Palm Beach

Palm Beach lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, Palm Beach's population is approximately 18,887. This figure represents a growth of 2,538 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,349. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 18,678 in June 2025 and an additional 715 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,983 persons per square kilometer, placing Palm Beach in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate of 15.5% since the 2021 census exceeds both the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average, indicating a significant growth leader status. Overseas migration contributed approximately 43.4% of Palm Beach's population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, Palm Beach is forecasted to increase by 5,230 persons, reflecting a total increase of 26.6% over the 16-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Palm Beach was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Palm Beach has received approximately 269 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 1,347 homes were approved, with a further 314 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each new home has attracted 1.7 new residents per year over these five years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the market. The average construction value of new properties is $633,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals have amounted to $23.8 million, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Palm Beach has seen 62.0% more new home approvals per capita, offering greater choice for buyers and attracting significant developer interest. Recent construction trends show 11.0% standalone homes and 89.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 41.0% houses. This skew towards compact living provides affordable entry pathways, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Palm Beach will gain 5,021 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply is expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Palm Beach has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 66 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Palm Beach Hotel, Palm Beach Oceanway Extension, Flourish Amargo, and La Belle Palm Beach. The following details projects likely to be 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.

Palm Beach ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Palm Beach has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 10,701 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Palm Beach was 69.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 17.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.4%.

Employment levels increased by 3.1% and labour force grew by 2.7% in Palm Beach from December 2024 to December 2025, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palm Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Palm Beach SA2 had a high national income level according to AreaSearch analysis of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $54,879 and the average income stood at $75,401. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $61,113 (median) and $83,967 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Palm Beach cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 31.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, consistent with metropolitan trends at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Palm Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Palm Beach, as per the latest Census data, 41.1% of dwellings were houses while 59.0% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Regional Queensland had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Beach stood at 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,093, significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Palm Beach was recorded as $445, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Palm Beach's mortgage repayments were notably higher at $2,093 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Palm Beach features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.2% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 7.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 29.5%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's rate of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 25.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.0% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 5.4% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 46 active transport stops operating within Palm Beach. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 2,319 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 216 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 90%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, some 17.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 331 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

Palm Beach's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Palm Beach's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 57% (~10,690 people) of Palm Beach residents have private health cover, higher than Regional Qld's 52.5%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.5% and 7.3% of residents respectively. Around 72.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population in Palm Beach has better than average health outcomes. As of the assessment date, 17.6% (3,331 people) of Palm Beach residents are aged 65 and over, lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. While health outcomes among seniors in Palm Beach are strong, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Palm Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Palm Beach's cultural diversity was below average, with 86.8% citizens, 81.3% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 47.1%. Judaism, at 0.1%, was overrepresented compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.0% (vs regional 0.9%), Scots at 9.0% (vs 7.8%), and French at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

Palm Beach's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Palm Beach is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 18.2% of the population in Palm Beach, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage, while the 5-14 age group makes up 10.0%, which is less prevalent compared to Regional Queensland. Post-2021 Census data indicates that Palm Beach has become younger, with its median age dropping from 39 to 38 years between censuses. The 25-34 age group grew from 16.1% to 18.2%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.4% to 16.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 13.0% to 11.2%, and the 55-64 group decreased from 12.3% to 10.6%. By 2041, Palm Beach is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to grow by 1,232 people (36%), increasing from 3,444 to 4,677. In contrast, the 15-24 age group shows minimal growth of just 4% (75 people).