Sunnybank Hills
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Sunnybank Hills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Sunnybank Hills' population is approximately 19,532 as of August 2025. Between the 2021 Census and June 2024, it increased by 1,447 people to 19,514, an 8.0% rise. This growth is attributed to overseas migration contributing around 92.0%. The population density is 3,032 persons per square kilometer, placing Sunnybank Hills in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. Its 8.0% growth since the census is within 0.6 percentage points of the national average (8.6%). By 2041, projections estimate a population increase of 2,121 persons, totaling an 10.8% rise over 17 years.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 2,121 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 10.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Sunnybank Hills recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Sunnybank Hills has averaged approximately 54 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 274 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 7 so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 1.4 new residents arrived per new home built, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this ratio has intensified to 7.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $619,000, which is slightly above the regional average, implying a focus on quality developments.

Additionally, $8.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's predominantly residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank Hills maintains similar construction rates per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. This activity is also below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints in the area. New development consists of 60% detached dwellings and 40% medium and high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 85% houses. This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles seeking diverse, affordable housing options.

Currently, Sunnybank Hills reflects approximately 335 people per approval, suggesting a transitioning market. Looking ahead, Sunnybank Hills is projected to grow by 2,103 residents by the year 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Sunnybank Hills has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Pavilion The Residences, Gardner Road Townhouses Stage 3, Solaris Rochedale, and Gowan Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Sunnybank Hills has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Sunnybank Hills has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of June 2025, 9,529 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Brisbane's at 4.1%, and workforce participation is lower at 57.9%. The dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a notable concentration in the latter at 1.3 times the regional average. However, construction is under-represented at 6.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, while labour force increased by 1.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable.

In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% between Sep-24 and Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sunnybank Hills' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Sunnybank Hills had a median taxpayer income of $42,371 and an average of $55,848 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. These figures were below Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 during the same period. By March 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $47,333 and the average would be around $62,388, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Sunnybank Hills' household income ranked at the 49th percentile with a weekly earning of $1,725, while personal income was at the 23rd percentile. In terms of income brackets, 34.9% of individuals in Sunnybank Hills earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consumed 15.3% of income in the area, but strong earnings still placed disposable income at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Sunnybank Hills' dwellings, as per the latest Census assessment, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunnybank Hills stood at 36.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.8% and rented ones at 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,853, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent was recorded at $410, compared to Brisbane metro's $400. Nationally, Sunnybank Hills' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.9% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Sunnybank Hills shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Sunnybank Hills is notably high, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications compared to the state average of 25.7% and national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.0% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 15.3%. Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.8% in primary, 7.4% in tertiary, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education.

Sunnybank Hills State School and Autism Queensland Education & Therapy Centre serve a total of 1,929 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1088) with educational provision including one primary school and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (9.9) are below the regional average (13.1), indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Sunnybank Hills has 62 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 23 different routes that together facilitate 3000 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 428 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Sunnybank Hills is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Sunnybank Hills exhibits above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this rate is higher than the national average when considering older and at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is found to be very low in the area, with approximately 48% of the total population (~9,297 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 5.7% and 5.5% of residents respectively. A higher proportion of residents, 75.7%, report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Brisbane's 77.0%. Sunnybank Hills has a larger elderly population with 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,568 people), which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Brisbane. This demographic requires more attention regarding healthcare needs compared to the broader population.

Sunnybank Hills 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 Hills has a population where 57.8% speak a language other than English at home, with 54.9% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion at 39.0%. Buddhism is slightly overrepresented at 7.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (27.1%), Other (15.0%), and English (14.1%). Korean, Samoan, and Serbian ethnicities show notable divergences in representation: Korean at 1.9% (vs regional 2.9%), Samoan at 1.1% (vs 0.8%), and Serbian at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Sunnybank Hills's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sunnybank Hills has a median age of 37 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank Hills has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (9.8%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 11.9% to 13.3%, while the 0-4 age group has declined from 5.8% to 4.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Sunnybank Hills' age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 61%, adding 738 residents to reach 1,946. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 65% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.