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 around 19,843 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,200 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,643. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 19,529 in June 2024 and additional 341 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,968 persons per square kilometer, placing Labrador in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Labrador's 6.4% growth since census is comparable to its SA3 area's 6.5%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 lacking specific splits. A significant population increase is forecast in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with Labrador expected to grow by 7,262 persons, reflecting a gain of 35.0% over the 17 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 have moved to Labrador for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and enabling population growth.

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

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The majority of new housing approvals (81.0%) are for medium and high-density housing, with 19.0% being detached houses. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Labrador indicates a mature market, with around 399 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Labrador is projected to add 6,948 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag 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 initiatives include Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Commonwealth Games Village (Smith Collective), Labrador-Brisbane Road & Marine Parade Stormwater Upgrade, and Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct - Lumina Development. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

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, the unemployment rate is 6.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year.

There are 9,806 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 2.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 54.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 0.4% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, while labour force increased by 2.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Labrador's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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 2022 shows that income in Labrador SA2 is below national average. Median income is $45,000 and average income stands at $56,842. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Labrador would be approximately $51,295 (median) and $64,794 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Labrador fall between the 12th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 28.6% of population falls within the $800 - 1,499 income range, unlike metropolitan region where 31.7% falls 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 19.1% houses and 80.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 41.7% houses and 58.3% 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, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Labrador was $380, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $410. Nationally, Labrador's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 compared to 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 account for the remaining 44.5%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

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

In Labrador trail region, 22.5% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 40.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (27.4%).

Educational participation is high at 26.2%, with 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. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 144 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Across all routes, there is an average service frequency of 205 trips per day, which equates 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

Labrador faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 48%, covering around 9,584 people, compared to 53.9% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.2% and 9.9% respectively, while 63.2% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 64.5% in the rest of Queensland.

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.7%, with around 4,508 people, compared to 25.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly inline with those of 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 has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 19.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 36.2% born overseas. The predominant religion in Labrador is Christianity, accounting for 46.0% of the population. While Judaism represents only 0.3% of Labrador's population, this is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (28.9%), Australian (20.4%), and Other (11.8%). Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.5% of Labrador's population compared to 1.4% regionally, Maori make up 1.9% versus 1.5%, and Serbians account for 0.6% versus 0.4%.

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 makes up 16.4% of Labrador's population, while the 5-14 year-old group comprises only 6.5%. Since 2021, the proportion of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 14.3% to 16.4%, and the 15-24 age cohort has grown from 10.2% to 11.3%. Conversely, the percentage of 5-14 year-olds has decreased from 8.3% to 6.5%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Labrador. The 25-34 year-old cohort is projected to grow by 58%, adding 1,893 residents to reach a total of 5,156. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 7%, with an increase of 157 people.