Bribie Island
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Bribie Island are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Bribie Island's population is approximately 22,139 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,527 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,612. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,137 in June 2024 and an additional 293 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 152 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bribie Island has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, Bribie Island's population is expected to increase by just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. Based on the latest population numbers, the area is projected to grow by 2,387 persons to reach a total population of approximately 24,526 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 10.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Bribie Island among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Bribie Island has seen approximately 335 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 1,678 approvals over the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, with 1 approval so far in FY26. On average, 3.4 people have moved to the area per dwelling built each year over these five financial years. This indicates that supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $513,000. There has also been $8.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bribie Island has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

However, development activity has moderated recently. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (73.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes. The estimated population count of 490 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Bribie Island will gain 2,385 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.

Bribie Island has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified six projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Moreton Bay Rail Link Stage 2, Bruce Highway Upgrade - Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way, Pumicestone Blue Nature Reserve Enhancement, and Stockland Aura. 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Bribie Island maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bribie Island's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with varied sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in June 2025, below Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Employment grew by 11.3% over the past year. As of June 2025, 7,326 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 34.5%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is notably high at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employ only 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, with Census data showing fewer working residents than population. From Jun-24 to Jun-25, employment increased by 11.3%, labour force by 8.3%, reducing unemployment by 2.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 4.4% and a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs) to Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bribie Island's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Bribie Island's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $40,505. The average income stood at $55,358 during this period. In Greater Brisbane, the median and average incomes were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By March 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Bribie Island would be approximately $45,248 and $61,840, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Bribie Island all fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captured 33.1% of the community (7,328 individuals), while in the surrounding region, the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominated with 33.3%. A total of 41.5% of residents earned less than $800 per week, indicating constrained household budgets across much of the suburb. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Bribie Island, as per the latest Census, consists of 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Bribie Island is higher than that of Brisbane metro, at 56.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (20.2%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,647, aligning with the Brisbane metro average, while the median weekly rent figure is recorded at $335, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,647 and $350 respectively. Nationally, Bribie Island's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bribie Island features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.9% of all households, including 12.5% couples with children, 43.4% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.1.

Bribie Island faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 15.6%, substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 28.7%.

School and university attendance encompasses 17.3% of the community, including 6.3% in secondary education, 6.1% in primary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. Bribie Island's 3 schools have combined enrollment reaching 2,456 students as of a recent report. The island demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 974) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (11.1 places per 100 residents vs 7.4 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region, as of the latest data available.

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

Bribie Island has 95 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that collectively facilitate 858 weekly passenger trips. The island's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 245 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 122 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bribie Island is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bribie Island faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The rate of private health cover on the island is low at approximately 48%, covering around 10,538 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 15.4% of residents) and mental health issues (8.5%). Conversely, 51.0% of residents reported no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 52.7%. Bribie Island has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 50.7% (11,231 people) compared to Greater Brisbane's 44.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors on the island are better than those in the general population.

Bribie Island ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bribie Island had a cultural diversity level below average, with 76.7% of its residents born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion on Bribie Island, accounting for 59.2% of the population, compared to 56.3% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.0%), Australian (24.6%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 9.6%, Welsh at 0.8%, and German at 4.9%, compared to regional averages of 9.0%, 0.7%, and 4.8% respectively.

Bribie Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Bribie Island is 64 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bribie Island has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (25.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (3%). The concentration of residents aged 65-74 in Bribie Island is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 16% to 19.8%, while the percentages for those aged 25-34 and 5-14 have decreased from 4.5% to 3% and 7.1% to 5.7%, respectively. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bribie Island's age structure. The number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 2,169 people (49%), from 4,387 to 6,557. All anticipated population growth will be among residents aged 65 and older. Meanwhile, the populations of those aged 0-4 and 55-64 are expected to decline.