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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around Benowa, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's population is estimated at around 10,684 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 795 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,889 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,660 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,631 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Benowa has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.0% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the Rest of Qld. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 2,289 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 21.2% 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 around 58 residential properties granted approval each year. An estimated 294 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional three so far in FY-26. On average, 3.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates substantial demand outpacing supply, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium market, as new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $626,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $53.3 million, reflecting robust local business investment. Comparatively, Benowa shows reduced construction activity when measured against the Rest of Qld, with 72.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. The current housing mix consists of 61.0% houses, but new development is skewed toward compact living, with 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift addresses affordability requirements and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Benowa reflects a highly mature market, with around 659 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Benowa adding 2,265 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 18 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Benowa Gardens Redevelopment, Pacific Motorway (M1) Upgrades, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Biodiversity Centre, and Pindara Private Hospital Stage 3 Expansion. The following list details those expected to be 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 conditions in Benowa demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Benowa has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, 5,563 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 19.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a high employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3% compared to 4.5% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Benowa had a median taxpayer income of $45,050 and an average income of $74,570 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than national averages, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,514 (median) and $81,960 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census 2021 data shows household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,918 weekly), with personal income at the 44th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 29.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,141 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

In Benowa, as per the latest Census evaluation, 61.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 38.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benowa stood at 40.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 37.1% and rented dwellings making up the remaining 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Benowa was $2,167, surpassing Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Benowa was recorded at $580, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Benowa's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 21.5%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 and over holding university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.7% and certificates for 18.6%. Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in secondary education, 10.6% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in secondary education, 10.6% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 794 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average being located 387 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.4% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 113 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Benowa's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Benowa's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population (~6,063 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland. The most common conditions are arthritis (7.4%) and asthma (5.9%). A majority, 74.5%, report no medical ailments, higher than the 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Benowa has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.4% (2,286 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Benowa 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

Benowa has a high level of cultural diversity, with 26.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Benowa, making up 51.8% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.5% of Benowa's population versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, English and Australian are the top groups, at 27.2% and 18.9%, respectively. Notably, Australian ancestry is lower than the regional average of 26.5%. Other ancestry makes up 11.3%. Korean, New Zealand, and Russian ethnicities are overrepresented in Benowa compared to regional averages: Korean at 2.0% versus 0.2%, New Zealand at 1.4% versus 0.9%, and Russian at 0.7% versus 0.2%.

Benowa hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Benowa's median age is 44 years, slightly above Rest of Qld's average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 make up a prominent 13.9%, while the 25-34 group comprises a smaller 8.4% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 15-24 year-olds has grown from 11.9% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 14.2% to 12.6%, and the 45-54 cohort has dropped from 14.7% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for Benowa indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 360 residents to reach 1,258. Meanwhile, numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 7%.