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Suburb Insights ยท QLD 4816

Palm Island 4816, Queensland

ABS 2021 Census ยท Updated 31 March 2026

Suburb Overview

Palm Island is a coastal suburb in Queensland, Australia, with a population of approximately 2,138, making it a boutique locality. Located approximately 1176 km from the Brisbane CBD, Palm Island is a coastal area in Queensland. The median household income is $50,596 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).

Investment Score

32 / 100 Weak

Household earnings in Palm Island are below the state average, which may affect long-term capital growth. Seaside positioning attracts both owner-occupiers and holiday rental demand.

Location

Map shows Palm Island, Queensland, Australia.

Key Indicators

Postcode
4816

Official Australia Post postcode for Palm Island. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.

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Population
2,138

Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

ABS Census Data โ†’
Median Rent (weekly)
$125/wk

Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.

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Median Household Income
$50,596/yr

Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.

ABS Census Data โ†’
Distance to CBD
1176 km

Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Schools nearby
1

Estimated 1 school within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.

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Parks & green spaces
1

Estimated 1 park and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.

Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167/mo

Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.

ABS Census Data โ†’
Dwelling Type
82% houses

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 โ†’

Investment Insight

Coastal lifestyle is a strong draw for Palm Island, supporting both long-term rental demand and holiday letting potential. Seaside suburbs in Queensland consistently attract interstate migration and lifestyle buyers. The median rent of $125/week (ABS 2021) indicates an affordable rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $2,167/month. 82% of dwellings are separate houses, indicating a predominantly family-oriented, land-rich market.

Investment Strategy

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Buy & Hold

Palm Island offers moderate buy-and-hold potential โ€” look for properties with value-add opportunities.

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Rental Yield

Palm Island's rental market is softer โ€” budget for potential vacancy periods.

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Renovation / Flip

The resale market in Palm Island may not support quick-turnaround renovation projects.

Risk Factors

Run the numbers on a Palm Island property

Full Property Analysis

30-year projections for Palm Island

Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export โ€” all in one place.

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2026 Outlook

Growth: Low Rental Demand: Moderate Investor Sentiment: Low

Price movement in Palm Island is expected to be flat to modest in 2026, reflecting broader regional market conditions. The rental market in Palm Island should see steady occupancy, with moderate upward pressure on rents. Sentiment is subdued, though improving local conditions could shift perceptions over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Palm Island a good suburb for investment?

Palm Island is a coastal area in Queensland with a population of 2,138. The median rent is $125/week and the median household income is $50,596/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.

What drives property demand in Palm Island?

Key demand drivers in Palm Island include lifestyle appeal and proximity to the coast. 82% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 1 schools and 1 parks nearby.

What is the population of Palm Island?

According to the ABS 2021 Census, Palm Island has a population of approximately 2,138. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.

How far is Palm Island from the Brisbane CBD?

Palm Island is approximately 1176 km straight-line distance from the Brisbane CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). As a regional or remote location, travel to the capital is significant โ€” local amenities and employment are important investment considerations.

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