Redland Bay

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Redland Bay's population is around 19,893 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,128 people (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,765 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,594 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 870 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 424 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Redland Bay's 12.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.3%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 45.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 5,085 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 24.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Redland Bay has seen around 204 new homes approved each year, totalling 1,022 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26165 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.9 new residents arriving per new home per year over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $368,000. There have also been $34.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Redland Bay shows moderately higher building activity (13.0% above the regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. This level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity consists of 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 76 people per approval, Redland Bay reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Redland Bay is expected to grow by 4,786 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Redland Bay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Weinam Creek Priority Development Area, Marina Redland Bay, Baya by Villawood Properties, and Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Redland Bay ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Redland Bay possesses a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and 5.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,533 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.0% of Redland Bay's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3% and the labour force increased by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Redland Bay. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Redland Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Redland Bay SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $63,064 and an average of $76,021 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is well above average nationally, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,314 (median) and $83,555 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Redland Bay cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 37.4% of the population (7,439 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 70th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Redland Bay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Redland Bay was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 29.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (47.1%) or rented (23.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,076, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Redland Bay's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Redland Bay features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 84.2% of all households, comprising 40.1% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.8%, with lone person households at 13.6% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Redland Bay aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.5%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 53 active transport stops operating within Redland Bay comprising a mix of ferry and buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,418 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 364 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average. Some 15.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 202 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Redland Bay is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Redland Bay demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 57% of the total population (~11,259 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.8% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,998 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Redland Bay was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 79.3% of its population born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Redland Bay is Christianity, which makes up 51.1% of the people. This compares to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Redland Bay are English, comprising 32.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 26.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Redland Bay (vs 1.0% regionally), South Australian at 1.0% (vs 0.6%) and Maori at 0.9% (vs 1.1%).

Redland Bay's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 40-year median age in Redland Bay is considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36, similarly exceeding the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (11.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.6%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.2% to 6.7% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 13.0% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Redland Bay. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 81% (1,070 people), reaching 2,393 from 1,322. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated growth. The 0 to 4 group displays more modest growth at 2%, adding only 17 residents.