Bilinga

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bilinga is around 2,302. This reflects an increase of 419 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,883. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,261 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. Bilinga's growth rate of 22.3% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. 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 released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. An above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 366 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.1% 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, indicates Bilinga has seen around 40 new homes approved per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 204 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of only 0.7 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years, suggesting new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new properties is $1,457,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, there have been $7.0 million in commercial approvals, showing limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bilinga has 114.0% more development activity per person, which should provide ample buyer choice. This high level of activity is significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 19.0% detached dwellings and 81.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 85 people per dwelling approval, Bilinga exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Bilinga is projected to gain 325 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating 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 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Renewal, Airport Boulevard Commercial Centre, Gold Coast Airport Runway Extension, and Coolangatta Sports Complex Upgrade. The following details projects most likely 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 assessment positions Bilinga ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Bilinga has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of December 2025, there are 1,174 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Bilinga is 58.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food sectors. The area has a particular 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 are 2.3 workers for every resident in Bilinga, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bilinga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bilinga was $47,731 and the average income stood at $64,845. These figures compared to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, current estimates for Bilinga would be approximately $52,461 (median) and $71,271 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, personal income ranked at the 50th percentile ($804 weekly), while household income sat at the 31st percentile. Income brackets showed that the largest segment comprised 31.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (718 residents). This 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

In Bilinga, as per the latest Census, 23.3% of dwellings were houses while 76.7% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differed from Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bilinga stood at 30.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.9% and rented ones at 48.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Bilinga was $428, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Bilinga's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than 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% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 8.6% 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%. The median household size is 2.0 people, 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 of 26.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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, 6.0% in primary, 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 operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are covered by six different routes, collectively facilitating 2,579 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 101 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (86%). Walking and cycling account for 5% and 3% respectively. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 368 trips daily 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 above-average health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,217 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.9 and 7.6% of residents respectively. 68.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (543 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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, showed low cultural diversity with 82.5% citizens, 79.7% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 50.8%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to regional Queensland's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (22.4%), Irish (10.0%). Scottish, Maori, and Polish groups showed notable divergence: Scottish at 9.1% vs region's 7.8%, Maori at 1.0% vs 0.8%, 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 Regional Queensland's median of 41 years, which is considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, Bilinga has a notable over-representation of the 25-34 cohort at 21.0%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 4.3%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Since 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.2 years to 47 years. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.7% to 21.0%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.4% to 15.1%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 6.4% to 4.3%. Population forecasts for Bilinga in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 26%, adding 124 residents to reach a total of 608. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.