Southport - South
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Southport - South's population was approximately 20,523 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,630 people from the 2021 Census total of 18,893. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. The population density was around 3,086 persons per square kilometer, placing Southport - South in the upper quartile nationally. Its growth rate of 8.6% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's 8.5%, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration primarily drove this population increase.

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. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, Southport - South's population is forecast to increase by 6,093 persons, reflecting a total increase of 26.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Southport - South has experienced approximately 138 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25691 homes were approved, with a further 91 approved in FY26 to date. On average, 1.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

The market shows balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, with new properties constructed at an average expected construction cost of $386,000. In FY26, there have been $54.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating high local commercial activity. Comparatively, Southport - South has experienced elevated construction levels relative to the rest of Queensland, with 48.0% more development per person over the past five years. However, recent periods show a moderation in development activity. Recent construction comprises 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 35.0% houses), likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

With around 266 people per dwelling approval, Southport - South indicates a developing market. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by approximately 5,491 residents. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Southport - South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of thirty projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Paradiso Place, One Park Lane, Eden Garden Residences, and 21 Minnie Street Affordable Housing. 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 conditions in Southport - South remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Southport-South has a well-educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.0% and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.1% in the past year, as of June 2025.

There are 10,655 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, but has lower representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 2.1% alongside labour force growth of 2.1%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Southport-South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Southport - South has a median taxpayer income of $44,931 and an average of $56,755 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than average nationally compared to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,217 (median) and $64,695 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Southport - South rank modestly, between the 25th and 75th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 29.6% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, with 6,074 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Southport - South, with only 77.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 18th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Southport - South displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Southport - South's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, showed 34.7% houses and 65.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 44.5% houses and 55.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southport - South was at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.2% and rented ones at 49.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $435, higher than the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 58.9% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 9.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

Southport's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 31.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.0% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 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. The area's educational provision includes The Southport School and Keebra Park State High School, serving a total of 2,618 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1042) with balanced educational opportunities. It has one secondary and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (12.8) fall below the regional average (18.0), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Southport-South has 57 active public transport stops. These are a mix of light rail and bus services. There are 10 individual routes operating in total.

Collectively, these routes provide 2,412 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 189 meters. Service frequency averages 344 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 42 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

Southport - South shows below-average health indicators. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,912 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 8.4% of residents and arthritis affecting 8.0%. 69.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 69.4% across Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.0% (3,901 people) compared to 17.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Southport - South 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 scores highly in cultural diversity, with 25.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 39.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 46.0%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.3%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (12.2%). Korean (1.9%) and Russian (0.6%) are notably overrepresented, while Maori is underrepresented at 1.2%.

Southport - South's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Southport - South is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 20.8% of the population, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 7.6%, which is lower compared to Rest of Qld. Nationally, the 25-34 age group comprises 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decrease in median age from 39 to 38 years, with the 25-34 age group growing from 16.9% to 20.8%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 9.3% to 7.6%. The 45-54 age group also decreased from 12.3% to 11.0%. By 2041, Southport - South's age composition is expected to shift notably, with the 25-34 cohort projected to increase by 2,098 people (49%) from 4,262 to 6,361, while the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1% (34 people).