Birkdale
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Birkdale's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 15,998, reflecting a growth of 768 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 5.0% rise from the previous population count of 15,230. The change was inferred using the estimated resident population figure of 15,917 from the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,379 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Birkdale's growth rate of 5.0% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA3 area at 4.6%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving the primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base. Demographically, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australian statistical areas moving forward. Birkdale is expected to grow by 606 persons to reach 2041 based on the latest population numbers, representing a total increase of 3.3% over the 17-year period.

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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 301 approvals across the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, with 11 approvals so far in FY26. On average, only 1 person has moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $549,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $4.2 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's predominantly residential character. Comparing Birkdale to Greater Brisbane, construction is somewhat elevated (16.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. New building activity consists of 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Birkdale reflects a low density area, with approximately 286 people per approval. Looking ahead, population growth projections estimate an increase of 525 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Birkdale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 8 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Harrogate Park Upgrade - Birkdale, Birkdale Grove, Eastwood Birkdale, and Birkdale Community Precinct with Redland Whitewater Centre. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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

Birkdale has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025, showing an employment growth of 4.8% over the past year.

This is below Greater Brisbane's unemployment rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Birkdale is 62.3%, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The key industries for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have a lower representation at 7.0% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 4.8% while labour force grew by 4.4%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 4.4%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5% with employment growth 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 Birkdale's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Birkdale's median income among taxpayers was $57,500 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $71,281 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Brisbane of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $64,233 (median) and $79,628 (average) as of March 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Birkdale cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 30.6% of the population, which translates to 4,895 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in 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 dwelling structure in Birkdale, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), similar to Brisbane metro's 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birkdale was higher at 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.6% and rented ones at 19.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Birkdale was $2,000, above Brisbane metro's $1,950. The median weekly rent figure 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%, composed of lone person households at 20.3% and group households at 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, aligning with the Greater Brisbane average.

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

Educational qualifications in Birkdale trail regional benchmarks, with 22.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This difference suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. 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+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 28.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. Birkdale's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,501 students as of the latest data point (20XX). These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 1020, indicating balanced educational opportunities. The three schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.4, below the regional average of 13.2, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Birkdale indicates there are 57 active transport stops currently operating. These consist of both train and bus services. A total of 25 different routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 2,042 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as good, with residents on average located approximately 246 meters from the nearest stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages around 291 trips per day, which equates to roughly 35 weekly trips per individual 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%, covering about 8,798 people. Mental health issues impact 8.5% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.4%. About 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2016, 22.1% of Birkdale's residents are aged 65 and over (3,535 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 cultural diversity is roughly comparable to the wider region, with 76.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.0% being citizens, and 91.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Birkdale at 55.6%, compared to 53.3% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.0%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.3% of Birkdale's population, higher than the regional average of 1.2%. Similarly, Dutch residents make up 1.8%, compared to 1.5% regionally, and Maori representation is at 1.0%, slightly lower than the regional 1.2%.

Birkdale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Birkdale is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 8.3% of Birkdale's population, compared to the 25-34 cohort which makes up 8.4%. According to the 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%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that Birkdale will experience substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 45%, adding 593 people and reaching a total of 1,920 from 1,326. The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 72% of the total population growth, reflecting Birkdale's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.