Sandgate - Shorncliffe
Statistical Area - sa2

Sandgate - Shorncliffe is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Sandgate-Shorncliffe's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 6,967, an increase of 141 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census figure of 6,826. This growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 6,965 in June 2024 and 14 new addresses validated post-Census. The population density is 1,601 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 59.2% of recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth nationally; Sandgate-Shorncliffe is expected to grow by 52 persons to 2041, a total gain of 0.7% over the period.

The level of residential development activity in Sandgate - Shorncliffe is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Sandgate - Shorncliffe has seen approximately 11 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 57 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with one approval so far in FY26. The population decline in recent years has been accompanied by adequate development activity relative to population change, which is beneficial for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $810,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

There have been $3.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sandgate - Shorncliffe has about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 22nd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively limited buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes.

The location has approximately 695 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Sandgate - Shorncliffe will gain 50 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Sandgate - Shorncliffe has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Motif Bridgeman Downs, Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan, Emerald Park Townhouses, and Lomandra Park Estate. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Sandgate - Shorncliffe remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Sandgate-Shorncliffe has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 11.4% over the previous year.

There were 3659 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 1.0% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged behind Greater Brisbane's rate by 6.1 percentage points (58.4% compared to 64.5%). Key employment sectors for residents include health care and social assistance, education and training, and professional and technical services. The area specializes in education and training with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but retail trade shows lower representation at 7.5% versus the regional average of 9.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 11.4%, labour force grew by 10.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National projections from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth rates vary significantly. Applying these projections to Sandgate-Shorncliffe's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Sandgate - Shorncliffe's median income among taxpayers was $55,441, with an average of $66,345. Nationally, the median was $54,875 and the average was $71,090. In Greater Brisbane, the median was $55,645 and the average was $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Sandgate - Shorncliffe would be approximately $61,933 (median) and $74,114 (average) as of March 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Sandgate - Shorncliffe cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 23.4% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This mirrors the metropolitan region where 33.3% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion, 33.3%, earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Sandgate-Shorncliffe, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.9% houses and 25.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Brisbane metro's 74.9% houses and 25.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandgate-Shorncliffe was at 34.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.5%) or rented (30.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $288, compared to Brisbane metro's $375. Nationally, Sandgate-Shorncliffe's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Sandgate - Shorncliffe features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.6% of all households, including 31.7% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households making up 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

Sandgate - Shorncliffe shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate stands at 35.2% among residents aged 15+, surpassing both the Queensland average of 25.7% and the SA3 area average of 28.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 22.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.1% while certificates represent 19.7%.

Educational participation is high at 27.5%, including secondary education (9.4%), primary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (5.4%). The four schools in Sandgate-Shorncliffe have a combined enrollment of 2,375 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1088. There are three primary schools and one K-12 school. As an education hub, the area offers 34.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Sandgate-Shorncliffe has 50 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 individual routes, together facilitating 3,150 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 185 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 450 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Sandgate - Shorncliffe is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Sandgate - Shorncliffe faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions. The area has approximately 52% private health cover, which is slightly higher than the average SA2 region (~3,650 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 8.4% of residents respectively. Around 63.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.1%, with 1,676 people, compared to 18.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly consistent with the general population's health profile.

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

Sandgate-Shorncliffe had a cultural diversity score below average, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.0% being citizens, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 50.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.0%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (12.2%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than regional average at 9.4% versus 7.6%, New Zealand at 1.0% versus 1.1%, and French at 0.7% versus 0.4%.

Sandgate - Shorncliffe hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Sandgate - Shorncliffe's median age is 48 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 years has strong representation at 15.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 5.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group grew from 10.4% to 13.0%, and the 75-84 age group increased from 7.4% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 17.8% to 16.0%, and the 85+ age group dropped from 4.8% to 3.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Sandgate - Shorncliffe's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 46%, adding 279 residents to reach 893. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 99% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups.