Main Beach
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Main Beach are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Main Beach's population was approximately 4,662 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 664 people from the 2021 Census count of 3,998, indicating a 16.6% increase since then. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,225 in June 2024 and an additional 266 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,347 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Main Beach's growth rate of 16.6% since the 2021 census surpassed that of non-metro areas (8.8%) and the national average, positioning it as a leading growth region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods for this area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Main Beach's top quartile of national regional areas. By 2041, based on the latest population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 1,627 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 25.5% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Main Beach when compared nationally

Main Beach has seen around 155 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 777 homes. As of FY26, 31 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.2 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand. The average construction value of new homes is $804,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $14.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting moderate commercial growth. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Main Beach records 84.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater buyer choice. However, building activity has slowed recently. The area's focus on medium and high-density housing (98.0%) creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 281 people per dwelling approval, Main Beach shows a developing market. Future projections estimate an addition of 1,190 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds forecasts.

Future projections show Main Beach adding 1,190 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Main Beach 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 47 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Drift Residences, La Mer Main Beach, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, and Lune Main Beach. The following details projects expected to be most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Main Beach demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Main Beach has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate is 1.8% and there was a 2.1% employment growth in the past year up to June 2025.

As of this date, 2362 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 51.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

There are 0.8 workers for each resident, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities based on Census data from June 2025. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, and labour force grew by 2.1% with unemployment remaining unchanged. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local growth estimates for Main Beach being approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years based on its employment mix.

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 financial year 2022, Main Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $54,454. The average level stood at $90,138. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $62,072 (median) and $102,748 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($938 weekly), while household income sits at the 46th percentile. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 27.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,300 residents). This pattern is similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Main Beach features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Main Beach, as per the latest Census, comprised 3.4% houses and 96.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 25.1% houses and 74.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Main Beach was 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.6% and rented ones at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,091, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Main Beach was $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $437. Nationally, Main Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,091 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $500 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.6% of all households, including 11.1% that are couples with children, 40.8% that are couples without children, and 6.1% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 5.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.1.

The educational profile of Main Beach exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Main Beach is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 35.7% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Qld and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 14.4% and certificates at 17.7%.

A significant 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.4% in tertiary, 5.2% in secondary, and 4.2% in primary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside Main Beach's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 18 active transport stops operating within Main Beach. These include a mix of lightrail and bus services. There are 3 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 2,844 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 117 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 406 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 158 weekly trips per individual stop.

Main Beach's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Main Beach's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing typical levels of common health conditions across both young and elderly residents. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% (3,109 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 58.1% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and asthma (5.9%), while 67.9% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 72.6%.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 38.7% (1,803 people), higher than Rest of Qld's 21.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, exceeding those of the general population in health metrics.

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

Main Beach's cultural diversity was above average, with 10.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.4% born overseas. Christianity dominated Main Beach's religious landscape at 59.4%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to the Rest of Qld's 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, English was highest at 33.2%, Australian at 18.9%, and Irish at 11.8%. Notably, French was overrepresented at 1.0% (vs regional 0.8%), Scottish at 9.5% (vs 7.2%), and Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.6%).

Main Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Main Beach is 56 years, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and the national norm of 38 years. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Main Beach at 15.0%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 2.6%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 85+ age group has grown from 2.3% to 5.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 12.5% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.8% to 10.0%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 19.0% to 16.2%. By 2041, Main Beach's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand substantially, increasing by 621 people (258%) from 240 to 862. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 72% of total population growth, reflecting Main Beach's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 15-24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.