Southern Moreton Bay Islands

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 10,994 as of February 2026. This figure represents a growth of 2,513 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,481. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,993 in June 2024 and an additional 147 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 275 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth rate of 29.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 8.3% and the national average, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projecting demographic shifts indicates a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas by 2041, with Southern Moreton Bay Islands expected to grow by 3,126 persons, reflecting a gain of 19.3% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 1,276 homes were approved, with an additional 201 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 new residents have arrived per year for each new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new homes is $170,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $200,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Southern Moreton Bay Islands has 201.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers and indicating robust developer interest. All recent development comprises detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 39 people per dwelling approval, Southern Moreton Bay Islands exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts project an increase of 2,125 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Marina Redland Bay, Scenic Shores State School, Shoreline Redlands Master-Planned Community, and Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminals Upgrade. The following list provides details on those most likely to be relevant.

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

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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 white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 15.3% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 8.8%.

As of September 2025, 2,885 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 11.3%, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower, at 36.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 20.7% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area has a high specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical jobs are under-represented, at 5.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 8.8%, labour force grew by 6.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and a fall in unemployment of 0.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Southern Moreton Bay Islands. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to the local employment mix suggests a predicted increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

The Southern Moreton Bay Islands SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $34,958 and an average income of $46,170 in the financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $38,422 (median) and $50,745 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Southern Moreton Bay Islands fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - 799 captures 42.0% of the community (4,617 individuals), contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 33.3%. 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 2nd 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' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southern Moreton Bay Islands stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged properties at 23.4% and rented ones at 23.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $904, significantly lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Southern Moreton Bay Islands was recorded at $260, substantially below Brisbane metro's $380 and 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 account for 53.6% of all households, including 9.1% that are couples with children, 33.7% that are couples without children, and 9.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.4%, with lone person households at 40.8% and group households comprising 5.7% of the total. 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 prevalent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 12.5% and certificates make up 32.6%. School and university attendance accounts for 19.1% of the community, including 6.3% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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.

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 Southern Moreton Bay Islands indicates six active transport stops currently operating. These comprise a mix of ferry services, all served by one individual route. Together, they facilitate 407 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents generally situated 2688 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, outward commuting is prevalent. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 62% of residents, while buses account for 12%, and walking for 6%.

The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 0.8, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 20.7% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 58 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 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

Southern Moreton Bay Islands face significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,090 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.0%) and mental health issues (12.3%), while 47.2% report having no medical ailments, lower than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (44.4%, or 4,884 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly citizens (84.2%), born in Australia (73.5%), and speaking English only at home (95.1%). Christianity was the major religion, accounting for 49.1% of the population.

The 'Other' religious category comprised 1.0%, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 1.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (34.1%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 7.4%, New Zealand at 1.3% vs 1.0%, 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, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 26.2% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 3.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.7% to 15.4%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 5.5% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 12.9% to 11.1% and the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 22.8% to 21.4%. By 2041, Southern Moreton Bay Islands is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to expand by 924 people (55%), from 1,695 to 2,620. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 89% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 25-34 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.