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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Birkdale is around 15,547, reflecting an increase of 731 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 14,816 in the suburb. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 15,478, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is calculated as 1,379 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Birkdale's growth of 4.9% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.6%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with Birkdale expected to grow by 588 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.3% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Birkdale has experienced around 59 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 298 homes. So far in FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident is associated with each dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

New construction matches or outpaces demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average value of new dwellings developed is $548,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $4.2 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Birkdale shows moderately higher construction activity, with 18.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new development consists of 91.0% detached dwellings and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 271 people per dwelling approval in Birkdale, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Birkdale is expected to grow by 519 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Birkdale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Eight projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include Birkdale Community Precinct including Redland Whitewater Centre, Birkdale Grove, Eastwood Birkdale, and Harrogate Park Upgrade - Birkdale. The following list details those likely to be 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 reveals Birkdale significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Birkdale has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%.

As of June 2025, 8609 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 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 level of 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.8%, and labour force increased by 4.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded similar growth rates for employment and labour force with a matching reduction in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Birkdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022. Birkdale's median taxpayer income was $56,852, with average income at $70,437. This was above the national average of $55,645 and Greater Brisbane's average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since June 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $64,806 and $80,291 respectively. Census data shows Birkdale's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 30.4% of residents (4,726 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 33.3%. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. 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 stood at 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.0% and rented ones at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Birkdale was $435, compared to Brisbane metro's $405. Nationally, Birkdale's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than 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

Educational qualifications in Birkdale trail regional benchmarks, with 22.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (28.0%).

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. Birkdale's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,501 students as of the latest data available. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1020) with balanced educational opportunities. All three schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents (9.7) fall below the regional average (13.2), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis shows 55 active public transport stops in Birkdale. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 25 individual routes operating, providing a total of 2,042 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located 248 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 291 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55%, covering around 8,567 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 65.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. Birkdale has 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,498 people), which is higher than the 20.0% in Greater Brisbane. 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 region, with 76.6% of its population 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%, compared to 53.3% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.0%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.3% in Birkdale versus the regional average of 1.2%. Similarly, Dutch residents comprise 1.8% compared to 1.5%, and South Africans make up 0.8% versus 0.7%.

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

The median age in Birkdale is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 11.4% of the population in Birkdale, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Brisbane. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 8.5%, which is less than that of Greater Brisbane. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 7.0% to 8.4% of Birkdale's population, while the 25-34 cohort declined from 10.1% to 8.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Birkdale. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 45%, adding 582 people and reaching a total of 1,888 from the previous 1,305. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting Birkdale's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.