North Stradbroke Island
Statistical Area - sa2

North Stradbroke Island is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

North Stradbroke Island's population is approximately 2,353 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 197 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,156 people. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,261 in June 2024 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 8.5 persons per square kilometer. North Stradbroke Island's growth rate of 9.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA4 region (7.6%) and the national average, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 57 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group projected to expand by 162 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in North Stradbroke Island according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

North Stradbroke Island has seen approximately 15 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 76 homes. As of FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY21 and FY25. This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics.

The average construction value of new properties is $661,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, there have been $67,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 60th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered.

New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 262 people per approval, North Stradbroke Island reflects a transitioning market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it is expected that North Stradbroke Island may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

North Stradbroke Island has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Four projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area: Moreton Bay Research Station, Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminals Upgrade, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, and Cleveland Line Duplication from Park Road to Cleveland.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals North Stradbroke Island recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

North Stradbroke Island has a skilled workforce with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate is 6.3% and there was an estimated employment growth of 4.5% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 1,053 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation on the island lags significantly at 48.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents include accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a notably high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.9 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 10.2% of North Stradbroke Island's workforce compared to 16.1% in Greater Brisbane. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, while labour force increased by 4.6%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within North Stradbroke Island. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations between industry sectors. Applying these projections to North Stradbroke Island's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows North Stradbroke Island's median income among taxpayers is $39,868. The average income is $55,485. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Brisbane has a median income of $55,645 and an average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $45,446 as the median income and $63,247 as the average income by September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in North Stradbroke Island fall between the 10th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 26.5% of locals (623 people) predominantly earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe on North Stradbroke Island, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

North Stradbroke Island is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

North Stradbroke Island's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Brisbane metro's dwelling structure of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership on North Stradbroke Island was at 49.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.1% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure on North Stradbroke Island was $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, North Stradbroke Island's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

North Stradbroke Island features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.4% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.6%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

North Stradbroke Island faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Educational qualifications on North Stradbroke Island lag behind regional benchmarks. 24.8% of residents aged 15 and over hold university degrees, compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding them - advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (30.6%).

A significant 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.2% in tertiary education. Dunwich State School serves North Stradbroke Island, with an enrollment of 144 students as of 2021. The island has varied educational conditions, with one school focusing exclusively on primary education and secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited, with 6.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.4, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

North Stradbroke Island has 39 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together provide 259 weekly passenger trips. The island's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 325 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 37 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges for North Stradbroke Island's population regarding common health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% of the island's total population (~1,120 people) has private health cover, which is lower compared to Greater Brisbane's 54.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (8.3%).

Conversely, 62.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.6%. The island has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.8% (794 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 25.3%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors on the island are strong, outperforming the general population in several health metrics.

North Stradbroke Island is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

North Stradbroke Island, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 85.2% citizens, 86.1% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 45.0%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 1.0%.

Top ancestry groups were English (29.0%), Australian (22.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (11.0%), significantly higher than regional averages. Scottish (10.4%) and Irish (10.3%) were notably overrepresented, while French was at 0.7%.

North Stradbroke Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

North Stradbroke Island has a median age of 52 years, which is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median age of 36 years, and also older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented on North Stradbroke Island at 19.8%, while the 25-34 age cohort is under-represented at 6.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.6% to 11.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 age cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort has declined from 17.3% to 14.4%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.5% to 9.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that North Stradbroke Island's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 128 people (46%), from 280 to 409. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.