Southport - North

Southport - North lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Southport - North's population is around 20,260 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,369 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,891. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures: 20,260 in June 2025 and an additional 693 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,627 persons per square kilometer, placing Southport - North in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 13.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%) and the Rest of Qld region, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this population growth.

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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Southport - North in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to increase by 9,546 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 47.1% over the 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Southport - North was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Southport - North has granted approximately 120 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 600 homes. As of FY-26217 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 4.8 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outstrips supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is around $207,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen approximately $155.0 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Southport - North records elevated construction levels, at 35.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. Recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity. The majority of new building activity consists of townhouses or apartments (89.0%), with standalone homes making up around 11.0%.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Southport - North has a population density of approximately 2513 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Southport - North is expected to grow by around 9,546 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Southport - North has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 51 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include Southport Supportive Housing Project, Soma, Marine Quarter - Scenic Tower, and Granton Tower, located at 4 Railway Street Southport. The following list details those most likely to be 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 performance in Southport - North has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Southport - North has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5%. As of December 2025, 11,239 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was on par with Regional Qld at 64.5%. Only 9.6% of residents worked from home based on Census responses. Key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area had a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 0.4% of Southport - North's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. There were 1.5 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, while labour force increased by 2.6%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Southport - North. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Southport - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

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

Southport - North SA2's median income among taxpayers was $47,030 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $57,876 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Regional Qld, which had median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes would be approximately $52,343 (median) and $64,451 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Southport - North fall between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.7% of the population (6,219 individuals) have incomes within the $800-$1499 range, which differs from surrounding regions where incomes primarily fall within the $1500-$2999 range at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Southport - North, with only 72.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Southport - North features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Southport - North, as per the latest Census data, 13.5% of dwellings were houses while 86.5% comprised semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Queensland's regional average of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southport - North stood at 16.3%, lower than Regional Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 13.2%, while rented properties made up 70.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,459, under the Regional Qld average of $1,655. Weekly rent stood at $400, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Southport - North's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Southport - North features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 50.6% of all households, including 11.2% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 49.4%, with lone person households at 38.6% and group households comprising 10.9%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Southport - North exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Southport - North's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 30.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. University qualifications include bachelor degrees (21.1%), postgraduate qualifications (7.4%), and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (21.2%). Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This comprises tertiary education (15.8%), secondary education (4.9%), and primary education (4.8%).

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

Southport - North has 77 active public transport stops, serving a mix of lightrail and bus routes. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, providing a total of 3,534 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward, with car being the dominant mode at 73%, and 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 504 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Southport - North faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,765 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 7.5% of residents respectively. However, 67.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,320 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges but align with national rankings for the general population.

Southport - North is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Southport-North ranks high in cultural diversity, with 28.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 43.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 41.6%. The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

In ancestry, English (25.4%) and Australian (18.8%) are the top groups, though Australian is lower than the regional average of 26.5%. The 'Other' ancestry group is substantially higher at 13.4%, compared to Regional Qld's 6.9%. Notably, Korean (2.3%), New Zealand (1.3%), and Maori (1.5%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Southport-North compared to regional averages of 0.2%, 0.9%, and 0.8% respectively.

Southport - North's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Southport-North as of 2021 is 34 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Southport-North has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (26.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Census, Southport-North's median age decreased from 35 to 34 years. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 21.4% to 26.0%, while those aged 35-44 rose from 11.9% to 13.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 10.7% to 9.1%, and those aged 5-14 dropped from 6.1% to 4.6%. By 2041, Southport-North's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 65%, increasing from 5,271 to 8,678 residents.