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 approximately 20,343 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,452 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,891. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 20,057 in June 2024 and an additional 492 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,638 persons per square kilometer, placing Southport - North in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Southport - North's population growth rate of 13.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (7.3%) and the Rest of Qld region. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 79.2% 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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts and exceptional growth, Southport - North is predicted to be in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041. The area is expected to increase by 10,489 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 50.1%.

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 recorded approximately 120 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 600 homes. As of FY-26211 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.8 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $207,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In this financial year, $155.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Southport - North exhibits elevated construction levels, at 38.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. The majority of new building activity consists of townhouses or apartments (89.0%), with a smaller proportion being standalone homes (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 an established population density, with around 2513 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by approximately 10,203 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 50 potential impact projects. Notable ones include Southport Supportive Housing Project, Four Residential Towers & Retail Clarke Street, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, and Southport-Nerang Street Revitalisation. Below is a list of particularly relevant projects.

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 strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.4% as of September 2025. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 2.8%.

As of September 2025, 11,084 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, slightly above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's figure of 65.7%. According to Census responses, 9.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among Southport - North residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

The area has a notably high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.4% of Southport - North's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. With 1.5 workers for every resident as at the Census, Southport - North functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force increased by 2.5%, resulting in a fall in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Southport - North. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these 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 in financial year 2023 was $47,003. The average income stood at $57,876 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,661 and $63,612 respectively. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Southport - North fall between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.7% of the population (6,245 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 range dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Southport - North, with only 72.6% of income remaining, 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

Dwelling structure in Southport - North, as per the latest Census, consisted of 13.5% houses and 86.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southport - North was 16.3%, with the rest mortgaged at 13.2% or rented at 70.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,459, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and Australia's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $400, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $345 but lower than 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, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Southport - North has higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 30.9% have university qualifications compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Qld and 25.4% in the SA4 region. University graduates make up 21.1%, postgraduate qualifications are held by 7.4%, and graduate diplomas by 2.4%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (21.2%).

Educational participation is high at 34.7%, with 15.8% enrolled in tertiary education, 4.9% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing primary education.

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 buses. These stops are covered by 18 routes that facilitate 3,534 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 154 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to its residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transportation at 73%, while 10% opt for walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.6% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 504 trips per day, translating to roughly 45 weekly trips per 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 substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,805 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 10.2 and 7.5% of residents respectively. 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,208 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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%. Notably, 'Other' religions make up 1.5%, higher than Rest of Qld's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English tops at 25.4%, followed by Australian at 18.8% (lower than regional average of 26.5%) and Other at 13.4% (higher than regional average of 6.9%). Korean (2.3%), New Zealand (1.3%), and Maori (1.5%) are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Southport-North has a median age of 33, which is younger than Queensland's overall figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 26.9% of Southport-North's population, higher than Queensland's rest at 20.7%, and significantly more than the national average of 14.4%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group comprises only 4.7%. Between 2021 and now, median age decreased from 35 to 33, indicating a shift towards younger demographics. The 25-34 group grew from 21.4% to 26.9%, while the 45-54 group declined from 10.7% to 9.0%. The 5-14 cohort also decreased from 6.1% to 4.7%. By 2041, Southport-North's age profile is expected to change significantly. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 68%, reaching 9,198 people from its current figure of 5,470.