Bushland Beach

Bushland Beach lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Bushland Beach's estimated population is around 7,364. This reflects a growth of 723 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,641. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 7,118 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 834 persons per square kilometer. Bushland Beach's growth rate of 10.9% exceeded both its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 47.0% to overall population gains, with other drivers such as interstate migration also being 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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period to 2041, with an expected expansion of 4,216 persons, reflecting a total increase of 59.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bushland Beach among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bushland Beach shows around 28 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 140 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 8.1 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. The demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $405,000. In the current financial year, there have been $302,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bushland Beach has comparable new home approvals per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

Recent construction consists of 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 212 people per approval, Bushland Beach reflects a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 4,377 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Bushland Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the area. Key projects are Bushland Beach Master Planned Development, Peggy Banfield Park Redevelopment, Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation, and Northern Beaches Trunk Road Infrastructure Package. The following list details those 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.

Bushland Beach ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Bushland Beach has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 4,036 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.5% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Bushland Beach is higher at 71.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.5% of Bushland Beach's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. From September 2024 to September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 0.5%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, as of May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bushland Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Bushland Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $61,262 with the average level standing at $67,875. This is in line with national averages and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,333 (median) and $74,601 (average) as of September 2025. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Bushland Beach rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 82nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 44.5% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with broader regional trends where 31.7% fall into this category. Housing expenses account for 13.5% of income. Bushland Beach residents rank highly in disposable income at the 84th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Bushland Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Bushland Beach, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 98.5% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bushland Beach was at 21.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (51.3%) or rented (26.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380. Nationally, Bushland Beach's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Bushland Beach features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 86.3% of all households, including 44.0% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 13.7%, with lone person households at 11.4% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Bushland Beach 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 18.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.2% and certificates for 33.3%. Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.7% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Bushland Beach indicates that there are currently 15 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. A total of 84 weekly passenger trips are provided by these stops, which are serviced by one individual route.

The average distance between residents' locations and the nearest transport stop is 377 meters, indicating good transport accessibility. On average, there are 12 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Bushland Beach is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Bushland Beach shows superior health outcomes with fewer common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages.

However, higher prevalence is seen among older and at-risk cohorts. Approximately 54% (~3,983 people) have private health cover, which is relatively high. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.6% and 7.8% of residents respectively. 71.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 11.0% (810 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 14.9% in the rest of Queensland.

Bushland Beach is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bushland Beach had a cultural diversity level below average, with 90.2% of its population being citizens, 88.4% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, comprising 48.8% of Bushland Beach's population, compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.5%), Australian (30.0%), and Irish (8.6%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 4.3%, New Zealand at 0.8%, and Australian Aboriginal lower at 3.8%, compared to regional averages of 4.0%, 0.7%, and 5.0% respectively.

Bushland Beach's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Bushland Beach is 35 years, which is lower than Queensland's average of 41 and the national average of 38. The 35-44 age group constitutes 15.7% of Bushland Beach's population, higher than Rest of Qld's average, while the 75-84 year-olds make up only 3.2%, lower than the rest of Queensland. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of 75 to 84-year-olds has increased from 2.6% to 3.2%. Conversely, the percentage of 5 to 14-year-olds has decreased from 17.2% to 14.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Bushland Beach, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 70%, reaching 1,858 people from its current total of 1,089.