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 is approximately 8,918 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 754 individuals (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,164. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 8,916 in June 2024 and additional 55 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,679 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Broadbeach Waters' growth of 9.2% since the 2021 Census surpasses the non-metro area's 8.8% and the national average, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.4% to 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 using 2022 as the base year. 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 used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Demographically, the area is projected to experience above-median population growth typical of national regional areas. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Broadbeach Waters is expected to expand by 1,291 persons, reflecting a total increase of 14.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Broadbeach Waters has granted approximately 33 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 166 homes. As of FY26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.4 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,153,000, targeting the premium market segment.

Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $15.1 million, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Broadbeach Waters shows significantly reduced construction levels (70% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. New building activity comprises 86% detached houses and 14% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes. The location has around 266 people per dwelling approval, leaving room for growth.

Population forecasts indicate Broadbeach Waters will gain approximately 1,289 residents by 2041 (based on AreaSearch quarterly estimates). Construction is keeping pace with projected population growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 41 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include The Landmark, The Lanes, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), and Broadbeach South light rail station. 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.

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

Broadbeach Waters has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.4%. As of that date, 5,004 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 62.3%, comparable to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food sectors.

The area has a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.3% of Broadbeach Waters's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, while labour force grew by 2.5%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Broadbeach Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Broadbeach Waters SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $52,125 and an average income of $125,740. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $59,417 (median) and $143,331 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Broadbeach Waters cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.6% of locals (2,639 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 31.7%. Notably, 32.2% exceed $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. High housing costs consume 17.3% of income, but disposable income remains at the 68th percentile, placing Broadbeach Waters in the 8th decile for SEIFA income ranking.

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 9 August 2016, comprised 78.4% houses and 21.7% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 45.3% houses and 54.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broadbeach Waters stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.4% and rented dwellings at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,019. Median weekly rent in Broadbeach Waters was $600, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, Broadbeach Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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 make up 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 is 30.1%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's rate of 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 education, 8.1% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 34 active stops in Broadbeach Waters, offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by 16 routes, collectively facilitating 2,398 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents usually within 225 meters of the nearest stop.

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

Broadbeach Waters's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Broadbeach Waters. Prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (7,152 people), compared to 68.9% across Rest of Qld and 55.3% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.1 and 5.9% of residents respectively. Seventy-three point seven percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.7% across Rest of Qld. Eighteen point two percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,620 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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% 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, comprising 0.7% compared to 0.4% across the rest of Queensland.

For ancestry, the top three groups were English at 29.9%, Australian at 21.2%, and Irish at 8.7%. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included New Zealand (1.6% vs regional 1.3%), Spanish (0.8% vs 0.7%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%).

Broadbeach Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Broadbeach Waters is 42 years, close to the Rest of Qld's average of 41 but notably higher than Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 35-44 cohort is over-represented at 14.4% locally while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present day, Broadbeach Waters has become younger with median age dropping from 43 to 42 years. The 35-44 age group grew from 12.7% to 14.4%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.4% to 12.4%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for Broadbeach Waters indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 434 people (36%) from 1,222 to 1,657. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.