Beenleigh
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Beenleigh reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Beenleigh's population is approximately 8,947 as of Aug 2025. This represents an increase of 522 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,425. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,938 in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,166 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Beenleigh's growth rate of 6.2% since the census places it within 2.4 percentage points of the national average of 8.6%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Australian statistical areas, with Beenleigh expected to expand by 1,629 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in an increase of 18.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Beenleigh recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Beenleigh has recorded approximately 47 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 239 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with an additional 18 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.8 new residents per year over the past five financial years, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $405,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

Additionally, $54.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Beenleigh shows substantially reduced construction levels, at 73.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 32.0% detached houses and 68.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 62.0% houses), possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 364 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with population forecasts indicating Beenleigh will gain 1,620 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as the population increases.

Population forecasts indicate Beenleigh will gain 1,620 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Beenleigh has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Holmview Shopping Centre Expansion, Beenleigh Community Hub, Beenleigh Marketplace Enhancement, and Main St, Beenleigh. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Beenleigh has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Beenleigh has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent in Beenleigh's employment landscape.

The unemployment rate was 7.5% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 5.9%. As of June 2025, 4,430 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 7.5%, which is 3.4% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Beenleigh is lower at 52.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

Construction employs 1.6 times more workers than the regional level, while professional & technical services employ only 4.4% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.9%, while the labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% over the same period. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, unemployment stood at 4.5%, with a job growth rate of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Beenleigh's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9%% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Beenleigh had a median income among taxpayers of $45,372 in financial year 2022. The average income was $50,725 during the same period. Both figures are below the national averages of $55,645 and $70,520 for Greater Brisbane respectively. By March 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $50,685 and an average income of around $56,665 in Beenleigh, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Beenleigh fall between the 10th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.4% of individuals (2,540 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, consistent with broader regional trends where 33.3% fall within the same earnings band. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Beenleigh, with only 78.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

Beenleigh displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Beenleigh's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.5% houses and 37.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 78.9% houses and 21.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beenleigh was at 18.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 54.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Beenleigh was $1,387, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,560. Median weekly rent in Beenleigh was $300, while Brisbane metro recorded $340. Nationally, Beenleigh's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,387 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Beenleigh were also below the national figure of $375 at $300.

Beenleigh features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 58.9% of all households, consisting of 19.4% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 17.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Beenleigh fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 11.7%, substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 33.7%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education. Beenleigh's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 4,029 students while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 975) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between two primary and two secondary institutions. The area functions as an education hub with 45.0 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 16.4 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Beenleigh has 50 active public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus stations. They are served by 48 different routes in total.

Each week, these routes provide 3,854 passenger trips combined. The accessibility of the transport is rated as good. Residents typically live just 239 meters away from their nearest stop. On average, there are 550 trips per day across all routes, which works out to around 77 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Beenleigh is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Beenleigh faces significant health challenges across various age groups. Mental health issues affect 12.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 10.2%. Approximately 46% (~4,133 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 49.1% and the national average of 55.3%.

About 58.8% of Beenleigh residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 63.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.1% (1,530 people) compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Beenleigh was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Beenleigh's cultural diversity was above average, with 11.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.1% born overseas. Christianity was the primary religion, comprising 45.6%. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, at 1.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, English comprised 29.8%, Australian 25.7%, and Other 8.0%. Maori (2.9%), New Zealand (1.5%), and Samoan (1.1%) were notably present in Beenleigh, with no significant variation from regional figures.

Beenleigh's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Beenleigh's median age is 38 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation in Beenleigh at 12.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 12.2%. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.5% to 6.0%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 15 to 24 has decreased from 13.5% to 12.5%. By the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Beenleigh's age structure. The number of people aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 66%, reaching 896 from a previous figure of 538. This growth will be led by the 75 to 84 age group, with those aged 65 and above comprising 54% of the projected population growth. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age cohort and the 0 to 4 age group are expected to experience population declines.