Hope Island

Hope Island lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Hope Island's population was approximately 19,165 as of May 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 4,500 people, a 30.7% rise from the 2021 Census count of 14,665 residents. The growth is inferred from ABS' June 2025 estimated resident population of 18,253 and validated new addresses since the Census date totaling 1,336. This results in a population density of 343 persons per square kilometer. Hope Island's population growth exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and national averages since the 2021 census, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas, with Hope Island expected to add 7,199 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 32.8% over 16 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Hope Island was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Hope Island has received approximately 418 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 2,091 homes. As of FY26294 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is $478,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $15.0 million, reflecting moderate levels of commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Hope Island has 188.0% more new home approvals per capita, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is significantly above the national average, suggesting strong developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the existing housing stock (currently 60.0% houses) reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 53 people per dwelling approval, Hope Island exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections estimate an addition of 6,287 residents by 2041, suggesting that current construction levels should adequately meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially allowing for growth exceeding current forecasts.

Hope Island has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 113 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Odyssey Hope Island, Links Hope Island Resort Master Plan, Esperance Hope Island, and Marina Point Apartments. The following list details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Hope Island well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Hope Island has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate is 2.4% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%.

There are 9,234 residents in work currently, with an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 58.9% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that a high 25.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 12.1% compared to Regional Qld's average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, while the labour force grew by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Hope Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% 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 ended June 2023, Hope Island SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,085 with an average level standing at $77,923. Nationally, these figures are high compared to median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Hope Island SA2 would be approximately $61,343 (median) and $86,775 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Hope Island cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 30.8% earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, with 5,902 residents falling into this category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 60th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Hope Island displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hope Island's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.4% houses and 39.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hope Island was at 41.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented dwellings at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Hope Island was $550, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Hope Island's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hope Island features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.7% of all households, including 25.9% couples with children, 42.5% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.3%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Hope Island aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 27.0% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA3 area at 20.7%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (14.2%) and certificates (23.0%). Educational participation is notably high, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hope Island has 14 active public transport stops operating currently. These are mixed bus stops serviced by two routes that collectively facilitate 250 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 830 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with car being the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 25.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Hope Island is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Hope Island exhibits superior health outcomes as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups display low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 58% (~11,115 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.2%) and asthma (6.1%), while 68.3% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.2% (5,220 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with national rankings.

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

Hope Island's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 37.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion on Hope Island, comprising 56.7% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.4%, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.4%), Australian (20.0%), and Scottish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: South Australian (1.4% vs regional 0.5%), New Zealand (1.3% vs 0.9%), and Russian (0.6% vs 0.2%) are overrepresented in Hope Island.

Hope Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Hope Island's median age, at 49 years, is significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65 to 74 are particularly prominent, comprising 14.3% of the population, while those aged 5 to 14 make up a smaller proportion at 8.3%. Between 2021 and the present day, the percentage of Hope Island's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 8.5% to 10.6%, and the percentage of those aged 15 to 24 has risen from 9.6% to 11.4%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 16.1% to 14.3%, and the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 14.5% to 12.8%. By the year 2041, Hope Island's age composition is expected to see notable shifts. Notably, the demographic shift will be led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 49%, increasing from 2,025 people in 2021 to 3,028 people by 2041.