Bilinga

Population growth drivers in Bilinga are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Bilinga's population is estimated at around 2,302 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 419 people (22.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,883 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,261 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 195 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 846 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Bilinga's 22.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb of Bilinga expected to grow by 304 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bilinga when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Bilinga had around 42 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 210 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,457,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment. This financial year has seen $7.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bilinga has 124.0% more development activity per person, offering ample buyer choice and indicating robust developer interest. New development consists of 19.0% detached dwellings and 81.0% townhouses or apartments, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 82 people per dwelling approval, Bilinga exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts suggest Bilinga will gain 19 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Population forecasts indicate Bilinga will gain 19 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Renewal, Airport Boulevard Commercial Centre, Gold Coast Airport Runway Extension, and Coolangatta Sports Complex Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Bilinga maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bilinga has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% over the past year. As of this date, 1,156 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Bilinga was 57.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food sectors. The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

There were 2.3 workers for every resident as per Census data, indicating that Bilinga functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force grew by 2.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Bilinga's employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Bilinga had an income level below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $47,731 and the average income stood at $64,845. This compares with figures for Rest of Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,461 (median) and $71,271 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranked at the 50th percentile ($804 weekly), while household income sat at the 31st percentile. Income brackets indicated that the largest segment comprised 31.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (718 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represented 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 78.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Bilinga features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Bilinga, as per the latest Census evaluation, 23.3% of dwellings were houses while 76.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bilinga stood at 30.7%, with mortgaged properties at 20.9% and rented dwellings at 48.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Bilinga was recorded at $428, substantially above the national figure of $375 but lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345.

Bilinga features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 56.7% of all households, including 14.0% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 43.3%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households making up 8.7%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 26.3% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 14.9% and certificates at 25.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.9% in tertiary education, 6.0% in primary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Bilinga has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that collectively facilitate 2,579 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered excellent, with residents typically residing only 101 meters from their nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward daily. Personal cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 86% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 5% and 3%, respectively. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in Bilinga, which is below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages at 368 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 122 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Bilinga is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Bilinga exhibits above-average health outcomes as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,217 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.9%) and mental health issues (7.6%). About 68.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among working-age population are generally typical. Bilinga has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (534 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Seniors' health outcomes are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

Bilinga ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bilinga, assessed in terms of cultural diversity, showed that 82.5% of its population were citizens, 79.7% were born in Australia, and 92.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.8% of Bilinga's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to 0.1% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (22.4%), and Irish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences in representation: Scottish at 9.1% (vs regional 7.8%), Maori at 1.0% (vs 0.8%), and Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

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

Bilinga's median age is 47 years, notably exceeding Rest of Qld's 41 years and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 21.1% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 4.7%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.3 years to 47. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 18.7% to 21.1%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 17.4% to 14.8%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 6.4% to 4.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Bilinga. The 25-34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 12%, adding 57 residents to reach 543. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts.