Sunnybank
Statistical Area - sa2

Sunnybank has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Sunnybank's population was 10,304 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 1,271 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,033. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,292 in June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,347 persons per square kilometer, placing Sunnybank in the upper quartile nationally. Sunnybank's growth rate of 14.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the SA3 area average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.5% of overall population gains during 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as a base. Future population projections indicate an above median growth for statistical areas nationally, with Sunnybank expected to grow by 2,056 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, marking a total increase of 19.8% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Sunnybank when compared nationally

Sunnybank has recorded approximately 36 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 182 homes were approved, with an additional 15 so far in FY26. On average, about 4.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period, indicating substantial supply lagging behind demand and heightened buyer competition leading to pricing pressures.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $453,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $17.0 million in commercial development approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Brisbane. Sunnybank records elevated construction at 23.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice and supporting existing property values despite recent slowing building activity.

New development consists of 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Sunnybank's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 345 people per dwelling approval, Sunnybank shows a developed market. By 2041, Sunnybank is expected to grow by approximately 2,044 residents. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition may arise as the population expands.

Sunnybank has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects that may affect the region. Notable ones include 12-20 Bothwell Street Apartments, the $9.5 million Sunnybank Community & Rugby Sports Precinct Renovation, Pavilion The Residences, and Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Sunnybank shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Sunnybank has a highly educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, Sunnybank had 5,036 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 57.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Sunnybank had a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Public administration & safety was under-represented, with only 4.4% of Sunnybank's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 7.0%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 1.9%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that 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 Sunnybank's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Sunnybank had a median taxpayer income of $41,878 and an average income of $55,095 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This was below the national average, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, based on a 13.99% increase from the financial year 2022 Wage Price Index growth, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,737 (median) and $62,803 (average). The 2021 Census figures showed individual incomes at the 16th percentile ($630 weekly), while household income was at the 41st percentile. Income brackets indicated that 31.4% of Sunnybank residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 (3,235 individuals). This was consistent with broader regional trends showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. Sunnybank's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Sunnybank is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Sunnybank's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.3% houses and 13.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunnybank stood at 36.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented ones at 40.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,961, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Sunnybank was $400, matching Brisbane metro's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, Sunnybank's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,961 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Sunnybank features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 70.4% of all households, including 30.3% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 9.6%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which matches the Greater Brisbane average.

Sunnybank performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational attainment in Sunnybank is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 37.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 14.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.9% in tertiary, 7.9% in primary, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education. There are seven schools operating within Sunnybank, educating approximately 3,383 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1018) and balanced educational opportunities. The mix includes three primary, three secondary, and one K-12 school. Sunnybank functions as an education hub, offering 32.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Sunnybank has 58 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 57 different routes, collectively facilitating 4,706 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 186 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 672 trips per day, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sunnybank's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Sunnybank shows excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Approximately 48% (~4904 people) have private health cover, below the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma (5.4%) and arthritis (5.3%), while 77.8% report no medical ailments, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 77.0%. Sunnybank has 1601 residents aged 65 and over (15.5%). Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Sunnybank is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sunnybank has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the country, with 59.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 58.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 35.8%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 7.9% versus 6.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (29.3%), English (15.4%), and Other (14.1%). Korean (2.8%) Vietnamese (2.5%), and Filipino (2.7%) ethnicities show notable overrepresentation compared to regional averages.

Sunnybank's population is younger than the national pattern

Sunnybank has a median age of 34, which is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and substantially under Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.1%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 13.9% to 16.2%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.0% to 7.8%. Population forecasts for Sunnybank indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow strongly at 33%, adding 374 residents to reach 1,500. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group is expected to contract by 2 residents.