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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
Sales Activity
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Population
Birtinya lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends
In analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Birtinya's estimated population is around 5,305 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 927 people (21.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,378 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,294 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 315 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,657 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Birtinya's growth of 21.2% since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of Qld's (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 64.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in top quartile regional areas is forecast. The suburb of Birtinya is expected to increase by 1,374 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.7% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Birtinya among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Birtinya recorded around 81 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 405 homes. So far in FY-26148 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years, an average of 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this has decreased to 1.2 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting more balanced supply conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $453,000, moderately above regional levels.
In FY-26, $37.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Birtinya shows moderately higher construction activity, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 42.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Birtinya reflects a developing area with around 59 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Birtinya will gain 1,363 residents through to 2041.
With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Birtinya has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones include Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, St Clair, Birtinya Social Housing Project, and Birtinya Town Centre. The following details those deemed most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Wave - Sunshine Coast Rail and Public Transport Project
The Wave is a transformative integrated transport project for the Sunshine Coast. It includes the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (Stages 1 and 2), featuring a 19km dual-track heavy rail line from Beerwah to Caloundra with an extension to Birtinya. Stage 3 (Metro) provides a high-frequency Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service from Birtinya to the Sunshine Coast Airport via the Maroochydore CBD. The project aims to reduce travel times to Brisbane by over 45 minutes, supporting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy. Pre-delivery activities including geotechnical investigations and utility relocations are underway, with major construction procurement and detailed designs expected in 2026.
Sunshine Coast Health Precinct
The Sunshine Coast Health Precinct is a premier integrated health hub comprising the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH), Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, and the Sunshine Coast Health Institute. The precinct is undergoing significant expansion, with SCUH increasing capacity to 738 beds by mid-2025. Key facilities include the Thompson Institute for mental health research, Vitality Village, and the newly completed Maroochy Private Hospital nearby, which serves as a clinical trials and surgical research ecosystem. The precinct focuses on tertiary-level healthcare, medical research, and workforce training in partnership with UniSC and Griffith University.
Sunshine Coast University Hospital
Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) is a tertiary teaching public hospital in Birtinya, Queensland. Completed in 2017 as a $1.8 billion Public-Private Partnership with the Exemplar Health consortium, it reached its full capacity of 738 beds in 2021. The facility provides comprehensive acute, surgical, maternity, and rehabilitation services. Recent 2025 updates include the introduction of a perinatal mental health hub with 8 dedicated beds and multimillion-dollar digital infrastructure upgrades. SCUH is a core component of the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, fostering collaboration in medical research and education.
The Wave - Birtinya Station (Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line)
Birtinya Station is a key component of 'The Wave' (formerly the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line), a 37.8km dual-track heavy rail extension. As part of Stage 2, the station will serve as a major interchange for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Kawana Health Precinct. The project includes approximately 7.7km of track from Caloundra to Birtinya, a 1.2km tunnel at Little Mountain, and a stabling yard. It aims to reduce travel times to Brisbane by over 45 minutes and support regional growth ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Birtinya Town Centre
Birtinya Town Centre is a major regional activity centre spanning 18 hectares, designed as a transit-oriented mixed-use precinct. The project is being revitalized under a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) to address the housing crisis and 2032 Olympic Games preparations. Updated plans include increasing maximum building heights to 15 storeys (with at least six buildings capped at 12 storeys) and delivering up to 2,600 dwellings, nearly doubling previous allocations. Key features include a 60 percent increase in public open space, a new 'green spine,' and a 130-metre pedestrian bridge across Lake Kawana connecting to East Bank. The precinct integrates retail, office space, high-density residential, and a potential 4-star hotel.
Oceanside Birtinya
A large-scale master-planned community by Stockland, encompassing residential land, house and land packages, and townhomes. The community is designed around the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct and features extensive parks, waterways, and connections to retail and dining.
16 Bright Place Affordable Housing
An eight-storey waterfront development designed by Ellivo Architects providing 90 affordable apartments (12 studios, 66 one-bedroom, and 12 two-bedroom units) for local essential workers in the Sunshine Coast health and retail precincts. Features naturally cross-ventilated units, communal spaces with lake views, solar array, 82 car parks, and designed to achieve 7+ star NatHERS rating with livable housing standards. The project was approved via Ministerial Infrastructure Designation in September 2024 but that approval was repealed in March 2025, requiring the project to now seek Sunshine Coast Council approval through the standard development application process.
Birtinya Social Housing Project
A five-storey social housing development delivering 63 units with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom options, designed to be fully accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. Located on a 2622sqm block near the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the complex features communal areas to build community and includes at least 61 car parking spaces. The basement structure is now in place with completion due mid-2026.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis reveals Birtinya significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide
Birtinya has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 2,853 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.
Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 62.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. According to Census responses, 15.8% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.
Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.3% of Birtinya's workforce compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. There are 1.8 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2% while employment declined by 2.9%, resulting in a fall of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Birtinya's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment
Birtinya suburb had high national income levels per latest ATO data by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income was $56,961 and average income stood at $81,934. Regional Qld's figures were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. With Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY2023, estimated incomes by September 2025 would be approximately $62,606 (median) and $90,054 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Birtinya's household, family and personal incomes were at the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 31.8% of residents (1,686 people), similar to surrounding regions. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 77.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Birtinya features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Birtinya's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 42.3% houses and 57.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birtinya was at 15.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.5% and rented ones at 63.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, above Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Birtinya was $490, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Birtinya's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,058 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $490 compared to the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Birtinya features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households comprise 63.1% of all households, including 21.5% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.9%, consisting of 27.2% lone person households and 9.2% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Birtinya demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics
Educational attainment in Birtinya is notably high, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 23.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (22.2%). Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.1% in tertiary education, 7.1% in primary education, and 7.0% pursuing secondary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in tertiary education, 7.1% in primary education, and 7.0% pursuing secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Birtinya has 11 operational public transport stops serving buses. Two routes operate here, offering a total of 381 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 363 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars are the primary mode of transportation, used by 79% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 13% and 3%, respectively. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Birtinya, which is lower than the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 15.8% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health outcomes in Birtinya are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts
Health indicators show below-average outcomes in Birtinya based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.
Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 7.7% of residents respectively. 67.5% 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 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (981 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Birtinya was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Birtinya's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 11.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 27.0% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion in Birtinya, comprising 45.5%. Hinduism showed overrepresentation in Birtinya at 1.4%, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.
The top three ancestry groups were English (30.4%), Australian (24.6%), and Irish (8.3%). Notable divergences included Russian at 0.5% (vs regional 0.2%), South Australian at 0.7% (vs 0.5%), and Korean at 0.6% (vs 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Birtinya's population is slightly younger than the national pattern
Birtinya has a median age of 36, which is lower than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Birtinya at 21.2%, compared to the Regional Qld average, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 7.6%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of Birtinya's population in the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 19.9% to 21.2%, while those aged 65 to 74 increased from 8.3% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort has declined from 9.5% to 7.6%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 10.6% to 9.4%. Demographic modeling indicates that Birtinya's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase notably, expanding by 416 people (37%) from 1,124 to 1,541. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age cohort grows by a modest 2% (15 people).