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, as of Nov 2025, Arundel's estimated population is around 11,940. This reflects a growth of 769 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,171. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 11,919, based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,130 persons per square kilometer. Arundel's growth rate of 6.9% since census is within 1.9 percentage points of non-metro areas (8.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains recently, with all drivers being positive factors.

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 lack age category splits; thus proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest a median increase outside capital cities, with Arundel expected to grow by 1,652 persons to 2041. This reflects an overall increase of 13.7% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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 shows Arundel had around 15 residential properties approved per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 78 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. On average, 13 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This high demand outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $468,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaling $34.5 million have been registered, suggesting strong commercial development momentum.

The new developments consist of 59% detached dwellings and 41% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating diverse housing opportunities across price brackets. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 83% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring more affordable housing alternatives. Arundel has approximately 2147 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 1631 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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by alterations in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 46 such projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are Arundel Hills Residential Development, Smith Street Motorway Connection, New Coomera Hospital, and Gold Coast University Hospital Expansion, with the following list detailing those likely to be most pertinent.

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's workforce is highly educated 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, 6,075 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%, and workforce participation similar at 59.1%. Key sectors for employment include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating higher-than-average local employment opportunities.

Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, and labour force grew by 2.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from November 25 shows 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 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Arundel's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 to those for the rest of Queensland, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on the Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,960 (median) and $67,555 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Arundel ranked modestly, between the 31st and 46th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprised 34.1% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,071 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise 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 Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Arundel, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 83.0% houses and 17.1% other dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. The home ownership rate within Arundel was 34.2%, with 37.5% of dwellings mortgaged and 28.3% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $470. Nationally, Arundel's median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Arundel features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a median household size of 2.7 people

Family households constitute 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 account for 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.

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

The area's educational profile is notable within the region, with university qualification rates at 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 also prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 23.0%.

Educational participation is notably 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

A total of 32 active public transport stops are currently operating within Arundel. These include a mix of lightrail and bus services. Seven individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 2,425 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 333 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 346 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 75 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Arundel are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Arundel's health indicators show below-average results.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population, around 6,156 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (8.1%). About 68.2% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. Around 18.9%, or 2,256 residents, are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 high cultural diversity, with 22.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Arundel, comprising 46.6%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to other regions, making up 0.2% of Arundel's population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.3%), Australian (20.5%), and Other (11.6%). Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.5%, Maori 1.7%, and Koreans 0.8% of the population, each being overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Arundel's median age exceeds the national pattern

Arundel's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.2%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.9%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 11.8% to 14.2%, and the 65-74 cohort declined from 10.6% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Arundel's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 2,245 from 1,695. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age range is expected to decrease by 70 people.