Northern Beaches

Northern Beaches has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Northern Beaches' population is approximately 7,232 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 666 people (10.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,566. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 7,052 in June 2024 and an additional 163 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7.2 persons per square kilometer. Northern Beaches' growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.1% 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to expand by 1,287 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.3% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Northern Beaches when compared nationally

Northern Beaches averaged approximately 33 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 165 homes approved during this period and an additional 10 approved in FY26. The area has seen an average of 3.2 people moving in for each dwelling built annually over these five years, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply. This trend typically exerts upward pressure on property prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $314,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial development approvals amounted to $1.9 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Northern Beaches demonstrates moderately higher construction activity, with an 18.0% increase per person over the five-year period from FY21 to FY25.

This balance preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density nature and appealing to buyers seeking space. Northern Beaches reflects a transitioning market with approximately 222 people per approval. Future projections indicate that Northern Beaches will add around 1,107 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may encounter increased competition as the population continues to grow.

Northern Beaches has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Bushland Beach Master Planned Development, Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Beaches, Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery, and Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program. 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 Northern Beaches recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Northern Beaches has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.6% as of September 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, with similar workforce participation at 59.1%.

Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services have a limited presence at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by Census data comparing working population and resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 1.0%, raising unemployment by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% over the same period. State-level data from November 25, 2025 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% in five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northern Beaches' employment mix suggests local job growth could reach 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022 indicates that Northern Beaches SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,529 and an average of $67,260. These figures are slightly above the national averages. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median income was $50,780 with an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,857 (median) and $76,670 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Northern Beaches rank modestly, between the 37th and 39th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 32.8% of individuals in Northern Beaches fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, which is similar to regional levels at 31.7%. After accounting for housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses.

Northern Beaches is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Northern Beaches, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 96.0% houses and 4.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northern Beaches stood at 36.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (48.2%) or rented (15.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Northern Beaches was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Northern Beaches' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Northern Beaches features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 72.3% of all households, including 27.2% that are couples with children, 34.2% consisting of couples without children, and 10.3% being single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households making up 4.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

Northern Beaches faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (35.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Northern Beaches faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 53% (~3,861 people) have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (9%). Only 64.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. 20.6% (~1,491 people) are aged 65 or over, higher than the state average of 14.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors perform well, even better than the general population.

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

Northern Beaches, as per the data, showed lower cultural diversity with 88.6% citizens, 88.1% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.4%, compared to 52.7% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (30.1%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, German ethnicity was higher than average at 4.2%, while Australian Aboriginal was lower at 3.9%. Scottish ethnicity also showed a slight increase at 8.3% compared to the regional average of 7.7%.

Northern Beaches hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Northern Beaches has a median age of 45, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 55-64 are prominent at 16.0%, while the 15-24 group is smaller at 9.0% compared to Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.3% to 6.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Northern Beaches's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 34%, reaching 991 people from 739. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%.