Broadbeach Waters

Population growth drivers in Broadbeach Waters are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Broadbeach Waters' population was around 9,122 as of May 2026, reflecting a growth of 958 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 8,164 people in Broadbeach Waters. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,109 as of June 2025 and an additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 1,717 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Broadbeach Waters' growth rate of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both Rest of Qld's 9.2% and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.7% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 with a base year of 2021. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using data from 2022 for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends project an above median population growth for national regional areas, with Broadbeach Waters expected to expand by 1,285 persons to reach a total of 10,407 by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a 13.9% increase over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Broadbeach Waters among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Broadbeach Waters has recorded approximately 33 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 166 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 34 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand exceeding new supply. The average construction value of new properties is $1,153,000, targeting the premium market segment.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $15.1 million, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Broadbeach Waters has 70.0% less construction per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. New building activity consists of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes. The population density is approximately 266 people per dwelling approval, leaving room for growth.

By 2041, Broadbeach Waters is projected to gain 1,272 residents, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Construction pace is reasonable with expected growth, but increasing competition among buyers can be anticipated as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects likely to affect the region. Key initiatives include The Landmark, The Lanes Retail Precinct, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), and Broadbeach South light rail station. The following list details those 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 performance in Broadbeach Waters ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Broadbeach Waters has a highly educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.2% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%.

In December 2025, 5,053 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses in 2025, 20.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food sectors.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at only 0.3% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 2.6%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Broadbeach Waters' employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Broadbeach Waters SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,312 and an average level of $84,052. These figures are high nationally compared to Regional Qld's levels of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,482 (median) and $93,600 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Broadbeach Waters cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of locals (2,700 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 31.7%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Broadbeach Waters, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is compared to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broadbeach Waters stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged properties at 36.4% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Broadbeach Waters was recorded at $600, compared to Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375.

Broadbeach Waters features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.5% of all households, including 31.0% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 6.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Broadbeach Waters exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 30.1%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.4% and certificates at 22.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% in secondary, 8.1% in primary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 34 active stops operating in Broadbeach Waters. These are served by 16 routes, providing a total of 2,398 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to residential dominance, with cars being the primary mode at 89%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, above the regional average. In 2021 Census data (possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions), 20.6% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages 342 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 70 weekly trips per individual stop.

Broadbeach Waters's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data indicates notable results for Broadbeach Waters, with AreaSearch's assessment revealing very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (5,619 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.1 and 5.9% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 73.7%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Broadbeach Waters has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,658 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors align broadly with national rankings and are generally strong.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Broadbeach Waters was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Broadbeach Waters had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 53.6%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top ancestry groups were English (29.9%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, New Zealanders (1.6%) Spanish (0.8%) and Hungarians (0.4%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 0.3% and 0.2% respectively.

Broadbeach Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Broadbeach Waters is 42 years, closely resembling Regional Qld's average of 41 years but notably higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Comparing with Regional Qld, the 35-44 age group is over-represented at 14.6% locally, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, Broadbeach Waters has become younger, with median age decreasing by 1.2 years to 42 from 43 previously. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.1% to 14.1%, while the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 12.7% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 15.4% to 12.1%, and the 65 to 74 age group has dropped from 11.0% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for Broadbeach Waters indicate significant demographic shifts by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, adding 391 people (a 31% increase) from 1,283 to 1,675. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.