Southport - South

Southport - South lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Southport - South's population is around 20,092 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,199 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,893 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,921 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 570 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,021 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Southport - South has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.5% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the Rest of Qld. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 6,093 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 29.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Southport - South among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Southport - South has averaged around 138 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 691 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26134 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.7 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $386,000. Additionally, $54.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Southport - South has slightly more development (48.0% above the 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 development consists of 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 35.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. At around 266 people per approval, Southport - South reflects a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Southport - South will gain 5,922 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Southport - South has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 30 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Paradiso Place, One Park Lane, 21 Minnie Street Affordable Housing, and Onyx Residences, 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 conditions in Southport - South remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Southport - South has a well-educated workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, an unemployment rate of 5.1%, and 2.8% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,780 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.0% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 13.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.4% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8% and the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Southport - South. 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 - South'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 figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Southport - South SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Southport - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,075 and the average income stands at $57,964, 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 $51,740 (median) and $63,708 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Southport - South all fall between the 24th and 25th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 29.6% of the population (5,947 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Southport - South displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Southport - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 34.7% houses and 65.4% 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 - South was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 26.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (49.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $435, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Southport - South's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 58.9% of all households, comprising 18.5% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 9.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Southport - South significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 31.2% 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 21.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (21.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in tertiary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 56 active transport stops operating within Southport - South, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 2,280 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 189 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 13.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 325 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Southport - South are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Southport - South, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,684 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.4% and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 69.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,787 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 - South was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Southport - South scores highly on cultural diversity, with 25.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 39.5% born overseas. The main religion in Southport - South is Christianity, which makes up 46.0% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Southport - South are English, comprising 26.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.3% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%, and Other, comprising 12.2% 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 1.9% of Southport - South (vs 0.2% regionally), Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.2%) and Maori at 1.2% (vs 0.8%).

Southport - South's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 38-year median age in Southport - South is marginally below Regional Qld's average of 41 while in line with Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 21.6% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 7.3%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.3 years to 38 from 39. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 16.9% to 21.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.3% to 7.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.7%. By 2041, Southport - South is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 2,011 people (46%) from 4,349 to 6,361. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4% (131 people).