Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Birkdale has an estimated 15,631 residents, up from 14,816 at the 2021 Census — a change of 815 people, or 5.5%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. 118 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 91.0% of that increase. That puts 1,387 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the latest demographic estimates compiled for the suburb of Birkdale, the resident count has reached approximately 15,631 by May 2026. This represents an addition of 815 people (5.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the population stood at 14,816 people. The current figure is derived from an estimated baseline of 15,596 residents calculated after the June 2025 ABS release, supplemented by 118 validated new addresses registered since the census. This population scale translates to a density of 1,387 persons per square kilometer, a level that surpasses typical nationwide benchmarks.
Furthermore, the 5.5% expansion rate recorded since the 2021 census marginally outpaced the wider SA3 region (5.4%), positioning the suburb of Birkdale as a localized growth leader. This population rise was heavily supported by international migration, which accounted for roughly 91.0% of the overall gains during this timeframe. Projections for the suburb of Birkdale incorporate localized models released in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, supplemented by state government models from 2023 based on 2021 records where local data is missing or for periods extending past 2032. Because state-level forecasts omit detailed age cohorts, age-specific growth is modeled using regional distribution weights from 2023 ABS projections based on 2022 trends. Over the longer term, the suburb of Birkdale is projected to experience growth in its lower quartile relative to national trends, with an estimated addition of 441 persons by 2041, representing a modest 2.6% expansion over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
301 new dwellings have been approved in Birkdale over the past five years, an average of 60 a year. That places the area in the 60th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 4 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 57 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 91% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 101, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building activity data shows that the suburb averages approximately 60 new home approvals annually. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), there were 301 residential approvals, with an additional 93 registered during FY-26. Market demand has aligned closely with this supply, with 1.8 people added to the population for every new home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supporting local market stability. The average construction value for these new residences is $548,000, suggesting that builders are focusing on higher-end, upscale housing options.
Meanwhile, commercial projects approved during the current financial year total $4.2 million, indicating a quiet period for business-related construction. Residential development in this area is moderately active, running 19.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year period, which maintains choice for buyers while preserving the value of established properties. Traditional single-family houses represent the vast majority of recent builds at 91.0%, while townhouses and apartments make up the remaining 9.0%, ensuring the suburb retains its classic low-density feel. The local market remains spread out, with roughly 268 people for every dwelling approval. Long-term demographic forecasts suggest the suburb will add 406 residents by 2041 compared to the most recent quarterly estimates. The current pace of home building appears sufficient to satisfy this projected influx, ensuring favorable conditions for buyers and potentially laying the groundwork for expansion beyond the base forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Birkdale
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Birkdale. A further 61 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.42 billion. 14 are already under construction and 20 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure investments, development projects, and planning changes have a significant influence on property market dynamics. There are currently 8 active projects identified that are expected to impact the suburb. Key developments include the Birkdale Community Precinct incorporating the Redland Whitewater Centre, Birkdale Grove, Eastwood Birkdale, and the Harrogate Park Upgrade - Birkdale, with details provided below for the most significant ones.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Birkdale Grove
A private residential neighbourhood of 34 lots in a leafy bayside setting, approximately 17km from Brisbane CBD. Current sales are underway following development approval for reconfiguring a lot and associated works. Easy access to public transport, schools and shopping centres.
Birkdale Community Precinct including Redland Whitewater Centre
A 62-hectare destination transforming Birkdale into a world-class community precinct featuring the Redland Whitewater Centre, an Olympic-standard venue for the Brisbane 2032 Games. The precinct includes 38.8 hectares of conservation area, the heritage-listed Willards Farm, and a WWII Radio Receiving Station, with recent statutory planning and EPBC approvals progressing in 2026. It serves as a swift-water rescue training hub for emergency services and includes public open spaces, adventure playgrounds, and community hubs focused on innovation, entertainment, and recreation.
Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project
A $183 million to $250 million urban renewal initiative transforming 1.55 hectares into the civic and commercial heart of Capalaba. The masterplan features a new Redland City Council library, customer service centre, arts centre, and community hall. The precinct includes a town square, village green with a large entertainment screen, commercial office space, and boutique residential apartments. Stage 1 construction, focusing on the library and civic facilities, commenced in May 2026 to stimulate a day/night economy and improve transport connectivity.
Alexandra Hills Social Housing
Three-storey social housing building delivering 20 accessible one-bedroom units for young people, with shared landscaped areas and 21 undercroft car spaces. Part of the Homes for Queenslanders plan and jointly funded with the Australian Government's Social Housing Accelerator.
Eastwood Birkdale
Small house-and-land estate opposite the proposed Birkdale Community Precinct, delivering 18 titled lots (all 400m2 or larger) with wide frontages and level blocks. Estate infrastructure complete and lots reported sold out by Sep 2025; individual home construction by purchasers ongoing.
Daveson Road Social and Affordable Housing
Low-rise development delivering 55 one, two and three bedroom social and affordable homes with onsite communal spaces, car parking and sustainability features (targeting 7+ star NatHERS), led by Brisbane Housing Company with Paladin as builder under Queensland Government Quickstarts funding.
Harrogate Park Upgrade - Birkdale
Park upgrade including removal of existing play unit and replacement with slides, climbing elements, double swing, trail play elements, rotating net, new fencing, landscaping and pathway improvements. Enhances local recreational facilities for families in Birkdale area.
Wellington Point Village Streetscape Revitalisation
Redland City Council is upgrading the Wellington Point Village heart to create a more vibrant and walkable precinct. The project includes widening footpaths, installing new street furniture, and integrated landscaping to support local traders and enhance the public realm. Recent efforts in late 2025 and 2026 have focused on activating the precinct through collaboration between the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.
8,851 residents of Birkdale are employed, from a labour force of 9,112. Unemployment sits at 2.9%, with participation at 70.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 12,371, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by a strong presence of skilled professionals, particularly in key service industries. The unemployment rate is low at 2.9%, following a 3.8% rise in employment over the preceding year. As of March 2026, working residents numbered 8,851, keeping the jobless rate 1.5% below the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%. Participation in the labor force matches the regional benchmark of 70.4%. Additionally, census records show that 18.1% of working locals operated from home, though this figure reflects conditions shaped by pandemic containment measures. The largest sectors employing local residents are healthcare and social assistance, construction, and retail.
Construction is notably prominent, with employment density standing at 1.4 times the regional benchmark. In contrast, technical and professional services are underrepresented, accounting for 6.9% of workers compared to a regional average of 8.9%. Given the residential nature of the area, local employment opportunities are somewhat limited relative to the size of the resident workforce. Recent labour market indicators show a 3.8% rise in employment alongside a 4.1% expansion of the overall labour force, leading to a minor 0.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Brisbane experienced a 3.2% increase in employment, a 3.4% rise in the labour force, and a 0.1 percentage point tick upward in unemployment. Long-term national projections from May-25 offer guidance on potential local trends. Applying these broader five-year (6.6%) and ten-year (13.7%) national industry forecasts to the local sector mix suggests employment for residents could grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, assuming local trends follow national industry paths.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Birkdale is $1,903 a week (about $99,000 a year), with median personal income at $813 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $56,853 a year against an average of $70,440. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax statistics from the financial year 2023 indicate that local incomes sit above the national average. The median taxpayer income is recorded at $56,853, with the average income at $70,440, compared to Greater Brisbane benchmarks of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Adjusted for an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated values for March 2026 would be approximately $63,312 for the median and $78,442 for the average. Overall household and individual incomes rank around the 55th percentile nationally. The most common income bracket contains 30.4% of residents (4,751 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the regional average of 33.3%.
On average, households retain 85.1% of their income after meeting housing costs, placing the area in the 6th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Birkdale had 5,344 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 84% detached houses and 5% apartments. 43% are owned with a mortgage, 20% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $435 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 22.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock is dominated by separate houses, which make up 84.0% of properties, while semi-detached homes, townhouses, and apartments comprise the remaining 16.0%. This contrasts with the wider metropolitan Brisbane split of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership rates are exceptionally high compared to the metro average, with 37.3% of dwellings owned outright, 43.0% under mortgage, and 19.7% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment is $2,000, higher than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent of $435 is also higher than the metropolitan rate of $380 and the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Birkdale counted 5,344 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 5,638 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 35% are couples with children, against 31% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 77.3% of local households. This group includes couples with children at 34.7%, couples without children at 30.7%, and single parents at 11.0%. The remaining 22.7% are non-family households, consisting of single persons at 20.7% and shared group households at 1.9%. The median household size of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
22.2% of adults in Birkdale hold a university qualification, including 15.5% with a bachelor degree and 4.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 28.0% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,501 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,020 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
University attainment levels are lower than the regional average, with 22.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding a degree, compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. Among these, bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. However, vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 28.0%. Student representation is high throughout the community, with 27.9% of the population enrolled in some form of study.
This includes 10.2% attending primary schools, 8.4% in secondary schools, and 4.0% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Birkdale reaches 55 stops on 28 routes, timetabled for about 2,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in the area feature 55 active stops, providing access to a combination of rail and bus networks. These stops are connected to 28 routes, which support 1,986 passenger journeys every week. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 248 meters from their nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning most workers commute to outer areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport mode at 90%, and rail accounting for 6%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars, exceeding the regional average. In addition, 18.1% of workers worked from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during pandemic restrictions.
Across all active routes, service frequencies average 283 journeys per day, translating to roughly 36 weekly departures per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.7% of residents in Birkdale report no long-term health condition. 6.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Public health metrics indicate some vulnerabilities in terms of mortality and chronic illness rates, with overall condition levels being typical for the demographic profile, though slightly elevated among older age groups. However, private health insurance uptake is high, with approximately 55% of residents (~8,614 people) holding coverage. Arthritis and mental health challenges are the most common medical conditions, each affecting 8.5% of the population. Meanwhile, 65.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health profiles for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 22.6% of the population (3,532 people), which is higher than the Greater Brisbane proportion of 15.1%.
While health outcomes for these older residents present some challenges, their national health rankings are more favorable than those of the broader local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Birkdale is largely Australian-born, at 76.6% of residents, with 8.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.0%) and Australian (25.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity matches the broader regional averages, with Australian-born residents accounting for 76.6% of the population, citizens representing 88.9%, and English-only speakers at home making up 91.2%. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 55.8% of the community compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common ancestral backgrounds are English at 31.0%, Australian at 25.5%, and Irish at 8.8%. Some specific migrant communities show higher representation than the regional average, with New Zealanders at 1.3% of the population (versus 1.0% regionally), Dutch residents at 1.8% (versus 1.2%), and South Australians at 0.8% (versus 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Birkdale is 43. 21.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents is 43 years, which is higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and the national average of 38 years. The cohort aged 75 to 84 is highly represented at 8.7%, whereas the 25 to 34 age bracket is lower at 8.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 7.0% to 8.7%, and the group aged 15 to 24 rose from 11.5% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 group decreased from 10.1% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic shifts are expected to accelerate, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 35% (480 people), expanding from 1,359 to 1,840.
The combined age brackets over 65 are expected to account for 72% of all population growth, indicating a rapidly aging community. In contrast, the cohorts aged 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 are projected to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Birkdale
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Sep 2025 11 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Sep 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 118 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (14,816 at the 2021 Census → 15,631 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30261). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.