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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Benowa statistical area is around 10,681 people. This figure reflects an increase of 792 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,889 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 10,660 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 results in a population density ratio of 1,630 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Benowa has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outpacing non-metro areas. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2 area projections 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, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth of national non-metropolitan areas, with the Benowa (SA2) expected to grow by 2,289 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.2% over the 17 years.

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

Benowa recorded approximately 58 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 294 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved in FY26. This results in an average of 3.2 people moving to the area per dwelling built over those years.

Commercial development approvals totalled $53.3 million in FY26. Compared to Rest of Qld, Benowa has significantly lower construction levels (72.0% below regional average per person). New developments consist of 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% medium-high density housing, marking a shift from the current housing mix of 61.0% houses. With around 659 people per dwelling approval, Benowa reflects a mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Benowa will add approximately 2,268 residents. Building activity aligns with growth projections, but heightened competition may occur as population grows.

Future projections show Benowa adding 2,268 residents by 2041 (from 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 can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 18 projects that are expected 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 projects likely 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. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with an 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%, and workforce participation at par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors. The area specializes in professional & technical employment, with a share 1.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3% compared to the regional 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, labour force by 2.6%, resulting in a slight unemployment rise of 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local employment projected to increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Benowa suburb has a median taxpayer income of $45,050 and an average income of $74,570 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, compared to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $49,514 (median) and $81,960 (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 income segment consists of 29.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,140 residents). 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

Dwelling structure in Benowa, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 61.2% houses and 38.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 25.1% houses and 74.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benowa was 40.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.1% and rented ones at 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Benowa was $580, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $437. Nationally, Benowa's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for the remaining 21.5%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 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+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the Rest of Qld's 20.6% and the SA4 region's 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.7%) and certificates (18.6%). Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising secondary education (10.8%), primary education (10.6%), and tertiary education (5.6%).

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 accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents living an average of 387 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 113 trips per day across all routes, which amounts 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 shows Benowa's health metrics are strong with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages.

Private health cover is high at approximately 57% (~6,061 people). The most common conditions are arthritis (7.4%) and asthma (5.9%). 74.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in the rest of Qld. Benowa has 21.2% seniors (2,264 people), with strong health outcomes among this age group, outperforming general population metrics.

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's cultural diversity is notable with 26.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 51.8%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.5%, compared to 0.6% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups are English (27.2%), Australian (18.9%), and Other (11.3%). Korean (2.0%) and New Zealand (1.4%) populations are notably higher than the regional averages of 0.8% and 1.1%, respectively, while Russian is slightly overrepresented at 0.7%.

Benowa hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Benowa's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 15-24 are particularly prominent, making up 13.7% of the population, while those aged 25-34 constitute a smaller proportion at 8.3%. Between 2021 and present day, the percentage of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.9% to 13.7%, whereas the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 13.0%. Population forecasts for Benowa in the year 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 42%, adding 371 residents to reach a total of 1,258. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is forecasted to grow by only 1% (an increase of 14 people).