Labrador

Population growth drivers in Labrador are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Labrador's population is around 19,853 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,210 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,643 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,529 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 342 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,970 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Labrador's 6.5% growth since the census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 7,262 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 35.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Labrador when compared nationally

Labrador has averaged around 91 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 459 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new homes are being built at an average value of $319,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $3.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Labrador has slightly more development (20.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 19.0% detached houses and 81.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. At around 399 people per approval, Labrador indicates a mature market.

Future projections show Labrador adding 6,938 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Labrador - Brisbane Road & Marine Parade Stormwater Upgrade, Labrador - Carrara Road, Gold Coast Highway to Napper Road Cycleway, and Freedom Vantage Labrador, 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.

Labrador shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Labrador possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.4%, and 3.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,937 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.4% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (61.0% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.1% 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, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.4% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded 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 Labrador. 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 Labrador's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Labrador SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $47,148 while the average income stands at $58,053. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,820 (median) and $63,806 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Labrador all fall between the 12th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 28.6% of the population (5,677 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, unlike trends in the metropolitan region where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile.

Labrador displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Labrador, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 19.1% houses and 80.9% 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 Labrador lagged that of Regional Qld, at 25.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (47.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Labrador's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Labrador features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 55.5% of all households, comprising 15.6% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 44.5%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households comprising 6.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Labrador trail regional benchmarks, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (27.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.1% in primary education, 6.1% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 72 active transport stops operating within Labrador, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,437 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 144 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 12.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 205 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Labrador is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Labrador, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,569 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.2% and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 63.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,528 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Labrador was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 19.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 36.2% born overseas. The main religion in Labrador is Christianity, which makes up 46.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% 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 Labrador are English, comprising 28.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%, and Other, comprising 11.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Labrador (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 1.9% (vs 0.8%) and Serbian at 0.6% (vs 0.1%).

Labrador hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

At 44 years, Labrador's median age is marginally above the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (17.1%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (6.1%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.3% to 17.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 8.3% to 6.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.4% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Labrador. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 52%, adding 1,759 residents to reach 5,156. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 8% (170 people).