Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Sunnybank has an estimated 10,585 residents, up from 9,033 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,552 people, or 17.2%. Growth has averaged 2.4% a year over five years, faster than 88% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 95.7% of that increase. That puts 2,411 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Demographic assessment from AreaSearch estimates the Sunnybank community at approximately 10,585 as of Aug 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census tally of 9,033 people, this indicates an expansion of 1,552 people (17.2%). Such figures are derived from the ABS estimated resident population figure of 10,570 as of June 2025 alongside 47 validated new addresses identified following the Census. The suburb records a residential density of 2,411 persons per square kilometer, positioning it within the highest national quartile analyzed by AreaSearch. Outpacing both the broader SA3 territory and the national average (9.5%), Sunnybank's 17.2% population rise establishes it as an outstanding local growth hub.
This demographic surge has been fueled overwhelmingly by international arrivals, accounting for roughly 95.7% of total recent gains. Projections generated by ABS/Geoscience Australia (published in 2024 utilizing 2022 as baseline data) form the foundation of AreaSearch's SA2 modeling. For locations omitted from this dataset or projections extending beyond 2032, Queensland State Government SA2 forecasts (released in 2023 from 2021 numbers) are incorporated. Because these state figures do not break down age brackets, AreaSearch applies cohort weightings derived from ABS Greater Capital Region forecasts (issued in 2023 using 2022 figures). Looking forward, population growth across the locality is projected to track above the national median, with the latest annual ERP metrics projecting an addition of 1,600 persons up to 2041, representing a cumulative 15.0% expansion over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
166 new dwellings have been approved in Sunnybank over the past five years, an average of 33 a year. That places the area in the 71st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 3 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 33 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 97% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Sunnybank have averaged roughly 33 properties per year, generating 166 homes across the prior 5 financial years. Between FY-22 and FY-26, the influx of new residents reached an average of 7.1 people per year for every home constructed, creating an environment where demand substantially outstrips supply, typically escalating property values and heightening competition. Furthermore, with an average construction cost of $668,000 per newly built residence, developers are targeting higher-tier segments. The current financial year also saw $17.0 million dedicated to commercial development approvals, demonstrating solid ongoing commercial investment.
Per capita residential construction in Sunnybank over the 5 year period tracked 10.0% above regional average benchmarks across Greater Brisbane, providing prospective purchasers with adequate options while reinforcing current asset pricing. However, construction volume remains lower than the Australian benchmark, indicating a mature urban footprint and potential land constraints. Houses accounted for 97.0% of recent residential building activity compared to 3.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving traditional low-density suburban neighbourhoods geared toward family living. The ratio of around 285 people per dwelling approval reflects an evolving property market. Forecasts from AreaSearch's latest quarterly calculations indicate Sunnybank will gain 1,585 residents through to 2041. While ongoing residential development continues at a reasonable pace relative to this growth, increased population pressure may intensify competition among property seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Sunnybank
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Sunnybank, worth an estimated $40 million. A further 114 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $10.5 billion. 26 are already under construction and 42 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Urban development, major capital investments, and local works exert a significant influence on area performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 23 key initiatives likely to shape the district. Notable projects include 12-20 Bothwell Street Apartments, Pavilion The Residences, Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion, and Sunnybank Market Square and Plaza Redevelopment, with key projects detailed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Runcorn State School Facilities Upgrade
Runcorn State School in Sunnybank is undergoing continual facilities upgrades. Works include a new dedicated building for the prep year, air-conditioning of the library, upgraded computer lab facilities, and effective water usage strategies including rainwater tanks and fittings. The school, established in 1901, is a Queensland Department of Education band 8 primary school with 368 students.
Gowan Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment
Comprehensive redevelopment of the Gowan Village local centre. The project features a new two-storey retail building (1,322sqm GFA) housing multiple tenancies and a fast food restaurant, alongside a new single-storey childcare centre (593sqm GFA) accommodating 105 children. The upgrade includes a pedestrian plaza, 68 car parking spaces across open and basement levels, and extensive landscaping to enhance community facilities.
Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Expansion
The $621 million QEII Jubilee Hospital Expansion is being delivered by Health Infrastructure Queensland and Metro South Health, with Built QLD appointed as managing contractor. The project constructs a new five-storey clinical services building providing 112 additional inpatient beds including 12 ICU beds, expanded surgical theatres, modernised central sterile services, and a new multi-deck car park. Construction commenced in 2023 and is progressing toward practical completion in 2027.
Gowan Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment
Redevelopment and expansion of the existing Gowan Village local shopping centre including a new three-storey retail building (1,322sqm) with multiple tenancies, a fast food restaurant, expanded car parking, and a new single-storey 105-place childcare centre.
Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion
Multi-stage redevelopment of Macgregor State High School including new teaching blocks, performing arts facilities, sports infrastructure and refurbishment of existing buildings. Delivered under the Queensland Government's school infrastructure program (Great Schools, Great Future) with a maximum enrolment capacity of 1,691 students.
Macgregor Gardens Retirement Village Expansion
Stage 2 expansion adding 42 independent living units and new community facilities to the existing Macgregor Gardens retirement village.
Sunnybank Market Square and Plaza Redevelopment
A major redevelopment of Sunnybank Market Square and Plaza, including a four-level extension adding 7,911 sqm of retail space, 304 car parking spaces, facade enhancements, a laneway dining precinct adjacent to Canna Street, improved accessibility, and modernized retail tenancies. This project enhances the cultural precinct, serving Brisbane's multicultural community with expanded food courts and retail spaces while preserving the area's cultural significance.
Salina Towers
A 72-unit residential development featuring four 5-storey towers with a mix of 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, including a swimming pool, gym, and communal recreation areas. Incorporates the former Whitley Street residential development site, focusing on modern urban living with sustainable design elements.
5,446 residents of Sunnybank are employed, from a labour force of 5,754. Unemployment sits at 5.4%, with participation at 61.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 9,258, about 87% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Sunnybank features a well-educated labor pool spread across multiple industries, recording an unemployment rate of 5.4% alongside 5.4% annual employment growth. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 5,446, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.0% above the Greater Brisbane figure of 4.3%. Labor market engagement remains subdued, with a participation rate of 61.9% trailing Greater Brisbane's 70.1%. Additionally, 13.8% of workers reported working remotely in Census returns, though this metric was influenced by Covid-19 lockdown circumstances. Local resident employment is anchored heavily in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.
The accommodation & food sector exhibits strong concentration locally, employing workers at 1.9 times the regional rate. In contrast, public administration & safety employs only 4.4% of local workers compared to 7.0% regionally. The balance between the resident workforce and the count of local jobs reported in Census data confirms that this largely residential enclave provides relatively few jobs within its immediate boundaries. AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM figures indicates that over the 12-month period, a 5.4% rise in jobs alongside a 4.9% expansion in the labor pool reduced the local jobless rate by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane experienced a 3.2% increase in employment, a 3.4% rise in the labor force, and a 0.1 percentage points uptick in unemployment. Broader labor trends from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide context on medium-term demand. Nationwide employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories diverge by sector. Applying these broader industry trends directly to Sunnybank's workforce distribution suggests matching local job expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (representing an unadjusted structural weighting that excludes localized population changes).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Sunnybank is $1,593 a week (about $83,000 a year), with median personal income at $630 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $42,909 a year against an average of $55,571. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that Sunnybank SA2 taxpayers recorded a median income of $42,909 and an average income of $55,571, lagging behind both Australian benchmarks and Greater Brisbane figures of $58,236 and $72,799. Factoring in Wage Price Index movement of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 stand at $47,783 for median earnings and $61,884 for average earnings. The 2021 Census positioned individual income at the 15th percentile ($630 weekly), whereas household earnings reached the 41st percentile. The largest earning segment is the $1,500 - 2,999 band, capturing 31.4% of residents (3,323 people), closely mirroring the 33.3% regional benchmark.
Substantial living cost pressures leave residents with 83.3% of income remaining, placing the area at the 40th percentile, with its SEIFA income status positioned in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Sunnybank had 2,910 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 86% detached houses and 1% apartments. 23% are owned with a mortgage, 41% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,961 a month. Rent absorbs 25.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 28.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The residential landscape at the most recent Census was composed of 86.3% separate houses and 13.7% other dwellings (incorporating apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative formats), contrasting with the wider Brisbane metropolitan distribution of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Outright property ownership reached 36.6%, well above the metropolitan rate, with 22.7% paying off mortgages and 40.7% living in rental accommodations. The typical monthly mortgage repayment of $1,961 and median weekly rent of $400 both sat higher than the Brisbane metro figures of $1,863 and $380. Sunnybank housing costs are elevated nationally as well, exceeding the Australian average mortgage of $1,863 and median rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Sunnybank counted 2,910 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,410 today, averaging 3.0 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 20% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the predominant living arrangement at 70.4% of local households, consisting of 30.3% couples with children, 25.2% childless couples, and 12.5% single-parent arrangements. Non-family dwellings make up the remaining 29.6%, comprising 20.0% single-person homes and 9.6% shared group residences. The area records a median household size of 3.0 people, exceeding the 2.6 Greater Brisbane standard.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
37.8% of adults in Sunnybank hold a university qualification, including 25.1% with a bachelor degree and 10.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 14.6% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 3,383 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,018 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Academic credentials in Sunnybank outpace broader state and national standards, as 37.8% of individuals aged 15+ hold tertiary degrees, compared to 25.7% across QLD and 30.4% across Australia, creating strong foundations for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor qualifications form the largest share at 25.1%, with postgraduate qualifications accounting for 10.1% and graduate diplomas representing 2.6%. Vocational education is also widespread, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between certificates (14.6%) and advanced diplomas (10.9%). Learning engagement across the suburb is considerable, with 32.8% of the populace currently participating in academic programs.
This comprises 8.9% attending higher education facilities, 7.9% enrolled in primary education, and 6.9% undertaking secondary schooling.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Sunnybank means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
77.8% of residents in Sunnybank report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 93% of areas nationally. 5.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality patterns and chronic illnesses show exceptional health metrics across Sunnybank, with notably low instances of major medical conditions across all age cohorts. Private health insurance participation is low, encompassing roughly 47% of residents (~5,017 people), in contrast to 55.8% for Greater Brisbane and the national level of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis represent the primary health issues identified locally, diagnosed in 5.4 and 5.3% of the community respectively, while 77.8% reported no ongoing medical conditions, outperforming the Greater Brisbane proportion of 69.2%. Working-age adults display strong general wellness with minimal chronic illness.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 14.5% of the community (1,534 people), exhibiting favorable health outcomes despite sitting slightly lower against broader national standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
58.5% of Sunnybank residents were born overseas and 59.6% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 95% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Chinese (29.3%) and English (15.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Sunnybank demonstrates remarkable cultural diversity, with 59.6% of residents using a language other than English at home and 58.5% of the population born outside Australia. Christianity represents the most common faith, followed by 35.8% of residents. The suburb also displays a pronounced Buddhist presence, with 7.9% of the populace identifying with Buddhism compared to the Greater Brisbane baseline of 2.0%. Ancestral backgrounds in Sunnybank are led by Chinese heritage at 29.3%, markedly exceeding the 3.4% regional proportion, followed by English ancestry at 15.4% (well below the 26.8% regional figure) and Other backgrounds at 14.1%.
Notable variations also appear among several other communities: Korean ancestry represents 2.8% locally (versus 0.5% regionally), Filipino accounts for 2.7% (compared to 1.2%), and Vietnamese comprises 2.5% (against 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Sunnybank is 34, younger than 79% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 40.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Sunnybank is characterized by a youthful demographic structure skewed toward younger adults. Updated figures to August 2026 show that adults aged 25 - 44 account for 38.8% of the populace, compared to 30.6% across Greater Brisbane, while the 45 - 64 bracket represents 18.4%, versus 22.6% regionally. The estimated median age stood at 34 as at August 2026, falling from 35 at the 2021 Census and sitting 2 years below the Greater Brisbane median of 36 recorded at that Census. The most noticeable demographic shift since the Census has occurred in the 25 - 44 age range, expanding from 34.4% to an estimated 38.8%.
Looking forward to 2041, senior cohorts (65+) are projected to drive future growth, increasing by 787 residents (51%) to reach 2,322.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Sunnybank
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 47 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (9,033 at the 2021 Census → 10,585 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (303061079). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.