 15-24 concentration is well above the national figure of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 1.2% to 3.3%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 20.7% to 17.5%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 10.2% to 7.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Yarrabah's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 223 people (53%) from 422 to 646. The 55 to 64 group displays more modest growth at 2%, adding only 5 residents.