Arundel

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Arundel as of May 2026 is around 12,072. This figure reflects an increase of 901 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,171. AreaSearch's estimation is based on the resident population of 12,056 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 87 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 1,143 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Arundel's growth of 8.1% since the census places it within 1.1 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Future population trends indicate a growth of just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,417 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.6% in total over the 16 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 shows Arundel recorded approximately 15 residential properties approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 78 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. On average, about 13 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $468,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. This financial year has seen $34.5 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting strong commercial development momentum.

New developments consist of 59.0% detached dwellings and 41.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating diverse housing opportunities across price brackets. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Arundel has approximately 2148 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts suggest the area will gain 1,401 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 an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 47 projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable projects include Arundel Hills Residential Development, Coomera Connector Stage 1 - Central Section, Smith Street Motorway Connection, and Palm Valley Gold Coast Resort. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, lower than the regional Queensland average of 4.0%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 2.6%.

As of December 2025, 6,132 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate and workforce participation similar at 64.5%. According to Census responses, 13.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 2.6%, with labour force growth at 2.5%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7% and labour force by 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to 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 suggests 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 financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Arundel was $47,275 and the average income stood at $61,464, which compared to figures for Regional Qld of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,645 (median) and $68,446 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Arundel all ranked modestly, between the 31st and 46th percentiles. Income brackets indicated that the largest segment comprised 34.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,116 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, ranking at the 44th percentile. The area'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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Arundel's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.0% houses and 17.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Arundel stood at 34.2%, aligning with Regional Qld, while mortgaged dwellings were 37.5% and rented ones 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding the Regional Qld average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Arundel was $470, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Arundel's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households at 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%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common 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 (11.8%) and certificates (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

A total of 32 active public transport stops operate within Arundel, serving a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 7 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,425 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 333 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, with the car remaining the dominant mode of transport at 90%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 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 are close to national benchmarks.

AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,224 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (8.1%). 68.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,293 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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, accounting for 46.6%.

Notably, Judaism's representation in Arundel was 0.2%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, English (28.3%) and Australian (20.5%) were the most common groups, though Australians were less represented compared to regional averages (26.5%). The 'Other' category comprised 11.6% of Arundel's population. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: New Zealanders made up 1.5%, higher than Regional Qld's 0.9%; Maori representation was 1.7%, above the regional average of 0.8%; Koreans were at 0.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 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 slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 13.9%, higher than Regional Qld, while the 65-74 cohort stands at 8.7%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 11.8% to 13.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 10.6% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Arundel's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 25% (424 people), reaching 2,103 from 1,678. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.