Arundel

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Arundel's population is around 11,943 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 772 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,171 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,919 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,226 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Arundel's 6.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.5%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 79.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,652 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Arundel has averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 78 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. At an average of 13 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $356,000. There have also been $34.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Arundel records markedly lower building activity (65.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 83.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 3588 people per dwelling approval, Arundel reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show Arundel adding 1,628 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Arundel has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 39 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Arundel Hills Residential Development, Smith Street Motorway Connection, Molendinar Creek Flood Mitigation, and Arundel Springs by AVID, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and 2.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,132 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 13.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.6% alongside labour force increasing by 2.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Arundel. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Arundel's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Arundel SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $49,743 while 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 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,673 (median) and $68,518 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Arundel, between the 31st and 46th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.1% of the community (4,072 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, ranking at the 44th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Arundel, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.0% houses and 17.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Arundel was in line with that of Regional Qld, at 34.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.5%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $470, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Arundel's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 77.4% of all households, comprising 33.2% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Qld 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.3% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA3 area (22.9%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (23.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 30 active transport stops operating within Arundel, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,567 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 333 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 223 trips per day across all routes, 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, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,019 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 68.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,228 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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 22.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.2% born overseas. The main religion in Arundel is Christianity, which makes up 46.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 4.4% of the population, compared to 0.6% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Arundel are English, comprising 28.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.5% of the population (notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%), and Other, comprising 11.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is overrepresented at 1.5% of Arundel (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 1.7% (vs 0.8%), and Korean at 0.8% (vs 0.2%).

Arundel's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Arundel is close to the Regional Qld figure of 41 but modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 14.7% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.8% to 14.7% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.6% to 8.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.2% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Arundel's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 28% (489 people), reaching 2,246 from 1,756. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.