Arundel

Population growth drivers in Arundel are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Arundel's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 12,072 people. This figure represents an increase of 901 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,171. The growth can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,056 in June 2025 and the addition of 87 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 1,239 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Arundel's growth rate of 8.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA3 area (7.0%), making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 99.4% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Arundel is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally by 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area's population is projected to rise by 1,413 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 11.6% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Arundel according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Arundel has averaged approximately 15 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 78 homes. As of FY26, there is 1 recorded approval so far. On average, each home built between FY21 and FY25 accommodated around 13 new residents annually, indicating a significant demand-supply mismatch that typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $356,000.

In this financial year alone, there have been $34.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Arundel records notably lower building activity, 65.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this figure is also below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Current development consists of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 83.0% houses. This change indicates diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 3588 people per dwelling approval, Arundel reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Arundel is projected to add 1,397 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Arundel has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Arundel Hills Residential Development, Smith Street Motorway Connection, Molendinar Creek Flood Mitigation, and Arundel Springs by AVID. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Arundel has been broadly consistent with national averages

Arundel has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.9%, lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

As of December 2025, 6,132 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Regional Qld's. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 13.3% of residents work from home.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (28%), retail trade (20%), and education & training (12%). Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. Between December 2024 and November 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, while labour force grew by 2.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7% and labour force expand by 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Arundel's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that income in Arundel SA2 is below the national average. The median income is $49,743 and the average income stands at $62,340. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 2023 to June 2026, current estimates would be approximately $55,394 (median) and $69,422 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Arundel, between the 31st and 46th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 34.1% of the community (4,116 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Arundel is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Arundel, as per the latest Census data, 83.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Queensland's regional average of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Arundel stood at 34.2%, similar to Regional Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Arundel was $470, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Arundel's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Arundel features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.4% of all households, including 33.2% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Arundel exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 27.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA3 area at 22.9%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.8% while certificates make up 23.0%. Educational participation is particularly high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

A total of 30 active public transport stops operate within Arundel, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by six individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,567 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents located an average of 333 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 90%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 13.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 223 trips per day, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Arundel is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Arundel faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,084 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.7%) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 68.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of June 20XX, the area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,299 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Arundel was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Arundel's population showed higher linguistic diversity, with 22.0% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to its local markets. Furthermore, 38.2% of Arundel residents were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Arundel, accounting for 46.6% of the population.

However, Islam's representation stood out at 4.4%, significantly higher than Regional Qld's average of 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, English comprised 28.3%, Australian 20.5%, and Other 11.6% of Arundel's population. Notably, New Zealand (1.5%) and Maori (1.7%) groups were overrepresented in Arundel compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.8%, respectively. Korean residents also showed higher representation at 0.8%.

Arundel's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Arundel's median age is 40, close to Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but slightly above the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 13.9%, higher than Regional Queensland's figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.7%. Post-2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 11.8% to 13.9%, while the 65-74 cohort decreased from 10.6% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Arundel's age profile. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 2,107 from 1,675. Meanwhile, declines are anticipated for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.