Hope Island
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 18,323 as of Aug 2025. This reflected an increase of 3,658 people (24.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,665 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,592 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,132 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 328 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Hope Island's 24.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.6%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 69.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 were adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas was forecast. The area was expected to increase by 7,619 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 37.6% 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 received approximately 418 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 2,091 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25, with 7 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.9 new residents arrive annually for each new home over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), suggesting balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and an average dwelling construction cost of $728,000, moderately above regional levels. This year has seen $15.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating active commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Hope Island records 190.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has recently eased. The area's developer interest is significantly above the national average. New building activity comprises 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% medium to high-density housing, creating affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, marking a shift from the existing 60.0% houses. With around 53 people per dwelling approval, Hope Island exhibits growth area characteristics. Future projections estimate an addition of 6,888 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting adequate new housing supply to meet demand and potentially facilitate population growth beyond current projections.

Future projections show Hope Island adding 6,888 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Hope Island has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 119 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Hope Island Railway Station (Cross River Rail), Saffron at Links Hope Island, Marina Point Apartments, and Coomera Medical Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Hope Island has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of June 2025, 8,765 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 55.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance had lower representation at 12.1% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data analysis. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, and labour force grew by 2.1%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lagged behind national employment growth of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May 2025 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hope Island's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Hope Island had a median taxpayer income of $52,572 and an average income of $76,057. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. As of March 2025, estimated incomes based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% would be approximately $58,728 (median) and $84,963 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Hope Island's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 30.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 5,643 residents in this range. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this income bracket. Housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st 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

Dwelling structure in Hope Island, as evaluated at the latest Census on 27 June 2016, comprised 60.4% houses and 39.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 80.5% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership within Hope Island was at 41.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.8%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200 as of June 2016, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550. Nationally, Hope Island's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 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 is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9.

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 at 27.0% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This also exceeds the SA3 area average of 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 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. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 250 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with Hope Island residents typically located about 830 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 35 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to around 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Hope Island are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators show below-average outcomes in Hope Island. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent here than average across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~10,462 people), compared to 52.3% across the rest of Queensland. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.2 and 6.1% of residents respectively. 68.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.6% across the rest of Queensland. As of 4 June 2021, 27.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,958 people), which is higher than the 12.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Hope Island are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Hope Island 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

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 was the predominant religion in Hope Island, comprising 56.7% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to regional averages; it comprised 0.4% of Hope Island's population versus 0.1% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.4%), Australian (20.0%), and Scottish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: South African was overrepresented at 1.4% compared to regional levels of 1.0%, New Zealand at 1.3% versus regional averages of 1.9%, and Russian at 0.6% against regional figures of 0.3%.

Hope Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Hope Island's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.5%, while those aged 5-14 constitute a smaller proportion at 8.7% compared to the Rest of Qld. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.6% to 11.3%, and the 25-34 cohort has increased from 8.5% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has declined from 16.1% to 14.5%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 14.5% to 13.2%. By 2041, Hope Island is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 60%, reaching 2,978 people from a previous count of 1,856 individuals.