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 15,735 residents, up from 14,816 at the 2021 Census — a change of 919 people, or 6.2%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. 170 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 91.0% of that increase. That puts 1,396 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 AreaSearch evaluations of broader ABS demographic releases and new address validations recorded post-Census, the suburb of Birkdale has a population of approximately 15,735 as of Aug 2026. This marks an expansion of 919 people (6.2%) from the 14,816 people tallied in the 2021 Census. Such growth is determined from an estimated resident count of 15,596, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 170 validated new addresses added following the Census. Consequently, the suburb of Birkdale displays a population density of 1,396 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national benchmark across locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
Furthermore, the 6.2% population increase since the 2021 census outpaced the wider SA3 area (5.6%), establishing the suburb of Birkdale as a regional frontrunner in demographic gains, which were predominantly fueled by overseas migration representing roughly 91.0% of recent additions. Population projections utilized by AreaSearch incorporate ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 modeling published in 2024 (referencing 2022 as a baseline), supplemented by 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 forecasts (using 2021 figures) for subsequent timeframes after 2032 or unrepresented sectors. Because state-level forecasts omit detailed age brackets, AreaSearch applies age-cohort distribution weightings derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (2022 baseline). Looking toward future demographic shifts, the suburb of Birkdale is positioned within the lower quartile of statistical areas assessed by AreaSearch, with aggregated SA2 estimates pointing to an addition of 398 persons by 2041, representing an overall increase of 1.6% across 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 67th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 4 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 68 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 85% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 111, 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
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch indicates that Birkdale maintains a yearly average of approximately 60 residential development consents. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), 301 residential dwellings were approved, with 111 recorded in FY-25 to date. Demand and supply remain in equilibrium, supported by an inflow of 1.6 people per year for every dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), fostering balanced conditions. Construction costs for these newly approved residences average $462,000. Additionally, commercial approvals amounting to $4.2 million this financial year underscore the locality's primary residential focus.
Per capita building approvals in Birkdale run 29.0% above the regional average per person over the 5 year period compared to Greater Brisbane, providing ample choice for purchasers while underpinning established asset values. The composition of new residential activity is heavily tilted toward separate houses at 85.0%, with medium and high-density housing accounting for 15.0%, reinforcing the suburban setting and appealing to buyers seeking standalone properties. Featuring approximately 171 people per dwelling approval, the locality maintains distinct low-density attributes. Projections indicate that Birkdale will add 259 residents by 2041 relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With prevailing construction volumes, residential building activity is well placed to satisfy upcoming demand, delivering favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially enabling population expansion beyond projected levels.
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 growth and performance are significantly guided by major capital works and planning programs, with AreaSearch cataloging 8 projects anticipated to influence the district. Prominent developments include Birkdale Community Precinct including Redland Whitewater Centre, Birkdale Grove, Eastwood Birkdale, and Harrogate Park Upgrade - Birkdale.
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.
8,849 residents of Birkdale are employed, from a labour force of 9,108. 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 12,485, 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
Birkdale features a skilled workforce with strong participation in key service sectors, an unemployment rate standing at 2.9%, and annual employment growth of 3.8% based on statistical area figures aggregated by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed residents reached 8,849, while joblessness sat 1.5% below the Greater Brisbane figure of 4.3%. Labor participation closely matches the Greater Brisbane level of 70.1%. Furthermore, 18.1% of working locals indicated they worked from home in Census data, an outcome influenced by Covid-19 restrictions at the time. Health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade constitute the primary employment sectors for local workers.
Construction represents an especially prominent industry, employing workers at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical roles account for 6.9%, underperforming the wider region's 8.9%. With resident employee numbers exceeding the local working population in Census counts, the suburb functions largely as a commuter area with fewer employment positions situated directly within its boundaries. AreaSearch assessment of broader ABS and SALM metrics reveals that across the year to March 2026, local employment grew by 3.8% while the labor pool expanded by 4.1%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage points rise in the unemployment rate. Over the identical timeframe, Greater Brisbane recorded a 3.2% rise in employment, a 3.4% expansion in the labor force, and a 0.1 percentage points increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia projections from Mar-26 provide further visibility into potential hiring trajectories. Mapped to the local industry distribution, these models evaluate upcoming demand. Against national outlooks predicting growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years across varying industries, applying these sector trends to Birkdale indicates projected local job expansion of 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (a proportional calculation intended for illustrative context without factoring in localized population forecasts).
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
ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch show Birkdale taxpayers recorded a median income of $56,853 and an average income of $70,440. These figures exceed national benchmarks, compared to Greater Brisbane medians and averages of $58,236 and $72,799. Factoring in Wage Price Index expansion of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach $63,312 (median) and $78,442 (average) as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, individual, household, and family earnings placed around the 55th percentile across Australia. Income brackets indicate that 30.4% of residents (4,783 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the 33.3% observed across the broader region.
Residents retain 85.1% of earnings following housing costs, positioning the suburb in the 6th decile on 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
Census records indicate Birkdale's residential stock consists of 84.0% houses and 16.0% other dwellings (incorporating apartments, semi-detached properties, and 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro where 73.5% are houses and 26.5% are other dwellings. Outright property ownership stands at 37.3%, significantly above the Brisbane metro benchmark, with mortgaged properties accounting for 43.0% and rental homes making up 19.7%. Typical monthly mortgage payments sit at $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent is recorded at $435, exceeding the Brisbane metro level of $380 and the Australian benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Birkdale counted 5,344 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 5,675 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 constitute the vast majority of local living arrangements at 77.3%, consisting of couples with children (34.7%), couples without children (30.7%), and single parent families (11.0%). Non-family setups make up the remaining 22.7%, encompassing lone person households (20.7%) and group households (1.9%). The typical household comprises 2.7 people, exceeding the 2.6 recorded across Greater Brisbane.
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
Tertiary attainment levels among Birkdale residents aged 15+ sit below regional figures, with 22.2% holding university degrees compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane, indicating room for future qualifications uptake. Degree holders include 15.5% with bachelor degrees, 4.1% with postgraduate qualifications, and 2.6% with graduate diplomas. Vocational training represents a core strength, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ having completed vocational certifications, comprising 11.7% with advanced diplomas and 28.0% with certificates. Formal study engagement is substantial throughout the community, with 27.9% of inhabitants enrolled in an educational program. Broken down by schooling level, 10.2% attend primary education, 8.4% are in secondary education, and 4.0% are engaged in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Birkdale means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
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
AreaSearch evaluations of chronic illnesses and mortality indicate overall health metrics tracking below wider standards in Birkdale. While chronic conditions occur at typical frequencies across the broader populace, incidence is elevated among older age groups compared to national averages. Meanwhile, private health insurance coverage is extensive, held by approximately 55% of all residents (~8,671 people). Arthritis and mental health issues represent the most prevalent long-term conditions locally, each affecting 8.5 and 8.5% of the population, whereas 65.7% of residents reported having no diagnosed chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane.
Working-age residents display standard health indicators. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 22.2% of the local population (3,493 people), above the 15.0% proportion in Greater Brisbane, and present higher health management challenges despite scoring lower nationally than the overall 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 in Birkdale tracks closely with regional patterns, with 76.6% of residents born in Australia, 88.9% holding citizenship, and 91.2% speaking exclusively English at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, practiced by 55.8% of locals, compared to 47.8% throughout Greater Brisbane. Regarding parental heritage, English ancestry represents the largest group in Birkdale at 31.0%, followed by Australian at 25.5% and Irish at 8.8%. Several other origins show elevated proportions relative to the region, including New Zealand heritage at 1.3% (versus 1.0% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (versus 1.2%), and South Australian at 0.8% (versus 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Birkdale is 43. 22.2% 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
Birkdale maintains a more mature age structure than Greater Brisbane. August 2026 estimates show retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) make up 22.2% of the community compared to 15.0% across Greater Brisbane, whereas young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) account for 22.1% against 30.6% regionally. The estimated median age remains at 43, matching the 2021 Census and sitting 7 years above Greater Brisbane's 36 and higher than the Australian median of 38 at that Census. Children and young adults (0 - 24) have grown to an estimated 30.4% from 29.4% recorded at the Census.
Looking toward 2041, retiree and elderly cohorts are projected to drive growth, adding 880 residents (25%) to total 4,373, whereas young to middle aged adults along with children and young adults are forecast to decrease.
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 Sep 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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Sep 2025 about a year 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 6 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 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 — 170 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (14,816 at the 2021 Census → 15,735 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 Aug 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.