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 November 2025, is approximately 15,989 people. This figure represents an increase of 759 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,230. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates showing a resident population of 15,917 in June 2024 and the addition of 101 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,378 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 (4.6%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving 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 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas. Birkdale is expected to grow by 606 persons to the year 2041, based on the latest population numbers, with an overall increase of approximately 3.3% over these 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, 22 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1 person has moved to the area per dwelling built each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value for new homes is $345,000.

This financial year, $4.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Birkdale's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Birkdale has recorded 16.0% higher construction activity per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting property values. Ninety-one percent of new building activity consists of standalone homes, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 9%.

This maintains Birkdale's low-density suburban character, appealing to those seeking space. With around 286 people per approval, Birkdale is expected to grow by 534 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Harrogate Park Upgrade - Birkdale, Birkdale Grove, Eastwood Birkdale, and Birkdale Community Precinct which includes Redland Whitewater Centre. 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.

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

Birkdale has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025.

There was an estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year. In June 2025, 8,912 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Birkdale was 62.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction is particularly notable with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 7.0% of Birkdale's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force increased by 4.4%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 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 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. The average income stood at $71,281 during this period. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520 in the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $65,544 and the average income around $81,253 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Birkdale cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.6% of the population (4,892 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 33.3% are in the same category. After housing expenses, 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

Birkdale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is comparable to Brisbane metro's 85.0% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birkdale was at 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.6% and rented ones at 19.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,950. Median weekly rent in Birkdale was $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $405. Nationally, Birkdale's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $440 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 matches 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 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (28.0%). Educational participation is notably 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 3 schools have combined enrollment reaching 1,501 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1020) with balanced educational opportunities. The 3 schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents (9.4) fall below the regional average (13.2), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 57 active transport stops in Birkdale. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 25 individual routes operating, providing a total of 2042 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as 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 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% of the total population (~8,793 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. 66.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, 22.1% of Birkdale's residents are aged 65 and over (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 cultural diversity aligns with 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 dominant religion in Birkdale, comprising 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%. Dutch residents make up 1.8%, slightly more than the region's 1.5%. Maori representation is also notable at 1.0%, compared to the regional average of 1.2%.

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

The median age in Birkdale is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, and also considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 8.3% of the population in Birkdale, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.9% to 8.3% of the population in Birkdale. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Birkdale. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 45%, adding 594 people, reaching a total of 1,920 from 1,325. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 72% of the total population growth in Birkdale, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.