Bilinga

Bilinga has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bilinga is around 2,563. This figure reflects a growth of 680 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,883. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,546 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025 and an additional 208 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 942 persons per square kilometer. Bilinga's growth rate of 36.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and national averages, making it one of the region's growth leaders. Overseas migration contributed around 78.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted. Where state projections lack age category splits, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase just below that of locations outside capital cities, with the suburb expected to grow by approximately 273 persons to reach 2041, reflecting an overall increase of around 10.0% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Bilinga among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Bilinga has seen approximately 40 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 204 homes were approved, with an additional 53 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built. However, this figure has increased to 5.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost value of $1,457,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties by developers. In FY-26, there have been $7.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. When measured against the Rest of Qld, Bilinga has 106.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice despite recent easing in construction activity. This high level of development interest is significantly above the national average. New development consists of 19.0% detached dwellings and 81.0% townhouses or apartments, with a focus on compact living to provide affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 94 people per dwelling approval, Bilinga exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain approximately 256 residents by 2041. 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Coolangatta Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Renewal, North Kirra Beach Hotel & Residences, and Airport Boulevard Commercial Centre. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Bilinga well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Bilinga has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over that year was estimated at 8.2%.

As of December 2025, 1,486 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Bilinga was similar to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food, with a particular specialization in the latter at 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. There were 2.3 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating Bilinga functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.2% while labour force increased by 7.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bilinga. These projections indicate national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bilinga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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 AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures for the financial year ending 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bilinga was $47,731, while the average income stood at $64,845. These figures compared to Regional Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated current incomes would be approximately $53,153 (median) and $72,211 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 50th percentile ($804 weekly), while household income was at the 31st percentile. The largest income bracket comprised 31.2% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (799 individuals), which aligned with the broader area where this cohort also represented 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 78.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Bilinga, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 23.3% houses and 76.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bilinga was at 30.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.9%) or rented (48.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bilinga was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Bilinga was recorded at $428, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Bilinga's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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% that are couples with children, 32.7% that are couples without children, and 8.6% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 43.3%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 8.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 at 26.3%, 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 them - advanced diplomas at 14.9% and certificates at 25.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.9% in tertiary, 6.0% in primary, and 5.1% in 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 rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 101 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 86% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 5% and 3% respectively. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of Bilinga's residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 368 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and elderly residents exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is more prevalent than average at approximately 53% (~1,355 people). The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (8.9%) and mental health issues (7.6%). A majority, 68.7%, report being free from medical ailments compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.0% (589 people) compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank 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, surveyed in June 2016, had a predominantly homogeneous population with 82.5% citizens, 79.7% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 50.8%. Judaism, however, was disproportionately represented at 0.6%, compared to Regional Queensland's 0.1%.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (22.4%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than average at 9.1% versus regional 7.8%, Maori at 1.0% compared to 0.8%, and Polish at 0.9% against a regional 0.4%.

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

Bilinga's median age is 47 years, which is notably higher than Regional Qld's median of 41 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, Bilinga has a notably over-represented 25-34 cohort at 20.2%, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 4.9%. This concentration in the 25-34 age bracket is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 47 years. Specifically, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.8% to 13.5%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 18.7% to 20.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 17.4% to 14.6%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 6.4% to 4.9%. Population forecasts for Bilinga indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to have the strongest growth at 21%, adding 107 residents to reach 625. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 age cohorts.