Sunnybank

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

Sunnybank's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 10,585. This figure represents a growth of 1,552 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,033. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,570 in June 2025 and an additional 46 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 2,411 persons per square kilometer, placing Sunnybank in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Sunnybank's growth rate of 17.2% since the 2021 Census exceeds both national (9.3%) and state averages, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 95.7% of Sunnybank's population gains recently.

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. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, Sunnybank's population is projected to grow by 1,682 persons, reflecting a total increase of 15.8% over the 16-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 FY-21 to FY-25, around 182 homes were approved, and a further 31 have been approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 4.7 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

This indicates that supply is significantly lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $453,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, Sunnybank has recorded around $17.0 million in approvals this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank records elevated construction levels, at 21.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years. New development primarily consists of detached dwellings, with 96.0% of approvals for this type and only 4.0% for medium or high-density housing. This preserves the area's suburban nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 345 people per dwelling approval, Sunnybank shows a developed market. Looking ahead, Sunnybank is projected to grow by approximately 1,667 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development appears to be keeping pace with this projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include 12-20 Bothwell Street Apartments, Pavilion The Residences, Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion (scheduled for completion in 2025), and Sunnybank Market Square and Plaza Redevelopment (commencing in 2023). Below is a list of projects likely to be 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.

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

Sunnybank's workforce is highly educated with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of December 2025, Sunnybank had 5,323 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 6.6%, and workforce participation at 61.0%.

Home-based work accounted for 13.8% of jobs due to Covid-19 impacts. Dominant sectors were health care & social assistance (24.7%), accommodation & food (15.2%), and retail trade (14.5%). Accommodation & food was notably high, at 1.9 times the regional average. Public administration & safety was under-represented at 4.4%.

Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on resident vs working population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.3% while labour force grew by 2.8%, raising unemployment to 6.1%. Greater Brisbane saw higher growth rates: 3.2% employment increase, 3.0% labour force growth, and a 3.9% unemployment rate reduction. National employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sunnybank's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in ten years.

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

The median taxpayer income in Sunnybank SA2 is $42,909 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The average income is $55,571. This is below the national average of $58,236 median and $72,799 average in Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,783 median and $61,884 average as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes are at the 15th percentile ($630 weekly), while household income is at the 41st percentile. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 31.4% of the community (3,323 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Sunnybank's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.3% houses and 13.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Sunnybank's home ownership level was higher than Brisbane metro's at 36.6%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (22.7%) or rented (40.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,961, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Sunnybank's median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Sunnybank's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Sunnybank features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

In Sunnybank, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is notably higher than regional averages, standing at 37.8%, compared to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This educational attainment, particularly in bachelor degrees (25.1%), postgraduate qualifications (10.1%), and graduate diplomas (2.6%), indicates a significant knowledge-based advantage for the area. Vocational credentials are also prevalent among residents, with 25.5% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (14.6%). Educational participation is notably high in Sunnybank, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.9% in tertiary education, 7.9% in primary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Sunnybank has 57 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 58 individual routes, facilitating 5,032 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 185 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the primary mode of transport at 75%, followed by bus at 11% and train at 8%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 718 trips per day, translating to approximately 88 weekly trips per stop.

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

Sunnybank's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is held by approximately 47% of Sunnybank's total population (~5,017 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and arthritis were the most common medical conditions, affecting 5.4% and 5.3% of residents respectively. 77.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Sunnybank has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,623 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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's population is predominantly diverse, with 59.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 58.5% born overseas. Christianity is the primary religion in Sunnybank, comprising 35.8%. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 7.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average of 2.0%.

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 are also notably overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Sunnybank's population is younger than the national pattern

Sunnybank's median age is 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and considerably under Australia's national median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.3%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.9% to 16.6%, while the 25 to 34 age group has risen from 20.0% to 22.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 9.0% to 7.5%, and those aged 5 to 14 have dropped from 10.5% to 9.2%. Population forecasts for Sunnybank in 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 age group (29%), adding 328 residents to reach a total of 1,444. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group is expected to decrease by 7 residents.