Northern Beaches
Statistical Area - sa2

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 7,232 as of Nov 2025. This shows an increase of 666 people (10.1%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,566. The change was 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 density ratio of 7.2 persons per square kilometer. Northern Beaches' growth exceeded SA4 (6.9%) and SA3 regions, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.1% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied. 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 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a 15.3% increase over the 17 years.

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. Each year, around 3.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new properties was $314,000, lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $1.9 million, reflecting a primarily residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Northern Beaches exhibited moderately higher construction activity, with 18.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. All recent building activity consisted of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 222 people per approval, Northern Beaches reflects a transitioning market. Future projections indicate that Northern Beaches will add 1,107 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Northern Beaches has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Bushland Beach Master Planned Development, Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Beaches project, Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery initiative, and Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program. The following list details those most relevant to the area.

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 4.9% as of June 2025. There are 3,203 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 8.3%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and May 2025, labour force decreased by 2.2%, while employment declined by 3.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force expand by 2.0%, with unemployment rising only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northern Beaches' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 shows Northern Beaches' median income among taxpayers is $59,529, with an average of $67,260. This is higher than the national average and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Northern Beaches would be approximately $67,857 (median) and $76,670 (average) as of September 2025. 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 the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.8% of the community (2,372 individuals), similar to patterns seen at regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, 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

In Northern Beaches, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.0% of dwellings were houses, with 4.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northern Beaches stood at 36.7%, with mortgaged properties at 48.2% and rented ones at 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 lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 72.3% of all households, including 27.2% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in 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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 at 28.4%, including 12.4% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education. Northern Beaches has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 461 students, serving distinct age groups with 3 primary and 1 secondary school. Local school capacity is limited at 6.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 53% (~3861 people) have private health cover. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health problems (9.0%). 64.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. 20.6% (~1491 people) are aged 65 or over, higher than the state average of 14.9%. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but still perform 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 findings, exhibited 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, accounting for 51.4%, compared to 52.7% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (30.1%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (3.9%) and German (4.2%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 5.0% and 4.0%, respectively. Scottish representation was also slightly higher at 8.3%.

Northern Beaches hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Northern Beaches has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's 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 those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 9.0%. 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 the current 739. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%.