ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
Palmers Island is a coastal suburb in New South Wales, Australia, with a population of approximately 482, making it a boutique locality. Located approximately 532 km from the Sydney CBD, Palmers Island is a coastal area in New South Wales. The median household income is $73,008 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
Household incomes in Palmers Island sit in a comfortable mid-range for the New South Wales market. Seaside positioning attracts both owner-occupiers and holiday rental demand.
Map shows Palmers Island, New South Wales, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for Palmers Island. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 1 school within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near Palmers Island on My School →Estimated 1 park and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →Coastal lifestyle is a strong draw for Palmers Island, supporting both long-term rental demand and holiday letting potential. Seaside suburbs in New South Wales consistently attract interstate migration and lifestyle buyers. The median rent of $313/week (ABS 2021) indicates an affordable rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $1,733/month. 79% of dwellings are separate houses, indicating a predominantly family-oriented, land-rich market.
Palmers Island offers moderate buy-and-hold potential — look for properties with value-add opportunities.
Palmers Island can deliver reasonable rental income, though yields are not the primary draw.
The resale market in Palmers Island may not support quick-turnaround renovation projects.
Run the numbers on a Palmers Island property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →Palmers Island is expected to see moderate price growth in 2026 as the broader New South Wales market stabilises. The rental market in Palmers Island should see steady occupancy, with moderate upward pressure on rents. Palmers Island is not a headline market, but contrarian investors may see long-term potential.
Palmers Island is a coastal area in New South Wales with a population of 482. The median rent is $313/week and the median household income is $73,008/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in Palmers Island include lifestyle appeal and proximity to the coast. 79% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 1 schools and 1 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Palmers Island has a population of approximately 482. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
Palmers Island is approximately 532 km straight-line distance from the Sydney CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). As a regional or remote location, travel to the capital is significant — local amenities and employment are important investment considerations.