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

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Redland Bay's population is around 19,893 as of February 2026. This reflects a growth 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 level of population 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 growth exceeded the SA4 region (8.3%) and the national average since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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 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; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward, 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 to 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 approximately 204 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,022 homes. As of FY26152 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply-demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $368,000.

In FY26, there have been $34.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Redland Bay shows moderately higher building activity, 13.0% above the regional average per person over five years, suggesting robust developer interest. 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 focused on family homes. With around 76 people per approval, Redland Bay reflects a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Redland Bay is expected to grow by 4,786 residents by 2041. 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Weinam Creek Priority Development Area, Marina Redland Bay, Baya by Villawood Properties, and Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Redland Bay performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Redland Bay has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 2.2% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.7%.

As of that date, 11,481 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 73.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 15.8% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment were construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction had a particularly high share of employment at 1.7 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented with only 5.0% of Redland Bay's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.7%, labour force grew by 6.4%, and the unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Redland Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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

The Redland Bay SA2 has 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 financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, 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 June 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $69,314 (median) and $83,555 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Redland Bay are at the 64th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 37.4% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 70th percentile nationally. 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

Redland Bay's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Redland Bay was at 29.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.1% and rented ones at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,076, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent was $470 compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Redland Bay's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 84.2 percent of all households, including 40.1 percent couples with children, 32.3 percent couples without children, and 11.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 15.8 percent, with lone person households at 13.6 percent and group households at 2.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 44.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 31.5%. Educational participation is 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

The analysis of public transport in Redland Bay shows that there are 53 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of ferry and bus services. Six individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 1,418 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 364 meters from the nearest transport stop. As Redland Bay is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 15.8% of residents work from home, a figure that 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 exhibits superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions among the general population is low but exceeds the national average for older, high-risk cohorts. Approximately 57% (~11,259 people) of Redland Bay residents have private health cover, a rate significantly higher than the national average. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents in Redland Bay have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than the average. The area has 20.1% (3,998 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is greater than the 15.2% recorded in Greater Brisbane but lower than the national average when considering 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's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 79.3% born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 51.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 47.8%. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.5%), Australian (26.9%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notably, New Zealanders formed 1.4% of Redland Bay's population, South Africans 1.0%, and Maori 0.9%, differing from regional averages.

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

The median age in Redland Bay is 40 years, higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the 65-74 age cohort is notably higher in Redland Bay at 11.3%, while the 25-34 age group is lower at 9.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 5.2% to 6.7%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 14.4% to 13.0%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Redland Bay. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 81% (1,070 people), reaching 2,393 from 1,322. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 56% of the anticipated population increase. The 0-4 age group will experience more modest growth of 2%, adding only 17 residents.