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 20,315 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 2,424 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,891. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: Southport - North's population was around 20,057 in June 2024, with an additional 478 validated new addresses recorded after the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,634 persons per square kilometer, placing Southport - North in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth rate of 13.5% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA3 area (7.1%) and the Rest of Qld region, indicating its status as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.2% of overall population gains in 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 from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Based on projected demographic shifts, Southport - North is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041. The area's population is projected to increase by 10,489 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 50.4%.

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-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 a significant demand outpacing supply. The average construction cost value of new homes is $207,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $155.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Southport - North shows elevated construction levels, with 38.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. However, development activity has moderated recently. 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 for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Southport - North currently has around 2513 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Southport - North is projected to grow by approximately 10,231 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying 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 identified 50 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Southport Supportive Housing Project, Four Residential Towers & Retail Clarke Street, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, and Southport-Nerang Street Revitalisation. The following list details those most 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 an educated workforce with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.4% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.8%. As of September 2025, 11,084 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.3% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld at 65.7%. According to Census responses, 9.6% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Southport - North has a notable concentration in accommodation & food with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.4% of the workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. There are 1.5 workers per resident, indicating Southport - North functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force grew by 2.5%, resulting in a unemployment rate decrease of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Southport - North's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 are lower than those of Rest of Qld, which had median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in financial year 2023. By September 2025, based on a 9.91% increase according to the Wage Price Index, estimated median income would be approximately $51,661 and average income around $63,612. Census data indicates that incomes in Southport - North fall between the 12th and 19th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that 30.7% of the population (6,236 individuals) earn within the $800-$1,499 range, unlike surrounding regions where the dominant income bracket is $1,500-$2,999 with 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

Southport - North's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 13.5% houses and 86.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southport - North was at 16.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 13.2% and rented ones at 70.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,459, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Southport - North's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,459 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $400 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 comprise 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 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 a higher proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications compared to broader benchmarks. Specifically, 30.9% of its residents hold such qualifications, while the figures for Rest of Qld and SA4 region are 20.6% and 25.4%, respectively. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

This includes advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (21.2%). Educational participation is high in the area, 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

Southport - North has 77 active public transport stops operating, consisting of both lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 18 individual routes that collectively facilitate 3,534 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 154 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most inhabitants commute outward for work or other purposes. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 73% of residents, while walking accounts for 10%. On average, there are 0.7 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data (which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions), only 9.6% of residents work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages 504 trips per day, equating to roughly 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 substantial health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,791 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 10.2% of residents, while arthritis affects 7.5%. 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,270 people), lower than the 20.0% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 28.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.3% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Southport - North, comprising 41.6% of its population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.5% of the population compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (25.4%), Australian (18.8%), and Other (13.4%). The representation of Korean (2.3%) is notably higher than the regional average of 0.2%, as is New Zealand (1.3% vs 0.9%) and Maori (1.5% vs 0.8%).

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

The median age in Southport-North as of 2021 is 34 years, which is notably lower than the Rest of Queensland average of 41 and also substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Southport-North has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (25.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.9%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, a rejuvenation of the population was evident as the median age fell from 35 to 34 years. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 grew from 21.4% to 25.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 declined from 10.7% to 9.4% and those aged 5-14 dropped from 6.1% to 4.9%. By 2041, Southport-North is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 76%, reaching 9,198 residents from the current 5,225.