Benowa

Benowa lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Benowa's population is around 10,684 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 795 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,889 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,660 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,631 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Benowa has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.0% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the Rest of Qld. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 71.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,289 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 21.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Benowa when compared nationally

Benowa has averaged around 58 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 294 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 3.2 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 $408,000. There have also been $53.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Benowa records markedly lower building activity (72.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 19.0% standalone homes and 81.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 61.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 700 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Benowa is expected to grow by 2,265 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Benowa Gardens Redevelopment, Pacific Motorway (M1) Upgrades, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Biodiversity Centre, and Pindara Private Hospital Stage 3 Expansion, 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.

Benowa ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Benowa features a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and 2.6% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,617 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.4% 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 accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while the labour force increased by 2.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the 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 Benowa. 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 Benowa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Benowa SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,017 with the average level standing at $72,952. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,577 (median) and $80,182 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,918 weekly), while personal income sits at the 44th percentile. Income analysis reveals 29.4% of the population (3,141 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 60th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Benowa displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Benowa, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 61.2% houses and 38.7% 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 Benowa was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 40.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.1%) or rented (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $580, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Benowa's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.5% of all households, comprising 37.4% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.5%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Benowa shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Benowa significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 25.4% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.7%) and certificates (18.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in secondary education, 10.6% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 17 active transport stops operating within Benowa, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 794 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 387 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 19.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 113 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Benowa's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Benowa, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~5,918 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.4% and 5.9% of residents, respectively, while 74.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,297 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Benowa 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

Benowa scores highly on cultural diversity, with 26.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.8% born overseas. The main religion in Benowa is Christianity, which makes up 51.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Benowa are English, comprising 27.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%, and Other, comprising 11.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Benowa (vs 0.2% regionally), New Zealand at 1.4% (vs 0.9%) and Russian at 0.7% (vs 0.2%).

Benowa hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

At 44 years, Benowa's median age is marginally above the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 15 - 24 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.9%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.4%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.9% to 13.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.1% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.2% to 12.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.7% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Benowa. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 40%, adding 361 residents to reach 1,258. In contrast, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 8.