Broadbeach Waters

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

The population of Broadbeach Waters, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation as of Feb 2026, is estimated at around 8,939. This reflects an increase of 775 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,164. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 8,916 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,683 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Broadbeach Waters' growth of 9.5% since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of Qld's 9.1%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration 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, 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, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. An above median population growth is projected for regional areas across the nation, with Broadbeach Waters expected to increase by 1,291 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain 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 recorded around 33 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 166 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 4.4 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during these five years.

This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new properties is $1,959,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $15.1 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to the broader Queensland region. Broadbeach Waters has significantly less development activity than the regional average (70.0% below).

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% 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, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, show Broadbeach Waters adding around 1,268 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Broadbeach Waters 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 41 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include The Landmark, The Lanes, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), and Broadbeach South light rail station. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, 5,004 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses in September 2025, 20.6% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with 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%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Broadbeach Waters had a median income among taxpayers of $52,125. The average income stood at $125,740 in this period. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively across Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $57,291 and an average income of $138,201 in Broadbeach Waters as of that date. Data from Census 2021 indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Broadbeach Waters cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of the population (2,645 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 32.2% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated 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% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Broadbeach Waters was recorded at $600, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Broadbeach Waters' 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, larger than the Rest of Qld 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 is 30.1%, higher than the Rest of Queensland average of 20.6% and the 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 held by 35.8% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (22.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis indicates 34 active transport stops operating within Broadbeach Waters. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 16 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,398 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most commuting is outward-bound, with car remaining the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 20.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 342 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 70 weekly trips per 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 shows excellent health outcomes based on 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 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (7.1%) and mental health issues (5.9%). A higher proportion, 73.7%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments than the Rest of Qld's 67.6%. The area has 18.1% residents aged 65 and over (1,617 people), lower than Rest of 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 14.6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 31.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 53.6% of the population. However, Judaism showed significant overrepresentation at 0.7%, compared to 0.1% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top 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 a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Broadbeach Waters is 42 years, close to the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but higher than Australia's median of 38. The 35-44 cohort is over-represented at 14.7% compared to the Rest of Queensland average, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present day (2022), Broadbeach Waters has become younger with a median age drop from 43 to 42 years. The 25-34 age group grew from 12.1% to 14.2%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.7% to 14.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.4% to 11.9% and the 65-74 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.7%. Population forecasts for Broadbeach Waters by 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 386 people (30%) from 1,269 to 1,656. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.