Broadbeach Waters

Population growth drivers in Broadbeach Waters are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Broadbeach Waters' population is estimated at around 8,939 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 775 people (9.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,164 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,916, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,683 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 9.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,290 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Broadbeach Waters among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Broadbeach Waters had approximately 33 dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling around 166 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 34 approvals. On average, this results in about 4.4 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25. This demand outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $1,959,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. Commercial approvals this financial year total $15.1 million, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Broadbeach Waters has significantly lower building activity, at 70.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction can reinforce demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

The area's new building activity comprises approximately 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. It has around 262 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Broadbeach Waters will grow by about 1,267 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that could impact the area, with key ones including The Landmark, The Lanes, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), and Broadbeach South light rail station.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Broadbeach Waters demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Broadbeach Waters has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 2.5%.

As of December 2025, 5,053 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Regional Qld's 4.0%. Workforce participation was 67.8%. 20.6% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food services.

The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3% versus Regional Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, labour force by 2.6%, resulting in a slight unemployment rise of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Broadbeach Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming no change in population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Broadbeach Waters, as per postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ending June 2023, is $52,125. The average income for the same period is $125,740. Nationally, Regional Queensland's median income is $53,146 with an average of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $57,291 and an average of $138,201, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ending June 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Broadbeach Waters cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 29.6% of residents (2,645 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. In metropolitan regions, this category represents 31.7%. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 32.2% of households, indicating strong consumer spending despite high housing costs consuming 17.3% of income. Disposable income ranks at the 68th percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 8th decile.

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

Broadbeach Waters' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.4% houses and 21.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broadbeach Waters stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.4% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, above Regional Qld's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Broadbeach Waters was $600, compared to Regional Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.

Broadbeach Waters features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.5% of all households, including couples with children at 31.0%, couples without children at 30.2%, and single parent families at 9.1%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households at 6.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Broadbeach Waters demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate of 30.1%, as of the latest data available, exceeds both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's rate of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.4% and certificates at 22.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.2% in secondary education, 8.1% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Broadbeach Waters has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 2,398 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 225 metres from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most residents travel outward for work. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.6% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 342 trips daily, equating to roughly 70 weekly trips per individual stop.

Broadbeach Waters's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Broadbeach Waters' health outcomes show notable results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 77% of the total population (6,884 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.1%) and mental health issues (5.9%). A significant proportion of residents (73.7%) report no medical ailments, higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,626 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Broadbeach Waters was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Broadbeach Waters, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity with 14.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 53.6%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.9%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, New Zealand (1.6% vs regional 0.9%), Spanish (0.8% vs 0.3%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.2%) ethnicities were overrepresented.

Broadbeach Waters hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Broadbeach Waters is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland's average, the 35-44 age cohort is notably over-represented at 14.8% locally, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.0%. Between the censuses taken on 28 August 2016 and 27 June 2021, the area's median age decreased by 1.3 years to 42 from 43. During this period, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.7% to 14.8%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.1% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 15.4% to 11.9%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for Broadbeach Waters indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 388 people (31%) from 1,269 to 1,658. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.