Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Palm Island
89 km²
A very young population defines Palm Island, where the typical resident is just 27 years old. This community has a huge First Nations presence, with nearly 90% of people identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Because of the high number of children, households are often large and crowded. It is a place where traditional culture remains strong, seen in the high number of people speaking First Nations languages.
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The area is far younger than the rest of the country, with 30.8% of people being children under 15. This is far above the national figure of 18.2%. In contrast, only 5.1% of residents are seniors aged 65 or over.
Almost everyone was born in Australia, with 92.5% of residents born here. This means the proportion of people born overseas is much lower than in most other areas.
Language diversity is high, with 40.4% of people using a language other than English at home. This is far above the Queensland figure of 13.2%.
Christianity is the most common faith at 75.1%. Very few people report having no religion, at 16.8%, which is far below the national figure of 38.9%.
Education levels are much lower than most areas, with only 27.1% of residents completing Year 12. Only 4.6% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, far below the national average of 26.3%.
Incomes are among the lowest in the region, with the typical personal weekly income being just $384. This is far below the national figure of $805.
Long-term health conditions are reported far less often here than in the rest of the state, with only 14.8% of people affected compared to 28.8% in Queensland.
Unpaid care for children is very common, at 32.5%, which is well above the national figure. However, volunteering is among the lowest at this level, at only 5.4%.
First Nations people make up the vast majority of the community, with 1,918 people. A striking 44.4% speak a First Nations language, which is far above the national figure of 12.3%.
Homes are large and often crowded, with 3.7 people per home. One-parent families are very common at 38.7%, far above the national figure of 14.1%.
Rental is the main way people live, with 91.9% of households renting. This is far above the national figure of 30.6%. Typical weekly rent is very low at $125.
Nearly half of all homes (49.4%) have no motor vehicle, which is far above the national figure of 7.4%. Consequently, 35.6% of people walk to work.
The community is very stable, with only 14.8% of people moving in the last five years. This is far below the national figure of 40.7%.
Few adults are working or looking for work, at only 27.3%, which is far below the national figure of 61.1%. The unemployment rate is 9.5%, well above the national average.
Access to shops is very poor, with 0% of homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries. Only 7% of homes are within a short walk of a park.