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

Palm Beach's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 18,532. This figure represents an increase of 2,183 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,349. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,151 as of June 2024 and an additional 672 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,927 persons per square kilometer, placing Palm Beach in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 13.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 47.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of locations outside capital cities, with Palm Beach expected to increase by 5,479 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 27.5% over the 17-year period.

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 around 269 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,347 homes. As of FY-26197 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $633,000, indicating a focus on premium segments.

In FY-26, there have been $23.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Palm Beach has 64.0% more new home approvals per capita, offering greater choice for buyers and attracting robust developer interest. New development consists of 11.0% detached dwellings and 89.0% townhouses or apartments, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 41.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyle needs. With around 65 people per dwelling approval, Palm Beach exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, Palm Beach is projected to gain approximately 5,098 residents, with current construction levels expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially exceeding growth forecasts.

Looking ahead, Palm Beach is expected to grow by 5,098 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Palm Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 65 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include La Belle Palm Beach, Palm Beach Oceanway Extension, Sophia by Mosaic - Palm Beach, and Flourish Ovana Palm Beach. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Palm Beach shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Palm Beach has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, lower than the national average of 4.1%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 2.8%.

As of September 2025, 10,576 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below the rest of Queensland's rate. Workforce participation in Palm Beach is higher than the regional average, at 71.0% compared to 65.7%. According to Census responses, 17.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Palm Beach has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4%. The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over the past 12 months, employment increased by 2.8% alongside labour force growth of 2.7%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, the rest of Queensland saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The Palm Beach SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,879 and an average income of $75,401 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures were higher than those for Rest of Qld's, which stood at $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,318 (median) and $82,873 (average). Census data from 2021 showed that income levels in Palm Beach clustered around the 55th percentile nationally. Income analysis revealed that 31.2% of the population, equating to 5,781 individuals, fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Palm Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.1% houses and 59.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Beach was at 29.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (37.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Palm Beach was $2,093, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Palm Beach was recorded at $445, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Palm Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 account for 63.2% of all households, consisting of 24.7% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 7.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 of 29.5% exceeds the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.4% and graduate diplomas at 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. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Palm Beach has 46 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 11 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,319 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents, on average, located 216 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with car being the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 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 demonstrates excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Approximately 57% (~10,489 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland. The most common conditions are arthritis (7.5%) and mental health issues (7.3%). 72.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. As of 17th June 2021, 17.5% (3,243 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Senior health outcomes are strong but 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 86.8% citizens, 81.3% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.1%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

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 was 38 years as of the 2021 Census, slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but equal to Australia's median age. The 25-34 age group constituted 19.1%, higher than Rest of Queensland's figure, while the 5-14 cohort made up 9.4%. Post-Census data shows a decrease in median age from 39 to 38 years between 2016 and 2021. The 25-34 age group grew from 16.1% to 19.1%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.4% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.0% to 11.0%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.6%. By 2041, Palm Beach's age composition is projected to shift significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 1,297 people (37%), from 3,537 to 4,835. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort is projected to grow minimally, by just 4% (88 people).