Broadbeach Waters
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Broadbeach Waters' population was approximately 8,918 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 754 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,164. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,916 in June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,679 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 9.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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 released in 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for national regional areas. Broadbeach Waters is expected to expand by 1,291 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 14.4% over the 17 years.

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

Broadbeach Waters has granted around 33 residential approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 166 homes. In FY26 so far, 24 approvals have been recorded. Each year, approximately 4.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This has led to demand significantly exceeding new supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $1,153,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $15.1 million, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Broadbeach Waters shows reduced construction levels, 70.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

The area's building activity consists of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. With approximately 266 people per dwelling approval, there is room for growth in the location. Population forecasts indicate Broadbeach Waters will gain 1,289 residents by 2041. Construction is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Broadbeach Waters has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 41 projects potentially influencing the region. Notable initiatives include The Landmark, The Lanes, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), and Broadbeach South light rail station. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Broadbeach Waters demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Broadbeach Waters has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% in June 2025, which is 1.9% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%. As of June 2025, 4,929 residents were in work and workforce participation was 62.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food services. The area has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.3% of Broadbeach Waters's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Broadbeach Waters. Applying these industry-specific projections to its current employment mix indicates local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Broadbeach Waters had a median income among taxpayers of $52,125. The average income stood at $125,740. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Broadbeach Waters would be approximately $59,417 (median) and $143,331 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Broadbeach Waters cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. In income distribution, 29.6% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly category, 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. 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

Dwelling structure in Broadbeach Waters, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 78.4% houses and 21.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 45.3% houses and 54.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broadbeach Waters was at 40.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.4%) or rented (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of June 2017, was $2,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $600. Nationally, Broadbeach Waters's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 reported in December 2019, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375 as of June 2020.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 6.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate of 30.1% exceeds both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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, including 8.2% in secondary, 8.1% in primary, and 5.6% in tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 34 active public transport stops in Broadbeach Waters, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,398 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 342 trips per day 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

Broadbeach Waters demonstrates excellent health outcomes with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (7,152 people), compared to 68.9% across the rest of Queensland and 55.3% nationally. 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 free from medical ailments, compared to 72.7% across the rest of Queensland. As of a certain date (not specified), 18.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,620 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Broadbeach Waters are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Broadbeach Waters was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Broadbeach Waters, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 14.6% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 31.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Broadbeach Waters, accounting for 53.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 0.7% of Broadbeach Waters' population, while the regional average was 0.4%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.9%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (8.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: New Zealanders made up 1.6% of Broadbeach Waters' population compared to 1.3% regionally, Spanish residents accounted for 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Hungarians comprised 0.4% compared to 0.3%.

Broadbeach Waters hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Broadbeach Waters is close to the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years, which is higher than the Australian median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Queensland average, the cohort aged 35-44 is notably over-represented at 14.4% locally, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 10.3%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Census periods, Broadbeach Waters has become younger, with its median age dropping from 43 years to 42 years. During this period, the proportion of people aged 35-44 increased from 12.7% to 14.4%, while those aged 25-34 rose from 12.1% to 13.7%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45-54 declined from 15.4% to 12.4%, and those aged 65-74 dropped from 11.0% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for Broadbeach Waters indicate significant demographic changes by the year 2041. The cohort aged 25-34 is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 434 people (36%) from 1,222 to 1,657. Conversely, both the cohorts aged 55-64 and 15-24 are expected to see reduced numbers.