Southern Moreton Bay Islands
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Southern Moreton Bay Islands' population was approximately 10,010 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,529 people, a 18.0% growth since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,481. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,993 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 250 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth exceeded the SA4 region (7.6%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 89.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for the top quartile of national areas. The area is expected to grow by 3,126 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, recording a gain of 31.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Southern Moreton Bay Islands has seen approximately 255 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 1,276 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, including 55 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $218,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Commercial approvals registered this financial year totalled $200,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Southern Moreton Bay Islands has seen 201.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers and reflecting robust developer interest in the area. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 39 people moving to the area per dwelling approval, Southern Moreton Bay Islands exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate that Southern Moreton Bay Islands will gain approximately 3,109 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 3 projects that may impact the area. Key projects are Marina Redland Bay, Scenic Shores State School, Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminals Upgrade, and Redland Hospital Expansion and Health & Wellness Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment drivers in Southern Moreton Bay Islands are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Southern Moreton Bay Islands has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

As of June 2025, there are 2,666 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 17.8%, which is 9.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. The employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.0%. Workforce participation in Southern Moreton Bay Islands lags significantly at 31.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The area has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, making up only 5.1% of the workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.0%, while labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5% with an employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that over five years, employment could expand by approximately 6.6%, and over ten years, it could grow by around 13.7%. Applying these projections to Southern Moreton Bay Islands' employment mix suggests local growth of about 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years. However, these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Southern Moreton Bay Islands' median taxpayer income was $32,445 and average income was $43,126 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane's median income being $55,645 and average income being $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $36,244 (median) and $48,176 (average). Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Southern Moreton Bay Islands fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - 799 captures 42.0% of the community (4,204 individuals), while the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 33.3% in the metropolitan region. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 54.2% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Southern Moreton Bay Islands' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This contrasts with Brisbane metro's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southern Moreton Bay Islands stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.4% and rented ones at 23.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $904, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $260, compared to Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, Southern Moreton Bay Islands' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $904 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 53.6% of all households, including 9.1% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.4%, with lone person households at 40.8% and group households comprising 5.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.3%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 32.6%.

School and university attendance encompasses 19.1% of the community. This includes 6.3% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education. MacLeay Island State School and Russell Island State School serve a total of 327 students. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. The local school capacity is limited at 3.3 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 14.4, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis shows six active transport stops operating within Southern Moreton Bay Islands. These include a mix of ferry services. One route serves all these stops collectively providing 407 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited with residents typically located 2688 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Southern Moreton Bay Islands is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

The Southern Moreton Bay Islands face notable health challenges, with various conditions impacting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% of the total population (~4664 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 54.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.0%) and mental health issues (12.3%), while 47.2% claim to be free from any ailments, compared to 64.6% in Greater Brisbane.

As of 2021, 42.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (4285 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 25.3%. Senior health outcomes present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Southern Moreton Bay Islands had low cultural diversity, with 84.2% Australian citizens, 73.5% born in Australia, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 49.1%. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 1.0%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 0.6%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (34.1%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (10.7%). Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.8% compared to regional 8.9%, New Zealand at 1.3% vs 1.2%, and French at 0.8% vs 0.5%.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Southern Moreton Bay Islands is 61 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and also considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 25.8% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 3.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.7% to 14.6% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 5.5% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 12.9% to 11.4%. By 2041, Southern Moreton Bay Islands is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 1,158 people (79%) from 1,461 to 2,620. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.