Birkdale

Birkdale is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Birkdale's population is around 15,989 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 759 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 15,230 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,917 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,378 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Birkdale's 5.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of Australian statistical areas is anticipated. The area is expected to grow by 606 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 3.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Birkdale has recorded approximately 60 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 301 homes. As of FY26, 30 approvals have been recorded. On average, one person moves to the area per dwelling built each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new supply meets or exceeds demand. The average construction cost value for new homes is $345,000.

In FY26, $4.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Birkdale's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Birkdale has a 16.0% higher construction rate per person over the past five years. New building activity comprises 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 286 people per approval, Birkdale is a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Birkdale is expected to grow by 534 residents by 2041, and current development rates should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Birkdale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects potentially affecting this area. Notable ones are Birkdale Grove, Birkdale Community Precinct including Redland Whitewater Centre, Eastwood Birkdale, and Harrogate Park Upgrade - Birkdale. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Birkdale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Birkdale has a skilled workforce with prominent representation from essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.6%.

As of September 2025, 9,117 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was at 62.3%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction had employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 7.0% of Birkdale's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 6.6%, and labour force increased by 6.0%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a similar unemployment rate decrease. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Birkdale's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simplified extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The Birkdale SA2's income level is above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Birkdale SA2 is $57,500 and the average income stands at $71,281. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's figures are $55,645 (median) and $70,520 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Birkdale SA2 would be approximately $65,544 (median) and $81,253 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Birkdale cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.6% of the population, which is 4,892 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 33.3% fall into the same category. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

The latest Census data shows that in Birkdale, 84.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Brisbane metropolitan area's dwelling structure, which also had 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birkdale was higher at 37.3%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (43.6%) or rented (19.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Birkdale was $2,000, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Birkdale was $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $405. Nationally, Birkdale's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Birkdale features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 77.9% of all households, including 35.3% couples with children, 30.7% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 20.3% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Educational attainment in Birkdale aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

In Birkdale Trail region, as of the latest data, 22.3% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university degrees, compared to Greater Brisbane's 30.5%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 28.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 57 active stops operating in Birkdale, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,042 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 246 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 291 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per stop.

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

Birkdale faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population, which amounts to around 8,793 people. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in the area, impacting 8.5% of residents, followed by arthritis affecting 8.4%. A total of 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over, numbering approximately 3,533 people, which is higher than the 20.0% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Birkdale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Birkdale's population was found to have approximately the same level of cultural diversity as the wider region, with 76.7% born in Australia, 89.0% being citizens, and 91.4% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Birkdale was Christianity, comprising 55.6%, compared to 53.3% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.0%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.3% of Birkdale's population, higher than the regional average of 1.2%. Dutch residents comprised 1.8%, compared to 1.5% regionally, and South Africans constituted 0.8%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.7%.

Birkdale's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Birkdale is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 8.3% of the population in Birkdale, compared to a lower representation of the 25-34 cohort at 8.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.9% to 8.3%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 10.1% to 8.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Birkdale, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 45%, reaching 1,920 people from 1,325. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 72% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.