Arundel

Population growth drivers in Arundel are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Arundel was around 11,943 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 772 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,171. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 11,919 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,131 persons per square kilometer. Arundel's growth rate of 6.9% since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 80.0%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with Arundel expected to grow by 1,650 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.6% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Arundel according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Arundel shows approximately 15 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 78 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 13 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating demand significantly outstripping supply and potentially putting upward pressure on prices.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $468,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. This financial year has seen $34.5 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. New developments consist of 59% detached dwellings and 41% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across different price brackets.

This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 83% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Arundel has approximately 2147 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts suggest Arundel will gain 1626 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Arundel 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 identified 46 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Arundel Hills Residential Development, Smith Street Motorway Connection, New Coomera Hospital, and Gold Coast University Hospital Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Arundel has been broadly consistent with national averages

Arundel's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6%. As of December 2025, 6,132 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. According to Census responses, 13.3% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6 as of the Census, indicating higher local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, while labour force grew by 2.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Arundel's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Arundel had median taxpayer income of $47,275 and average income of $61,464 in financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). As of September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% are approximately $51,960 (median) and $67,555 (average). In Arundel, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 31st and 46th percentiles according to 2021 Census figures. The largest income segment comprised 34.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,072 residents), similar to the broader area's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 81.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

In Arundel, as per the latest Census, 83.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Queensland's regional average of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Arundel stood at 34.2%, similar to Regional Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Arundel was $470, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Arundel's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.4% of all households, including 33.2% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 27.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.8% and certificates make up 23.0%.

Educational participation is high at 28.5%, including 9.2% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 6.0% 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 shows 32 active transport stops operating within Arundel. These comprise a mix of light rail and buses serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 2425 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 333 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward; car remains dominant at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 13.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 346 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

Arundel's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Arundel's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks following AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 52% (~6,157 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 8.7% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 8.1%. A total of 68.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.6% (2,221 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.4% in Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Arundel was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Arundel's population showed higher linguistic diversity, with 22.0% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to most local markets. Born overseas, 38.2% of Arundel residents were born outside Australia. Christianity was the predominant religion in Arundel, comprising 46.6%.

Judaism, at 0.2%, was overrepresented compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%. For ancestry, English (28.3%) and Australian (20.5%) were the top groups, with Other at 11.6%. Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.5% in Arundel versus 0.9% regionally. Maori representation was higher at 1.7% compared to 0.8%, and Korean residents were more numerous at 0.8% than the regional average of 0.2%.

Arundel's median age exceeds the national pattern

Arundel's median age is 40, close to Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.7% of Arundel's population, higher than Regional Queensland's figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.7%, lower than Regional Queensland's figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 11.8% to 14.7% of Arundel's population. The 65-74 cohort declined from 10.6% to 8.7%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Arundel's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 28%, reaching 2,245 people from 1,755. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.