Sunshine Beach

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Sunshine Beach's population is around 7,452 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 601 people (8.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,851 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,443 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,023 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sunshine Beach's 8.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 81.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of national regional areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 262 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 3.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Sunshine Beach among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Sunshine Beach has seen around 36 new homes approved each year, with 184 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 14 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $865,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $107,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Sunshine Beach has similar development levels (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 47.0% detached houses and 53.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 65.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 177 people per approval, Sunshine Beach reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Sunshine Beach is expected to grow by 253 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Sunshine Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Sunrise Beach Village, Noosa Aquatic Centre Facility Upgrade Plan, Noosa Business Centre Village Precinct, and David Low Way Retaining Wall and Shared Pathway, Sunrise Beach, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market in Sunshine Beach shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Sunshine Beach possesses a well-educated workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, and an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. As of December 2025, 3,985 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a high 26.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.8% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.1% combined with employment decreasing by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Sunshine Beach. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Sunshine Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Sunshine Beach SA2's income level is among the top percentile nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Sunshine Beach SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,856 and the average income stands at $111,551, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,797 (median) and $122,606 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Sunshine Beach cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.2% of residents (2,399 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 54th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Sunshine Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Sunshine Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 65.4% houses and 34.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Sunshine Beach was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 39.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.1%) or rented (27.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Sunshine Beach's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Sunshine Beach features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 72.5% of all households, comprising 27.1% couples with children, 34.7% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Sunshine Beach exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Sunshine Beach significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 24.9% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 32 active transport stops operating within Sunshine Beach, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 889 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 194 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A high 26.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 127 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Sunshine Beach, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (5,670 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.1% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 75.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,465 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Sunshine Beach was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Sunshine Beach was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 9.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.1% born overseas. The main religion in Sunshine Beach is Christianity, which makes up 41.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Sunshine Beach are English, comprising 32.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.1% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Sunshine Beach (vs 0.5% regionally), Scottish at 9.9% (vs 7.8%) and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.3%).

Sunshine Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 45, Sunshine Beach is materially older than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and also well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.8%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (10.2%) than in Regional Qld. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.8% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 10.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 16.7% to 15.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Sunshine Beach's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 16% (128 people), reaching 939 from 810. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.