Benowa

Benowa lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Benowa's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 10,678 people. This reflects an increase of 789 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,889. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,660 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, and an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,630 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Benowa has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outpacing the non-metro area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied when utilised. Future population trends project an above median growth of national non-metropolitan areas, with Benowa expected to grow by 2,289 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 21.3% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Benowa when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Benowa has recorded approximately 58 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 294 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.2 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating substantial supply lagging behind demand.

This typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is approximately $626,000. In FY-26, around $53.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Comparing Benowa with the rest of Queensland shows a substantial reduction in construction activity (72.0% below the regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. New development in Benowa consists of 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 61.0% houses. With around 659 people per dwelling approval, Benowa reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Benowa is projected to add approximately 2,271 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections; however, buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

AreaSearch has identified 18 infrastructure projects that could impact the area significantly. Notable ones include Benowa Gardens Redevelopment, Pacific Motorway (M1) Upgrades, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Biodiversity Centre, and Cross River Rail - New Gold Coast Stations. The following list details those most likely to be 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 conditions in Benowa demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Benowa has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% as of June 2025, which is 1.8% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 5,480 residents were in work and workforce participation was on par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing, however, has limited presence with only 0.3% of employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, and labour force grew by 2.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Benowa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Benowa has a median taxpayer income of $45,050 and an average of $74,570 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is higher than the national averages. Rest of Qld's median income is $50,780 with an average income of $64,844. Using Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $51,352 (median) and $85,002 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,918 weekly), while personal income is at the 44th percentile. The largest segment comprises 29.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,139 residents). High housing costs consume 16.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 60th percentile. Benowa's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Benowa displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Benowa, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.2% houses and 38.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 25.1% houses and 74.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benowa was at 40.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (37.1%) or rented (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure in Benowa was $580, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $437. Nationally, Benowa's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.5% of all households, including 37.4% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.5%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households accounting for 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.1.

Benowa shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Benowa's educational attainment is notably high, with 33.9% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to the broader benchmarks of 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (22.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.3% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.7%) and certificates (18.6%).

Educational participation is high in Benowa, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.8% in secondary education, 10.6% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education. The area's three schools have a combined enrollment of 3,357 students and demonstrate above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1075). Educational provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. Benowa functions as an education hub, offering 31.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 7.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Benowa has 17 active public transport stops operating currently. These are served by a mix of buses along six different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 794 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Benowa is rated as good, with residents typically located 387 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 113 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Benowa's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Benowa with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~6,059 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.4 and 5.9% of residents respectively, while 74.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Rest of Qld. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,263 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Benowa is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Benowa's population shows high cultural diversity, with 26.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.8% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Benowa, comprising 51.8%. Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to the Rest of Qld, making up 0.5% versus 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.2%), Australian (18.9%), and Other (11.3%). Korean (2.0%), New Zealand (1.4%), and Russian (0.7%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Benowa compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 1.1%, and 0.6% respectively.

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

Benowa's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 15-24 are particularly prominent, comprising 13.7% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 8.3%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of 15 to 24-year-olds has increased from 11.9% to 13.7%, while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 13.0%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Benowa. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 42%, adding 371 residents to reach a total of 1,258. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to grow by a modest 1%, with an increase of 15 people.