Arundel

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Arundel's population is estimated at around 11,943 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 772 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,171 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,919, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,131 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Arundel's 6.9% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 80.0% 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the suburb of Arundel expected to grow by 1,652 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.6% in total 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 shows Arundel had approximately 15 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 78 homes were approved, with one more in FY26 so far. Each year, about 13 people moved to the area per dwelling built during these years.

This high demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $468,000, higher than regional levels, suggesting quality construction focus. In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $34.5 million, indicating robust commercial development momentum.

Recent developments consist of 59% detached dwellings and 41% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options across price brackets. This shift from the area's existing 83% houses suggests decreasing developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles seeking diverse housing options. Arundel has around 2147 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. By 2041, AreaSearch forecasts a population increase of 1628 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 46 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include 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.

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.

Employment performance in Arundel has been broadly consistent with national averages

Arundel has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, there were 6,075 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation similar at 65.7%.

According to Census responses, only 13.3% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training sectors, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of workers to residents, at 0.6, indicates a higher level of local employment opportunities than usual.

Over the past year, employment increased by 2.4%, and the labour force grew by 2.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Arundel's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Arundel had an income level below the national average according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Arundel was $47,275 and the average income stood at $61,464. These figures compared with those of Rest of Qld's which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $51,960 (median) and $67,555 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Arundel ranked modestly, between the 31st and 46th percentiles. Income brackets indicated that the largest segment comprised 34.1% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,072 residents), which was similar to the broader area where this cohort represented 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Arundel, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth 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 evaluation, 83.0% of dwellings were houses while 17.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Arundel stood at 34.2%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged properties at 37.5% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Arundel was recorded at $470, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Arundel's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher at $2,000 than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are substantially above 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 make up 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 Rest of Qld 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%. This reflects the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 23.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

A total of 32 operational public transport stops are present in Arundel. These include a mix of lightrail and bus services, with 7 distinct routes running weekly. The combined passenger trips across these routes amount to 2,425 per week. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 333 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Arundel, primarily using cars (90%). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 13.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 346 trips occur daily, translating 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 are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among Arundel's general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low in Arundel, with approximately 52% (~6,157 people) having it. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.7 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the Rest of Qld. The under-65 population in Arundel demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of 2021, 18.6% of Arundel's residents are aged 65 and over (2,221 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in the Rest of Qld. 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 22.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Arundel, comprising 46.6% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Arundel compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.2% versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 28.3%, Australian at 20.5%, and Other at 11.6%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.5% compared to 0.9% regionally, Maori at 1.7% versus 0.8%, and Korean at 0.8% compared to 0.2%.

Arundel's median age exceeds the national pattern

Arundel has a median age of 40, which is close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.7% of Arundel's population, higher than Rest of Qld's figure, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has grown from 11.8% to 14.7%, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.6% to 8.7%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Arundel's age profile will significantly change. 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.