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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hope Island's population is around 18,585 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,920 people (26.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,665 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,592 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,281 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 333 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Hope Island's 26.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 69.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 7,619 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 35.6% in total over the 17 years.

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 experienced around 418 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 2,091 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26250 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $478,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $15.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Hope Island records 190.0% more new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity shows 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 60.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 53 people per dwelling approval, Hope Island shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Hope Island adding 6,626 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 117 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Hope Island Railway Station (Cross River Rail), Marina Point Apartments, Esperance Hope Island, and Coomera Urban Village Stage 3, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Hope Island features a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 2.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,234 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (61.1% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a high 25.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.1% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and the labour force increased 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%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hope Island. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hope Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23, the Hope Island SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,085 with the average level standing at $77,923. This is very high nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,544 (median) and $85,645 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Hope Island cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 30.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,724 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 60th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Hope Island, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.4% houses and 39.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hope Island was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 41.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.8%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Hope Island's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 77.7% of all households, comprising 25.9% couples with children, 42.5% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.3%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.0% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA3 area (20.7%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including 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

Public transport analysis reveals 14 active transport stops operating within Hope Island, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 250 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 830 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A high 25.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~10,779 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2% and 6.1% of residents, respectively, while 68.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 27.0% of residents aged 65 and over (5,025 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 12.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.6% born overseas. The main religion in Hope Island is Christianity, which makes up 56.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hope Island are English, comprising 33.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%, and Scottish, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Hope Island (vs 0.5% regionally), New Zealand at 1.3% (vs 0.9%) and Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.2%).

Hope Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 49 years, Hope Island's median age is significantly above the Regional Qld average of 41 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.4%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (8.4%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.5% to 10.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.6% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.8% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 16.1% to 14.4%. By 2041, Hope Island is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 39% (1,036 people), reaching 3,716 from 2,679.