Sunnybank

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

Sunnybank's population was recorded as 9,033 people during the 2021 Census. By November 2025, this had increased to around 10,304 people, reflecting a growth of 1,271 individuals (14.1%) since the census date. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,292 reported by the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses recorded after the Census. This results in a population density ratio of 2,347 persons per square kilometer, placing Sunnybank in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 14.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and that of its SA3 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.5% of Sunnybank's overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort when utilizing these state projections. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. Sunnybank is expected to grow by 2,056 persons to reach a total of 12,090 people by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 19.8% over the 17-year period.

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, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 4.7 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period.

This indicates that supply is significantly lagging behind demand, which typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $453,000, suggesting that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, approximately $17.0 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity in Sunnybank compared to Greater Brisbane.

However, construction levels have been somewhat elevated in Sunnybank over the past five years, at 23.0% above the regional average per person. This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, despite a slowdown in building activity in recent years. The majority of new development consists of detached dwellings, with 96.0% of approvals for this type of housing and only 4.0% for medium and high-density housing. This preserves the area's suburban nature and caters to space-seeking buyers. With around 345 people per dwelling approval, Sunnybank shows a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sunnybank is projected to grow by 2,044 residents through to 2041. Development activity appears to be keeping pace with this projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones are 12-20 Bothwell Street Apartments, Pavilion The Residences, Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion (scheduled for completion in 2022), and Sunnybank Market Square and Plaza Redevelopment (commencing in late 2021). 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.

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

Sunnybank's workforce is highly educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.8% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year.

As of this date, 5,200 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lagged at 57.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among Sunnybank residents included health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Employment in accommodation & food was notably concentrated, at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety was under-represented, with only 4.4% of Sunnybank's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 7.0%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force increased by 1.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%. State-level data as of 25-Nov showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sunnybank's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Sunnybank SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $41,878 and an average income of $55,095 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. Greater Brisbane's median income was $55,645 with an average income of $70,520 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest Sunnybank SA2's median income would be approximately $47,737 and average income around $62,803, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census figures showed individual incomes at the 15th percentile ($630 weekly), while household incomes were at the 41st percentile. Income brackets indicated that 31.4% of Sunnybank SA2's community earned between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (3,235 individuals). This was consistent with broader regional trends where 33.3% fell into the same income category. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Sunnybank SA2, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area'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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.3% houses and 13.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 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. The median weekly rent in Sunnybank was $400, equal to Brisbane metro's figure. 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 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 constitute 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 aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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

Sunnybank's educational attainment is notably high, with 37.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing Queensland's state average of 25.7% and Australia's national average of 30.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, positioning it strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. 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 account for 10.9% and certificates for 14.6%.

Educational participation is 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 58 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 57 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 4,706 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 186 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. On average, there are 672 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 health conditions across all ages. Approximately 48% (~4,904 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (5.4%) and arthritis (5.3%). A total of 77.8% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 77.0%. Sunnybank has 15.5% (1,601 people) aged 65 and over. Seniors' health outcomes are strong and 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 in Sunnybank, making up 35.8% of its population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 7.9% versus 6.4%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are Chinese (29.3%), English (15.4%), and Other (14.1%). Korean (2.8%) Vietnamese (2.5%) and Filipino (2.7%) populations are notably higher than regional averages of 2.9%, 2.1%, and 1.8% respectively.

Sunnybank's population is younger than the national pattern

Sunnybank's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly below Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.6%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of Sunnybank's population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 13.9% to 16.2%, while the percentage of those aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 9.0% to 7.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial changes in Sunnybank's population structure. The 45-54 age group is forecasted to grow by 33%, adding 374 residents to reach a total of 1,500. Conversely, the 0-4 age group is projected to decrease by 2 residents.