Bribie Island

Population growth drivers in Bribie Island are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bribie Island's population is around 22,167 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,555 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,612 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,137 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 307 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 152 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Bribie Island has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.9% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 79.2% 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 2,387 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Bribie Island has seen around 136 new homes approved per year, with 683 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 27 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $238,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $8.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bribie Island has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development consists of 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (73.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated count of 490 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Bribie Island is expected to grow by 2,357 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bribie Island has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bribie Island Retiree Resort (Sundale), Sunderland Drive Residential Estate (Pacific Harbour), Bribie Island Central Coles Precinct Redevelopment, and Bongaree Village Shopping Centre Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in Bribie Island remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Bribie Island has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and 4.2% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,272 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (37.0% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 5.7% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2% and the labour force increased by 4.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bribie Island. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bribie Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Bribie Island SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $41,939 and an average of $57,471 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,095 (median) and $63,166 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Bribie Island all fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 33.1% of locals (7,337 people) in the $400 - 799 category, diverging from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.3%. With 41.5% earning under $800 per week, Bribie Island faces considerable income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Bribie Island, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bribie Island was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 56.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.2%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,647, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $335, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Bribie Island's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 dominate at 64.9% of all households, comprising 12.5% couples with children, 43.4% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 (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 (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (28.7%).

School and university attendance encompasses 17.3% of the community. This includes 6.3% in secondary education, 6.1% in primary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 95 active transport stops operating within Bribie Island comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 858 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 245 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 18.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 122 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bribie Island is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Bribie Island, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~10,551 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 15.4 and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 51.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 52.6% of residents aged 65 and over (11,664 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 76.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion on Bribie Island is Christianity, which makes up 59.2% of the population. This compares to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups on Bribie Island are English, comprising 36.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 24.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.6% of Bribie Island (vs 7.4% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and German at 4.9% (vs 4.2%).

Bribie Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 64-year median age in Bribie Island is significantly above Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and similarly substantially exceeds the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Bribie Island has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (25.7%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (2.7%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the median age has increased by 1.1 years from 63 to 64, reflecting an aging population. Specifically, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 16.0% to 21.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 4.6% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 4.5% to 2.7% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 7.1% to 5.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Bribie Island's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 41% (1,895 people), reaching 6,557 from 4,661. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age groups will see reduced numbers.