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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Runaway Bay has an estimated 9,774 residents, up from 9,308 at the 2021 Census — a change of 466 people, or 5.0%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 80.4% of that increase. That puts 1,780 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research from AreaSearch, the resident count of Runaway Bay stands at approximately 9,774 as of Aug 2026. This indicates an addition of 466 people (5.0%) compared to the 9,308 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is derived from an ABS estimated resident population of 9,755 as of June 2025 alongside 31 validated new addresses identified following the Census. Consequently, population density reaches 1,780 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical nationwide figure benchmarked by AreaSearch. With a post-census expansion of 5.0%, the locality tracks within 2.0 percentage points of the broader SA3 area (7.0%), reflecting solid growth dynamics.
Net overseas migration served as the core growth driver, accounting for roughly 80.4% of total recent population additions. AreaSearch applies SA2-level projections released in 2024 by the ABS/Geoscience Australia using 2022 as their baseline. In instances where an SA2 lacks coverage or for horizons beyond 2032, Queensland State Government SA2 projections released in 2023 (utilising 2021 data) are integrated. Because these state figures omit age-group breakdowns, proportional growth shares aligned with the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region series (anchored to 2022 figures) are factored in across age brackets. Looking ahead, population growth is anticipated to outpace the median of national non-metropolitan areas, with the locality projected to gain 1,370 persons by 2041 based on recent annual ERP statistics, representing a 13.8% cumulative gain across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
119 new dwellings have been approved in Runaway Bay over the past five years, an average of 23 a year. That is 2.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 25 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 36% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential approvals in Runaway Bay have averaged approximately 23 new homes annually, totalling 119 homes over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Over these past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), the area absorbed an average of 2.8 new residents per year per approved dwelling, demonstrating resilient underlying demand capable of supporting asset values. With an average construction cost of $903,000 per dwelling, residential development exhibits a distinct emphasis on higher-end, premium housing. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $8.7 million in this financial year, underlining the district's predominantly residential focus.
Per capita construction activity in Runaway Bay reaches roughly 62% of the levels observed across Rest of Qld, placing the locality in the 35th percentile nationally; this constrained pipeline restricts new purchasing choices while bolstering interest in existing housing stock. This performance remains below the Australian benchmark, reflecting the established urban fabric and likely planning constraints. Medium and higher-density formats dominate current building activity, with townhouses or apartments accounting for 64.0% compared to 36.0% detached dwellings. This tilt towards density provides more accessible price points catering to downsizers, first-home purchasers, and investors. Representing a mature urban landscape, the region registers approximately 422 people per residential approval. Projections indicate that Runaway Bay will add 1,351 residents by 2041, relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should dwelling delivery maintain its historical cadence, housing construction could trail demographic expansion, heightening buyer competition and reinforcing upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Runaway Bay
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 13 current infrastructure and development projects inside Runaway Bay, worth an estimated $1.29 billion. A further 153 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $41 billion. 61 are already under construction and 88 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Community trajectories are heavily shaped by planning frameworks, capital works, and local infrastructure developments. AreaSearch has pinpointed 26 separate projects expected to influence the district. Among the most notable undertakings are the Harbour Town Premium Outlets Expansion, 31 Madang Crescent Townhouses, Runaway Bay - Lae Drive & Bayview Street Road Works, and the Twenty Hollywell Townhouses scheme, with significant developments detailed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Ocean Suites on Jennifer
Ocean Suites on Jennifer is a boutique multi-residential waterfront development situated in Runaway Bay. The project delivers premium luxury apartments featuring private marina berths, direct Broadwater access, and high-end resident amenities. Construction works are progressing following development approval by the City of Gold Coast.
Marella Residences
Marella Residences is a luxury four-storey waterfront residential development in Runaway Bay comprising 10 multi-level four-bedroom boutique villas. Developed by BBIGA, each residence includes private marina berths, individual rooftop terraces, and plunge pools overlooking the canal.
Runaway Bay - Lae Drive & Bayview Street Road Works
Works are underway to upgrade the road and footpaths from the roundabout at Lae Drive and Bayview Street to the south end of Bayview Street Bridge, including upgrading the road surface, watermain replacement, stormwater pipes, kerbs, channels, driveways, footpath, and pedestrian/cycle ramp to improve infrastructure and safety.
31 Madang Crescent Townhouses
Boutique residential development comprising multi-dwelling townhouses located at 31 Madang Crescent in Runaway Bay. The project delivers contemporary townhouse residences featuring private outdoor courtyards, landscaped amenity, and parking under City of Gold Coast planning scheme provisions.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets Expansion
Major expansion of the popular Harbour Town Premium Outlets shopping precinct with new retail spaces, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
Belvue At Runaway Bay
Belvue is a $105 million luxury waterfront residential development comprising a 31-storey tower with 31 whole-floor residences and three two-level waterfront villas. Designed by Plus Architecture and developed jointly by Monaco Property Group and Polites Property Group, the scheme includes private marina berths and Palm Springs-inspired amenities.
Esprit de Vie Runaway Bay
A retirement living development featuring 57 two- and three-bedroom apartments across two towers of 21 and 20 storeys, with communal facilities including a resident cafe, pool, spa, gym, treatment rooms, wellness area, and multipurpose room.
Gold Coast Light Rail Extension to Biggera Waters
The Queensland Government has announced a 3.2 km extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail from Gold Coast University Hospital to Harbour Town at Biggera Waters. The project will run via Olsen Avenue and Oxley Drive and include three new stations at Musgrave Avenue, Labrador and Biggera Waters, together with additional light rail vehicles and depot upgrades. The project forms part of the Gold Coast Transport Plan and has progressed from a long-term concept into active planning.
4,587 residents of Runaway Bay are employed, from a labour force of 4,746. Unemployment sits at 3.4%, with participation at 54.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 8,940, about 91% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Runaway Bay possesses an accomplished labour pool spanning multiple industries, maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4% and an estimated 3.3% rise in employment over the preceding year. As of March 2026, employed residents total 4,587, and the local jobless rate sits 0.6% below the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld. However, labour force participation remains subdued at 54.6%, trailing Regional Qld's 64.2%. Census figures show that 20.0% of local workers operated from home, a metric that may reflect the circumstances of Covid-19 restrictions. Local employment is predominantly concentrated within retail trade, construction, and health care & social assistance.
A particularly pronounced clustering is evident in rental, hiring & real estate, where local workforce representation is 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for merely 0.6% of the workforce, well under the 4.5% seen across Regional Qld. Comparing Census working population counts against resident totals indicates that this primarily residential enclave provides relatively few jobs locally. AreaSearch assessment of ABS and SALM indicators reveals that over the 12-month period, local employment expanded by 3.3% as the labour pool grew by 3.2%, preserving overall unemployment stability. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% alongside a 0.3% labour force increase, yielding a 0.1 percentage point uptick in unemployment. National employment outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future labour trends for Runaway Bay. Mapping these five and ten-year nationwide models onto the local workforce distribution reveals shifting sector trajectories. While Australia-wide employment is forecast to increase by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years with divergent sector trends, applying this profile to Runaway Bay points to potential local job expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighting model that excludes micro-level population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Runaway Bay is $1,382 a week (about $72,000 a year), with median personal income at $727 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,401 a year against an average of $72,789. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on financial year 2023 ATO postcode statistics compiled by AreaSearch, the Runaway Bay SA2 recorded a median individual taxpayer income of $52,401 and an average of $72,789. While this average exceeds national levels, it compares to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Accounting for an 11.36% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, modelled values reach roughly $58,354 (median) and $81,058 (average) as of March 2026. Across Census metrics, personal, family, and household earnings occupy moderate positions between the 27th and 33rd percentiles.
Specifically, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket contains 26.4% of residents (2,580 individuals), aligning with wider regional distributions where 31.7% fall into that tier. Substantial housing cost pressures leave only 82.3% of earnings uncommitted to shelter, sitting at the 25th percentile, while the SEIFA income index places the area in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Runaway Bay had 3,971 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 45% detached houses and 28% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $435 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 31.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 33.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing landscape in Runaway Bay comprised 45.3% separate houses and 54.7% other dwellings (including townhouses, apartments, and alternative structures), diverging markedly from Regional Qld where houses constituted 76.4% and other dwellings 23.6%. Outright property ownership reached 45.4%, substantially exceeding the Regional Qld benchmark, with 29.2% held under a mortgage and 25.3% occupied by renters. Typical housing expenditure is elevated: median monthly mortgage payments reached $2,000 against Regional Qld's $1,655, while median weekly rent stood at $435 compared to $345 regionally. In a national context, mortgage costs surpass the Australian median of $1,863, and local rental rates sit notably above the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Runaway Bay counted 3,971 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,170 today, averaging 2.2 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 87% of areas nationally, against 38% couples without children. 29% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 67.7% of all domestic households, with couples without children representing 37.5%, couples with children making up 19.9%, and single parent families accounting for 9.2%. The remaining 32.3% consists of non-family arrangements, dominated by single-person dwellings at 28.7% alongside group living arrangements at 3.5%. The typical household size sits at 2.2 people, which is more compact than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
22.4% of adults in Runaway Bay hold a university qualification, including 15.4% with a bachelor degree and 4.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 25.7% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 663 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,070 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary educational attainment in Runaway Bay sits below nationwide standards, with 22.4% of citizens aged 15+ possessing higher education degrees compared to 30.4% across Australia, pointing to opportunities for upskilling. Within this group, bachelor degrees account for 15.4%, postgraduate degrees represent 4.7%, and graduate diplomas make up 2.3%. Vocational qualifications form a substantial component of the community's training, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, comprising certificates (25.7%) and advanced diplomas (13.6%). Formal study engages 21.1% of the local population. Within this enrolled cohort, primary schooling accounts for 7.1%, secondary education represents 6.3%, and tertiary studies comprise 3.6%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Runaway Bay means driving: households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.5% of residents in Runaway Bay report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 79% of areas nationally. 7.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health evaluations conducted by AreaSearch show favourable conditions across Runaway Bay based on chronic illness rates and mortality figures, with younger demographics registering exceptionally low instances of typical medical ailments. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is extensive, encompassing roughly 55% of residents (~5,414 people), outpacing the 52.5% recorded across Regional Qld. Arthritis and mental health conditions represent the most prevalent diagnoses locally, affecting 11.4 and 6.7% of residents, respectively, whereas 63.5% reported no chronic medical issues compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age citizens demonstrate standard health outcomes. The community features an older demographic profile, with 33.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,283 people), well above the 20.3% observed in Regional Qld.
Although senior health metrics remain above average, their national standing is comparatively lower than that of the broader local populace.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
31.7% of Runaway Bay residents were born overseas and 11.7% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.7%) and Australian (21.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Runaway Bay exceeds standard regional benchmarks, with 31.7% of the populace born abroad and 11.7% utilizing a non-English language at home. Christianity constitutes the predominant religious affiliation, claimed by 58.7% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding parental heritage, the three most common ancestral backgrounds in Runaway Bay are English (33.7%), Australian (21.7%), and Irish (8.6%). Specific overseas ancestries also exhibit elevated local presence: New Zealand heritage accounts for 1.3% (against 0.9% regionally), Russian background stands at 0.5% (against 0.2%), and South Australian lineage represents 0.6% (against 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Runaway Bay is 53, older than 96% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 17.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of Runaway Bay skews significantly toward older residents. AreaSearch estimates for August 2026 indicate that 33.6% of the population belongs to senior and retiree brackets (65+), compared to 20.4% across Regional Qld, whereas young to middle-aged adults (25 - 44) comprise only 16.9% against 25.5% regionally. As at August 2026, the estimated median age is 53, a slight reduction from 54 at the 2021 Census, but still 12 years higher than the Regional Qld median of 41 and above the Australian median of 38 recorded at that Census.
Among the broader age categories, middle-aged persons and younger retirees (45 - 64) experienced the most noticeable contraction since the Census, shifting from 29.5% to an estimated 28.1%. By 2041, senior age brackets are projected to capture the majority of expansion, increasing by 833 residents (25%) to reach 4,116, while cohorts of younger adults and children are anticipated to diminish.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Runaway Bay
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Sep 2026 last month all 13 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Sep 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 31 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (9,308 at the 2021 Census → 9,774 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (309031240). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.