Bribie Island

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

Bribie Island's population is approximately 22,215 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,603 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 20,612. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 22,215 in June 2025 and the addition of 331 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 152 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bribie Island has shown steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, Bribie Island's population is projected to increase by approximately 1,772 persons, reflecting an 8.0% total increase over the 16-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Bribie Island has seen approximately 136 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 683 homes were approved, with a further 29 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 3.4 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost for new dwellings is $238,000, lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $8.1 million, reflecting Bribie Island's predominantly residential nature.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bribie Island maintains similar development levels per capita, preserving market balance with the broader area despite recent activity moderation. New developments consist of 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (73.0% at Census), suggesting persistent strong demand for such properties despite densification trends. The estimated population per dwelling approval is approximately 490 people, reflecting Bribie Island's quiet and low-activity development environment. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by around 1,772 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the area significantly due to their potential influence on local infrastructure. Notable among these are the Bribie Island Retiree Resort by Sundale, the Sunderland Drive Residential Estate developed by Pacific Harbour, the expansion of Bongaree Village Shopping Centre, and Bribie Island Central. The following list provides details of those projects deemed 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.

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

Bribie Island's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs across diverse sectors, with an unemployment rate of 4.4% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%. There are 7,272 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation lags behind Greater Brisbane at 37.0%, compared to 69.6%. Moderately, 18.0% of residents work from home based on Census responses. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.7%, compared to 8.9% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. From December 2024 to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2% and labour force grew by 4.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2%, labour force expand by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bribie Island. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bribie Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The Bribie Island SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $41,939 and an average of $57,471 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, with Greater Brisbane's median income being $58,236 and average income being $72,799. By March 2026, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,703 (median) and $64,000 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Bribie Island fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.1% of locals (7,353 people) have incomes in the $400 - $799 category, differing from the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 33.3%. With 41.5% earning under $800 per week, Bribie Island faces income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Bribie Island's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had a similar distribution with 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership on Bribie Island was higher at 56.3%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 20.2% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,647, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent on Bribie Island was recorded at $335, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Bribie Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 are 64.9% of all households, consisting of 12.5% couples with children, 43.4% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for 35.1%, including lone person households at 32.4% and group households at 2.7%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (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.

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, served by five different bus routes. These routes collectively facilitate 858 weekly passenger trips. The island's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 245 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuting on Bribie Island is outward-bound due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 122 trips per day, equating to approximately nine weekly trips per 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 indicates significant health challenges for Bribie Island, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~10,574 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 15.4% of residents) and mental health issues (8.5%). Conversely, 51.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents face significant health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 51.3% of residents aged 65 and over (11,396 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 76.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion on Bribie Island is Christianity, which accounts for 59.2% of the population, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups in Bribie Island are English (36.0%), Australian (24.6%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.6%, Welsh at 0.8%, and German at 4.9%.

Bribie Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Bribie Island is 64 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and also exceeds Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bribie Island has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (24.7%) 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 data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 16% to 20.7%, while those aged 85 and over have risen from 4.6% to 5.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 7.1% to 5.6%, and those aged 25-34 have dropped from 4.5% to 3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bribie Island's age structure. The number of residents aged 75-84 is expected to grow by 1,748 people (38%), from 4,598 to 6,347. This growth will be driven entirely by residents aged 65 and older. Meanwhile, the populations of those aged 0-4 and 45-54 are projected to decline.