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El Arish suburb profile

El Arish is a quaint rural town in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 140km south of Cairns. Known for its rich history and lush landscapes, El Arish offers a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by sugarcane fields and tropical rainforest. The town was originally established for returning World War I soldiers and retains a charming village atmosphere. Key features include the historic El Arish Tavern and a nine-hole golf course, providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors. Its proximity to the Cassowary Coast and Mission Beach makes El Arish an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

El Arish property market performance

El Arish’s property market has remained static over the past 12 months, with no recorded changes in median house or unit values. Both the median house and unit prices have stayed at $0, indicating a lack of market activity. Similarly, there have been no house or unit sales in the past year, and properties have not been listed on the market, as reflected by zero median days on market for both houses and units.

The rental market in El Arish has also seen no movement, with average rents for both houses and units remaining at $0 over the last 12 months. This suggests a stagnant market with no rental activity or demand changes.

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El Arish demographics

El Arish, a quaint rural locality in Queensland, offers a serene lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a small population of just 337, it is a close-knit community where residents enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The median age of 47 suggests a mature population, with many residents likely enjoying the slower pace and community-oriented lifestyle that El Arish provides.

Family structures in El Arish are diverse, with a fairly even split between couple families with children (41%) and those without (42.2%). This balance indicates a community that values both family life and the independence of child-free living. One-parent families make up 16.9% of the population, adding to the suburb's family-friendly appeal.

Property ownership in El Arish is predominantly outright, with 53.3% of homes owned without a mortgage. This high rate of outright ownership reflects a stable and established community, where residents have likely lived for many years. Additionally, 23% of properties are owned with a mortgage, while 23.8% are rented, offering a mix of housing options for both long-term residents and newcomers. The median total household income of $1148 per week suggests a modest but comfortable living standard, typical of rural Australian communities.

El Arish infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

El Arish remains a small rural township with limited large-scale redevelopment, and there are currently no widely reported major residential, commercial, or retail projects underway that would significantly reshape the suburb in the short term.[6][7] The town’s amenities largely centre around its existing village core and nearby agricultural employment, with residents continuing to rely on larger centres such as Innisfail and Tully for higher-order shopping, services, and jobs, which keeps demand steady but relatively modest compared with coastal hotspots.[6][7]

Local schooling and transport infrastructure are stable, with no recent announcements of new schools or major transport upgrades directly in El Arish, meaning accessibility and education options are largely unchanged and continue to support a quiet, rural lifestyle.[6][7] At this time, there are no significant new infrastructure or planning changes reported that are likely to materially impact the property market in El Arish beyond normal regional trends.

El Arish rental market trends

The rental market in El Arish has remained stable over the past year, with both house and unit rents showing no change, maintaining a median rent of $0 per week. This indicates a lack of rental activity or available data in the area, suggesting a quiet market with limited investment opportunities at present.

Suburbs near El Arish

Some popular suburbs near El Arish include:

Common questions about El Arish

  • Is El Arish a nice place to live?

    El Arish is a charming and peaceful place to call home, offering a delightful rural lifestyle that appeals to those seeking tranquility and a strong sense of community. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and sugarcane fields, this quaint suburb provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village atmosphere is enriched by its historical roots, with the El Arish Tavern and a nine-hole golf course serving as focal points for social and recreational activities. Families will find the area particularly appealing, as it offers a safe and welcoming environment for raising children, with a diverse range of family structures contributing to the community's inclusive nature.

    While El Arish offers a peaceful lifestyle, residents do face some trade-offs. The suburb's rural setting means that amenities are limited, and residents often rely on nearby towns like Innisfail and Tully for more extensive shopping and services. This can be a consideration for those who prefer the convenience of urban living. However, the trade-off is a slower pace of life, where the natural beauty of the surrounding rainforest and proximity to the Cassowary Coast and Mission Beach provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

    For families, El Arish offers a stable environment with a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to settle down. The suburb's safety and the presence of local schools support a family-friendly lifestyle, although the lack of recent infrastructure developments means that accessibility and education options remain unchanged. Overall, El Arish is a wonderful choice for those who value a quiet, rural lifestyle, surrounded by nature and a close-knit community.

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  • Is it expensive to live in El Arish?

    Living in El Arish is quite unique compared to other suburbs, especially when it comes to property prices and rent. According to the latest data, both the median house and unit prices, as well as average rents, are currently at $0, which is unusual and suggests that there might not be enough data available to provide an accurate picture of the real estate market in this small regional town.

    When comparing the average household income in El Arish, which is $1,148 per week, to the Queensland state average full-time adult weekly earnings of $1,950, it becomes evident that residents in El Arish earn significantly less than the state average. This income disparity might indicate that the cost of living in El Arish is generally lower, but without concrete data on housing costs, it's challenging to determine the exact expense of living there.

    Overall, if you're thinking of living in El Arish, it's important to consider that while the income levels are lower than the state average, the lack of available data on property prices and rent suggests a potentially low-cost living environment. However, further investigation into local amenities and lifestyle costs would be necessary to fully understand the financial implications of residing in this quaint regional town.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is El Arish a good place to invest?

    El Arish might not be the first suburb that comes to mind when thinking about property investment, but it offers a unique opportunity for those looking for stability. Over the past year, the suburb has seen no change in median house or unit values, as well as no change in rental prices. This stability can be appealing for investors who prefer a low-risk environment where property values aren't subject to sudden fluctuations.

    While El Arish may not currently offer rapid growth or high rental yields, its consistent market performance suggests a level of resilience. The suburb's charm lies in its potential for future development and appeal to those seeking a quieter lifestyle away from bustling city centers. For investors, this could mean a chance to secure property at a stable price point, with the possibility of future appreciation as the area develops.

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