Birkdale

Birkdale is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Birkdale's population is estimated at around 15,578 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 762 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,816 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,491, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,382 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Birkdale's 5.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 589 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Birkdale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Birkdale has experienced around 60 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 301 homes. So far in FY-26, 35 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, on average, one new resident was associated with each dwelling constructed. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings in Birkdale is $549,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $4.2 million have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Birkdale has shown moderately higher construction activity, with 19.0% more approvals per person over the past five years, while maintaining good buyer choice and supporting existing property values.

The new development in Birkdale consists of 91.0% detached dwellings and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The population density is approximately 264 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Birkdale is expected to grow by 489 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are: Birkdale Community Precinct including Redland Whitewater Centre, Birkdale Grove, Eastwood Birkdale, and Harrogate Park Upgrade - Birkdale. 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.

The labour market strength in Birkdale positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Birkdale has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.5%.

As of September 2025, 8,803 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is 61.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 6.9% compared to the regional 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.5%, and labour force increased by 6.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a fall in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Birkdale's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

In financial year 2023, Birkdale had a median taxpayer income of $56,853 and an average income of $70,440. These figures are higher than the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,487 (median) and $77,421 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows that incomes in Birkdale cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The income distribution reveals that 30.4% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, with a total of 4,735 people. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remains for other costs. Birkdale's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Birkdale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Birkdale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.0% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 85.0% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birkdale was at 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.0% and rented ones at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure in Birkdale was $435, compared to Brisbane metro's $405. Nationally, Birkdale's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Birkdale features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 77.3% of all households, including 34.7% couples with children, 30.7% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Educational attainment in Birkdale aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Birkdale Trail's residents aged 15+ have 22.2% with university degrees, compared to Greater Brisbane's 30.5%. The most common degree is bachelor's at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 28.0%. Current educational participation is high, at 27.9%, including primary education (10.2%), secondary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (4.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Birkdale has 55 active public transport stops, served by a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 28 individual routes, offering 1,986 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 248 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 283 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 36 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Birkdale is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Birkdale faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55%, covering around 8,585 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2016, 22.5% of Birkdale's residents are aged 65 and over (3,505 people), which is higher than the 20.0% recorded in Greater Brisbane during the same period. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Birkdale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Birkdale's cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average, with 76.6% of residents born in Australia, 88.9% being citizens, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Birkdale, accounting for 55.8% of the population, slightly higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 53.3%. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.0%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.3%, Dutch 1.8%, and South Africans 0.8% of Birkdale's population, each exceeding their regional representation by 0.1%.

Birkdale hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Birkdale is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 11.4% of the population in Birkdale compared to Greater Brisbane. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent at 8.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.0% to 8.4% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Birkdale. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 44%, reaching 1,888 people from 1,308. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.