North Stradbroke Island

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, as of November 2025, is approximately 2,271 people. This figure represents a growth of 115 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,156. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,261 in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density of 8.2 persons per square kilometer. North Stradbroke Island's growth rate of 5.3% since the last census is within 2.9 percentage points of the SA4 region, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.6% of overall population gains in 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline of 57 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected 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. In the current financial year FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 1.5 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. New properties are constructed at an average value of $285,000.

This financial year has seen $67,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 59th percentile nationally. New development consists of 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

The population density is around 262 people per approval. Given stable or declining population forecasts, North Stradbroke Island may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

North Stradbroke Island has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Moreton Bay Research Station, Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminals Upgrade, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, and Cleveland Line Duplication (Park Road to Cleveland). The following list details those most 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.

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

North Stradbroke Island has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.7% in September 2025. This is 1.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation on the island was 58.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.8%. According to Census responses, 19.7% of residents worked from home as of September 2025. Key industries for employment among residents are accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and construction. The island has a notable 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. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while labour force increased by 6.1%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.3 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane during the same period, employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to North Stradbroke Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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 2023 shows North Stradbroke Island SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $40,983 and an average of $55,919. This is below the national average. Greater Brisbane, meanwhile, had a median income of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for North Stradbroke Island would be approximately $45,044 (median) and $61,461 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in North Stradbroke Island all fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 26.5% of locals (601 people) predominantly earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to broader trends across the broader area where 33.3% fall into this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership on North Stradbroke Island stands at 49.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.1% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,733, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. The median weekly rent figure is $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, North Stradbroke Island's mortgage repayments are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below 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 account for 63.4% of all households, consisting of 18.5% couples with children, 34.6% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.6%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 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

North Stradbroke Island has a lower proportion of residents aged 15+ with university degrees compared to Greater Brisbane, with 24.8% versus 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.5% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 10.9% and certificates for 30.6%. A significant proportion of the population is actively pursuing education, with 24.0% engaged in formal learning.

This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

North Stradbroke Island has 44 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 average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 309 meters. Most residents commute outside the island. Cars are the primary mode of transportation, used by 76% of residents, while 16% walk and 2% cycle. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 37 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in North Stradbroke Island are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

North Stradbroke Island's health indicators show below-average outcomes. AreaSearch's assessment found common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,078 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.0% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 8.3%). While 62.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, this is lower than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (33.8%, or 767 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 between June 2016 and June 2021, had a cultural diversity index below the average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (85.2%), born in Australia (86.1%), and speaking English at home (96.1%). Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 45.0% of its residents.

Notably, Buddhism showed an overrepresentation, with 1.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.0%), Australian (22.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (11.0%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 2.1%. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Scottish at 10.4% compared to 7.4%, Irish at 10.3% versus 8.2%, and French at 0.7% against 0.5%.

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

North Stradbroke Island has a median age of 52 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 years and the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented on the island at 19.8%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.6% to 11.9% of the population, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 17.3% to 14.4%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 10.5% to 9.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that North Stradbroke Island's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, with an increase of 138 people (51%), from 270 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 45-54 and 55-64 age cohorts.