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 was approximately 6,967 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 141 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,826. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures: 6,965 in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,601 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 52 persons to reach a total of 7,019 by 2041, recording an overall gain of 0.7% over the 17-year 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 over the past five financial years. Specifically, 57 homes were approved between FY21-FY25, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY26. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $502,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. In terms of commercial approvals, $3.0 million has been registered in FY26, reflecting the area's residential character. Comparatively, Sandgate - Shorncliffe has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against Greater Brisbane. Nationally, it ranks among the 22nd percentile of areas assessed, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings.

This lower activity reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (75.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. 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 readily 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 to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Motif Bridgeman Downs, Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan, Emerald Park Townhouses, and Lomandra Park Estate, with the following list outlining those most relevant.

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.

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 past year.

As of this date, 3659 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.1%, which is 1 percentage point higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 58.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment in the area was concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment in education & training was particularly high, with a share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, retail trade showed lower representation at 7.5%, compared to the regional average of 9.4%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 11.4% while the labour force grew by 10.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project overall national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sandgate-Shorncliffe's employment mix suggests local growth rates of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Sandgate - Shorncliffe's median income among taxpayers is $55,441, with an average of $66,345. This is slightly above the national average. Greater Brisbane has a median income of $55,645 and an average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,197 (median) and $75,627 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Sandgate - Shorncliffe cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 23.4% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the metropolitan region where 33.3% fall into this bracket. Notably, 33.3% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. 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

Sandgate-Shorncliffe's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 74.9% houses and 25.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 75.4% houses and 24.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandgate-Shorncliffe stood at 34.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.5% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Sandgate-Shorncliffe was $288, lower than Brisbane metro's $375. Nationally, Sandgate-Shorncliffe's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $288 compared to 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 make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 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

Sandgate-Shorncliffe has a notable educational profile with university qualification rates at 35.2% of residents aged 15+, surpassing Queensland's average of 25.7%. This is also higher than the SA3 area average of 28.2%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 22.0% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.8% of residents aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (19.7%). Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in secondary education, 8.4% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education. The area's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,375 students as of the latest data. Sandgate-Shorncliffe has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1088. The educational mix includes 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, collectively facilitating 3,150 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 450 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 63 weekly trips per individual 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 experience a high prevalence of common health conditions. The area has one of the highest rates of private health cover at approximately 52% of its total population of around 3,650 people, compared to the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.2% and 8.4% of residents respectively. However, 63.4% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, slightly lower than the 67.8% figure for Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 24.1% or around 1,676 people, compared to the 18.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally mirroring those of the wider 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 has a lower cultural diversity, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia and 92.0% being citizens. English is the language spoken at home by 94.1%. Christianity is the predominant religion at 53.7%, compared to 50.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.0%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (12.2%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is higher at 9.4% than the regional average of 7.6%. New Zealand ancestry stands at 1.0%, slightly lower than the regional 1.1%, while French ancestry is 0.7%, higher than the regional 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 55-64 age group comprises 15.6% of the population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 5.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 13.0%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 7.4% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 17.8% to 16.0%, and the 85+ group has dropped from 4.8% to 3.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Sandgate-Shorncliffe's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 75-84 cohort projected to grow by 46%, adding 279 residents to reach 893. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 99% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts.