Golden Beach - Pelican Waters
Statistical Area - sa2

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters' population was approximately 14,437 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 1,402 people (10.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,035. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 13,987 in June 2024 and the addition of 495 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,381 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded both the non-metro average (8.8%) and the national average between 2021 and November 2025. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59.1% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 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 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, Golden Beach - Pelican Waters is expected to have a population of approximately 17,114, marking a total increase of 2,677 persons (15.4%) over the 17-year period from November 2025.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Golden Beach - Pelican Waters among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters has averaged approximately 136 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 684 homes. As of FY26, 43 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value of new homes is $648,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $1.6 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Golden Beach - Pelican Waters has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, and it ranks among the 88th percentile nationally when measured by this metric. Recent construction comprises 80% detached houses and 20% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes.

With approximately 99 people per approval, Golden Beach - Pelican Waters is a developing area expected to grow by 2,227 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially exceeding current growth forecasts.

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 45 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are Aura Home + Life, Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters, Pelican Waters Infrastructure Upgrade B, and Caloundra South Industrial Precinct. The following list provides details on those projects considered 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Golden Beach - Pelican Waters ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters had an unemployment rate of 2.4% as of June 2025. It has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented.

There were 6,045 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Golden Beach - Pelican Waters was 46.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are particularly notable at 1.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.8% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.2%, employment decreased by 1.3%, resulting in unemployment rate falling by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force expand by 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Golden Beach - Pelican Waters' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8%% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Golden Beach - Pelican Waters had a median income among taxpayers of $43,818. The average income stood at $55,945. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $49,948 (median) and $63,772 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Golden Beach - Pelican Waters all fall between the 22nd and 24th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 26.8% of the community (3,869 individuals), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.8% houses and 27.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Golden Beach - Pelican Waters was 53.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,123, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Golden Beach - Pelican Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 73.4% of all households, including 22.0% couples with children, 42.2% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Golden Beach's Pelican Waters area has educational qualifications that trail regional benchmarks. 20.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 26.7%.

22.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.7% in secondary, 7.6% in primary, and 3.3% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes Caloundra City Private School and Golden Beach State School, serving a total of 826 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1059). There is one primary and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 5.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Analysis shows 36 active public transport stops in Golden Beach - Pelican Waters. These stops serve buses only. One route operates here, offering 191 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 391 meters to the nearest stop. Services run approximately 27 times daily across all routes, which translates to about five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Golden Beach - Pelican Waters is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at around 48%, covering approximately 6929 people, compared to Queensland's average of 52.7% and Australia's national average of 55.3%. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health concerns (7.3%), with 61.1% reporting no medical conditions, compared to 66.2% in Queensland excluding Golden Beach - Pelican Waters.

The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 35.4%, or around 5104 people, compared to the state average of 22.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average and better than those in the general population.

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Golden Beach-Pelican Waters showed lower cultural diversity, with 77.9% of its population born in Australia, 88.9% being citizens, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 59.2%, compared to 50.0% across Rest of Qld. Top ancestry groups were English (34.7%), Australian (25.3%), and Irish (9.6%).

Notably, Scottish (9.4%) and German (4.9%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.8% and 4.6%, respectively. Welsh representation was also slightly higher at 0.7%.

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Golden Beach - Pelican Waters has a median age of 55, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Golden Beach - Pelican Waters has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (17.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.1%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 11.7% to 13.7%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.4% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.9% to 12.2%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 19.3% to 17.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Golden Beach - Pelican Waters's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 127%, reaching 1,272 people from 560. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.