Palm Cove (Qld)

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Palm Cove has a population estimated at approximately 2,803 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address data validated by Districts since the Census. Compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 2,450 people, this represents an addition of 353 people (14.4%). Districts calculated the current figure of 2,803 residents by analyzing the ABS June 2025 release of estimated resident population details alongside 121 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. This population count yields a density of 787 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded in Districts assessments. The growth rate of 14.4% in Palm Cove since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA4 region (7.5%) and the Rest of Qld, positioning the locality as a leading growth area. This expansion was driven mostly by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 50.0% of the total population growth in recent periods, although all other sources, including interstate migration and natural growth, also recorded positive gains.

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Palm Cove possesses a qualified labor force with significant representation in the tourism and hospitality sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of only 2.9%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. Jobholders numbered 1,489 residents as of March 2026, while the local unemployment rate sat 1.0% below the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld. Workforce participation is slightly low, standing at 60.4% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data shows that a moderate 22.2% of the local workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restriction measures.

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Tax data from the ATO aggregated by Districts for the 2023 financial year shows that the suburb of Palm Cove has an income level below the national average. Local taxpayers recorded a median income of $53,043 and an average income of $64,611, which compares to $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) in Regional Qld. Applying the Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated figures of approximately $59,069 for the median and $71,951 for the average as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Palm Cove were all moderate, placing between the 37th and 49th percentiles. The most common weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, which accounts for 29.4% of residents (824 people), close to the share seen in the wider region. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain of their income for other expenditures, and the area is positioned in the th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Palm Cove consisted of 66.6% houses and 33.5% other dwelling types, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or alternative options, compared to Regional Qld where houses made up 76.4% and other dwellings made up 23.6%. Home ownership was high in Palm Cove at 42.0%, compared to the regional rate, with the remaining residences being either mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (30.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent of $365 was also higher than the Regional Qld average of $345. Locally, mortgage payments are lower than the national average of $1,863, and rent prices are lower than the Australian average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 69.5%, consisting of couples without children at 44.2%, couples with children at 18.4%, and single parents at 5.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.5%, with single-person households representing 28.2% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size of 2.1 people is lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The educational attainment of the local population is high compared to the wider region, with university degrees held by 28.2% of residents aged 15 and over, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 regional average of 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 17.0%, with postgraduate degrees at 7.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are also common, with 38.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.6%) and certificates (24.0%).

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Public transit options in Palm Cove consist of 13 active bus stops. These stops are serviced by 2 separate routes, which provide a total of 193 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated as favorable, with residents living an average of 287 meters from the nearest stop. Because Palm Cove is primarily residential, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 86%, while 9% of residents walk. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.2, which sits below the regional average. A total of 22.2% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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Health data shows favorable outcomes for Palm Cove, according to Districts' analysis of mortality and chronic illness rates, which reveals a low incidence of common health issues across all demographics. Private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area, with approximately 53% of the population (~1,480 people) holding coverage.

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Palm Cove shows a higher degree of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 36.2% of residents born outside Australia and 11.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 45.9% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.4% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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The median age of 53 years in Palm Cove is considerably higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 20.4% of the population, compared to the regional average, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 7.5%. The concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is also higher than the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 65 - 74 cohort has grown from 19.2% to 20.4% of the population, and the 15 - 24 age group has risen from 6.7% to 7.8%, while the - cohort decreased from to . Projections for indicate demographic shifts, with the - age group growing by ( people) to reach from . This aging trend is prominent, with individuals aged and older accounting for of the projected population growth, while the - cohort is expected to increase by a modest ( people).

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Palm Cove currently has an estimated 53 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 63 children aged 0-2 and 42 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 13% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 36% by 2041 (to approximately 72 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 246. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.