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

Benowa's population is around 10,728 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 839 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,889 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,728 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,637 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 compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing the Rest of Qld. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 85.9% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,135 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 19.9% over the 16 years.

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

Benowa has averaged approximately 58 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 294 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. On average, for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, 3.2 new residents were added. This has led to a significant demand exceeding supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $408,000. In the current financial year, there have been $53.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Benowa records notably lower building activity, with 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction consists of 19.0% standalone homes and 81.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 61.0% houses. This change may suggest diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The location has approximately 700 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Benowa is projected to grow by 2,135 residents through to 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with this 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Benowa Gardens Redevelopment, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Biodiversity Centre, Pacific Motorway (M1) Upgrades, and Pindara Private Hospital Stage 3 Expansion. The following list details those projects likely to be most 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.

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

Benowa has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

As of December 2025, 5,617 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was on par with Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 19.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

The area has a notably high concentration in professional & technical services, at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force increased by 2.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat compared to Regional Qld's growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth patterns across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Benowa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Benowa SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $46,017 and an average income of $72,952. These figures are above the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $51,245 (median) and $81,239 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,918 weekly), while personal income is at the 44th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 29.4% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional percentage of 31.7%. High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 60th percentile. 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

In Benowa, as per the latest Census, 61.2% of dwellings were houses while 38.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and others. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures which stood at 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benowa was recorded at 40.8%, with mortgaged properties making up 37.1% and rented dwellings comprising 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, surpassing Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Benowa was recorded at $580, compared to Regional Queensland's figure of $345. Nationally, Benowa's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

Benowa's educational attainment exceeds broader standards, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. This notable educational advantage indicates strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (13.7%) and certificates (18.6%).

Educational participation is notably high in Benowa, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including secondary education (10.8%), primary education (10.6%), and tertiary education (5.6%).

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

Benowa has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 794 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents, on average, located 387 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 113 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 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

Benowa's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (~5,943 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most common conditions are arthritis (7.4%) and asthma (5.9%). 74.5% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Benowa has a larger senior population at 22.4%, or 2,404 people, compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings for 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 26.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.8% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Benowa, comprising 51.8% of people. Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (27.2%), Australian (18.9%), and Other (11.3%). Korean, New Zealand, and Russian ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Benowa compared to regional averages.

Benowa hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Benowa's median age is 44 years, which is slightly above Regional Queensland's average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile reveals that individuals aged 45-54 make up a significant portion (14.1%) while those aged 25-34 are relatively smaller (7.8%) compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and the present, the population of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 11.9% to 13.4%, while the cohort of those aged 75-84 has grown from 7.1% to 8.6%. Conversely, the age group of 5-14 has decreased from 14.2% to 12.7%. By 2041, Benowa's population is expected to undergo substantial demographic changes. The cohort aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 38%, adding 345 residents to reach a total of 1,263. Meanwhile, the numbers in the 15-24 age range are anticipated to decrease by 26%.