Labrador

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

Labrador's population is 19,849 as of November 2025, an increase of 1,206 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 18,643. This growth reflects an estimated resident population of 19,529 in June 2024 and an additional 341 validated new addresses since the Census date. Labrador's population density is 3,969 persons per square kilometer, placing it within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area has experienced a 6.5% growth rate since the census, which is within 2.3 percentage points of the Rest of Qld's 8.8%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in Labrador during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032 based on 2021 data.

For areas not covered by these projections, proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Labrador expected to grow by 7,262 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 35.0% over the 17 years.

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

Labrador has averaged approximately 91 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 459 homes. As of FY26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 people per year moved to Labrador for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and facilitating population growth that may surpass current projections.

The average expected construction cost of new homes in Labrador is $319,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, there have been $3.4 million worth of commercial approvals, reflecting Labrador's predominantly residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Labrador has seen slightly more development, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balance preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The majority of new housing approvals in Labrador are for medium and high-density dwellings (81.0%), with detached houses making up 19.0%. This trend towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Currently, there are approximately 399 people per dwelling approval in Labrador, indicating a mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Labrador is projected to add around 6,942 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include 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. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Labrador lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Labrador has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 6.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year. In September 2025, 9,806 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

The workforce participation rate in Labrador is 60.6%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 12.1% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Labrador shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4% compared to the regional 4.5%.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, and labour force increased by 2.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points in Labrador. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, with local growth patterns estimated based on industry-specific projections applied to Labrador's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Labrador SA2 is $47,148 and average income is $58,053. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $51,820 and average income would be around $63,806. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Labrador fall between the 12th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 28.6% of the population (5,676 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike metropolitan trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Labrador, with only 76.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Labrador's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 19.1% houses and 80.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Labrador was at 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 47.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $380, higher than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Labrador's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 against 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 constitute 55.5% of all households, including 15.6% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 44.5%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households making up 6.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the average of 2.5 in the Rest of Qld.

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

Educational qualifications in Labrador trail regional benchmarks show that 22.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (27.4%). Educational participation is 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

Labrador has 72 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1,437 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered excellent, with residents typically residing just 144 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 86% of residents. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 205 trips per day, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per stop.

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

Labrador faces substantial health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 48% (~9,567 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.2 and 9.9% respectively. Conversely, 63.2% claim to be free of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. The working-age population faces significant health challenges with high chronic condition rates. Labrador has 22.7% residents aged 65 and over (4,509 people), higher than the 20.0% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 19.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Labrador, comprising 46.0%. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Labrador at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (28.9%), Australian (20.4%), and Other (11.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.5% in Labrador versus 0.9% regionally, Maori at 1.9% compared to 0.8%, and Serbian at 0.6% against 0.1%.

Labrador hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Labrador's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than Queensland's average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-old group is particularly prominent, making up 16.4% of Labrador's population, while the 5-14 year-old group is comparatively smaller at 6.5%. From 2021 to present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.3% to 16.4%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 10.2% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 year-old cohort has declined from 8.3% to 6.5%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Labrador. The 25-34 year-old cohort is projected to grow by 58%, adding 1,892 residents to reach a total of 5,156. Meanwhile, the 15-24 year-old cohort is expected to grow by a modest 7% (an increase of 157 people).