Arundel

Population growth drivers in Arundel are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Arundel's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 11,940 people. This figure reflects an increase of 769 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,171 people in the suburb. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the ABS ERP data release from June 2024, indicating a resident population of 11,919. This growth results in a density ratio of approximately 1,130 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Arundel's 6.9% population growth since the census places it within 1.9 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration 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, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate a growth of just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with Arundel expected to increase by 1,652 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 13.7% over the 17-year period.

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 recorded around 15 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 78 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 13 people per year over the past five financial years.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $468,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY-26, $34.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust commercial development momentum.

Residential developments consist of 59.0% detached dwellings and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options across price brackets. This shift contrasts with the existing housing stock, which is currently 83.0% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Arundel has approximately 2147 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established market. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 1,631 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Arundel has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 46 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include New Coomera Hospital, Arundel Hills Residential Development, Smith Street Motorway Connection, and Gold Coast University Hospital Expansion. Below is a list detailing 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 well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 6,095 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with agriculture, forestry & fishing showing lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Over the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.5% alongside labour force increasing by 2.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years. These projections are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Arundel's median income among taxpayers was $47,275 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $61,464 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Arundel would be approximately $53,889 (median) and $70,063 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Arundel rank between the 31st and 46th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 34.1% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,071 residents). This aligns with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Arundel, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no recorded houses or other dwellings. Home ownership in Arundel stood at 34.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 37.5% and rented dwellings comprising 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. However, the median weekly rent in Arundel was $470, while Non-Metro Qld had no recorded rents. Nationally, Arundel's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and its rents were substantially above 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, consisting of 33.2% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households making up 4.2% of the total. 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 regionally 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 prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 23.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.2% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education. The area has educational provision including Arundel State School and A B Paterson College, serving a total of 2,587 students. It demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1075), with an educational mix comprising one primary school and one K-12 school. The area offers strong educational infrastructure with 21.7 school places per 100 residents, serving both local and surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is good 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 include a mix of lightrail and buses. Seven individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 2,552 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 333 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 364 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 79 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, with common health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of the total population (~6,156 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (8.1%). 68.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. 18.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,256 people). Health outcomes for 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 significant 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, accounting for 46.6% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Arundel compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.2%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (28.3%), Australian (20.5%), and Other (11.6%). There were also notable disparities in the representation of New Zealanders (1.5% vs None%), Maori (1.7% vs None%), and Koreans (0.8% vs None%) compared to regional averages.

Arundel hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Arundel has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group shows strong representation at 14.2%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 11.8% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 10.6% to 8.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Arundel's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 32%, reaching 2,245 from 1,695. Meanwhile, numbers in the 15-24 age range are projected to fall by 70%.