Broadbeach Waters

Population growth drivers in Broadbeach Waters are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Broadbeach Waters is around 8,918. This reflects an increase of 754 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,164. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,916 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,679 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Broadbeach Waters' 9.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's 8.8% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected. The suburb of Broadbeach Waters is expected to increase by 1,291 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 14.4% 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 in Broadbeach Waters shows around 33 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 166 homes were approved, with an additional 24 approved so far in FY-26. This results in about 4.4 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

However, supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average value of $1,959,000. This financial year has seen $15.1 million in commercial development approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to Rest of Qld. Broadbeach Waters has significantly less development activity, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

Recent construction comprises 88% detached dwellings and 12% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 262 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections show Broadbeach Waters adding 1,289 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace despite growing competition as population increases.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 41 projects impacting the area. Key projects include The Landmark, The Lanes, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), and Broadbeach South light rail station. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Broadbeach Waters significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Broadbeach Waters has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate in the area was 2.1% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In comparison to Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 3.9%, Broadbeach Waters has a rate that is 1.9% lower. Workforce participation in Broadbeach Waters is 62.3%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food.

Notably, professional & technical services have employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.3% of Broadbeach Waters's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment in Broadbeach Waters increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by a similar rate of 2.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a slight rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Broadbeach Waters. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Broadbeach Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

In financial year 2022, Broadbeach Waters had a median taxpayer income of $52,125 and an average income of $125,740. These figures are notably high compared to national averages and the Rest of Qld's $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $59,417 and $143,331 based on a 13.99% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Broadbeach Waters cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of residents (2,639 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the broader area where 31.7% earn this amount. Economic strength is evident with 32.2% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting high consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Broadbeach Waters, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.7% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 45.3% houses and 54.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Broadbeach Waters stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged properties at 36.4% and rented dwellings at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,019. The median weekly rent in Broadbeach Waters was $600, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.5% of all households, including 31.0% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 6.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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 educational profile exceeds regional averages with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and SA4 region's 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (22.4%).

Educational participation is high at 28.8%, with 8.2% in secondary education, 8.1% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education. However, educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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 rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 342 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 70 weekly trips per individual stop.

Broadbeach Waters's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Broadbeach Waters with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 77% of the total population (6,868 people), compared to 68.9% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.1 and 5.9% of residents respectively, while 73.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.7% across Rest of Qld.

The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,623 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Broadbeach Waters was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Broadbeach Waters had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 14.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.6%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to 0.4% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.9%), Australian (21.2%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.6%, Spanish at 0.8%, and Hungarians at 0.4%.

Broadbeach Waters hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Broadbeach Waters is 42 years, which is close to the Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but well above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 35-44 age cohort is notably over-represented at 14.4% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.3%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the area has become younger, with its median age dropping from 43 to 42 years. Specifically, the 35-44 age group grew from 12.7% to 14.4%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.4% to 12.4%, 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, expanding by 434 people (36%) from 1,221 to 1,656. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.