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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Southport - North's population is around 20,343 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,452 people (13.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,891 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,057 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 492 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,638 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Southport - North's 13.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 79.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 10,489 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 50.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 120 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 600 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26215 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $207,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $155.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Southport - North records somewhat elevated construction (38.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity shows 11.0% standalone homes and 89.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. At around 2513 people per approval, Southport - North shows a mature, established area.

Looking ahead, Southport - North is expected to grow by 10,203 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 50 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Southport Supportive Housing Project, Four Residential Towers & Retail Clarke Street, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, and Southport-Nerang Street Revitalisation, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and 3.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,239 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 9.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.4% of Southport - North's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. With 1.5 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.5% while the labour force increased by 2.6%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Southport - North. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Southport - North SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Southport - North SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,003 and the average income stands at $57,876, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,661 (median) and $63,612 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Southport - North all fall between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 30.7% of the population (6,245 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 72.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 6th percentile.

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 within Southport - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 13.5% houses and 86.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Southport - North was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 16.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (13.2%) or rented (70.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,459, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Southport - North's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding 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 dominate at 50.6% of all households, comprising 11.2% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 49.4%, with lone person households at 38.6% and group households comprising 10.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Southport - North significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 25.4% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (21.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.8% 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

Public transport analysis reveals 77 active transport stops operating within Southport - North, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 3,534 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 73%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 9.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Southport - North, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,805 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.2 and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,208 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 28.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.3% born overseas. The main religion in Southport - North is Christianity, which makes up 41.6% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Southport - North are English, comprising 25.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%, and Other, comprising 13.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.3% of Southport - North (vs 0.2% regionally), New Zealand at 1.3% (vs 0.9%) and Maori at 1.5% (vs 0.8%).

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

With a median age of 33, Southport - North is materially younger than the Regional Qld figure of 41 as well as well below Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 26.9% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 4.7%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the median age has decreased by 1.8 years from 35 to 33, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 21.4% to 26.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.0% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 6.1% to 4.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Southport - North's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 68% (3,727 people), reaching 9,198 from 5,470.