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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Bushland Beach's population is estimated at around 7,390. This reflects an increase of 749 people (11.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,641 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,118, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 117 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 837 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bushland Beach's 11.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of locations outside of capital cities, is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to expand by 3,901 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 49.1% in total 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 indicates that Bushland Beach has experienced approximately 31 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY2021 and FY2025, around 158 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved in FY2026 to date. This results in an average of 7.2 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices and increases competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $405,000. In FY2026, commercial approvals totalled $302,000, reflecting the area's residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bushland Beach has similar development levels per person, suggesting market stability aligned with regional patterns. New developments consist of 91% detached houses and 9% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low-density character while attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 175 people per approval, Bushland Beach indicates a developing area. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 3,629 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bushland Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the local area: Bushland Beach Master Planned Development, Peggy Banfield Park Redevelopment, Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation, and Northern Beaches Trunk Road Infrastructure Package. These projects are considered key and relevant to the area's performance.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Bushland Beach significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Bushland Beach has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 3,986 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 72.5%, exceeding Regional Qld's 65.4%. According to Census responses, only 6.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. The area specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level but has lower representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing at 0.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the working population vs resident population count. Over December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.1% while employment declined by 0.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bushland Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Bushland Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $61,262 and an average income of $67,875. These figures are similar to national averages. In comparison, Regional Queensland had a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,333 (median) and $74,601 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bushland Beach rank between the 78th and 82nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 44.5% of locals (3,288 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which is slightly higher than the broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income. Bushland Beach residents have strong earnings, ranking them in the 84th percentile for disposable income. 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

In Bushland Beach, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is in contrast to Regional Queensland's figures which showed 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bushland Beach stood at 21.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.3% and rented dwellings at 26.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, exceeding Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Bushland Beach was recorded as $380, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Bushland Beach's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were higher than 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 make up 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 Regional Queensland 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 33.3%. Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.7% in primary, 10.2% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

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

Bushland Beach has 15 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, offering a total of 84 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 377 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, and cars remain the primary mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 12 trips per day, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bushland Beach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Bushland Beach shows below-average health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively high at approximately 54% of the total population (around 3,997 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 8.6% of residents and asthma impacting 7.8%. About 71.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 11.0% of residents aged 65 and over (812 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. National rankings for health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population.

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, as per the findings, had a cultural diversity score below average. Its population composition was predominantly citizens at 90.2%, with 88.4% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bushland Beach, accounting for 48.8% of its population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

The top three ancestral groups were English (30.5%), Australian (30.0%), and Irish (8.6%). Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher at 4.3%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. New Zealand ancestry was represented at 0.8% in Bushland Beach, compared to 0.9% regionally. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was present at 3.8%, close to the regional average of 3.9%.

Bushland Beach's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Bushland Beach is 35 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and under the national average of 38. The 35-44 age cohort makes up 15.9% of the population in Bushland Beach, compared to Regional Queensland's average, indicating over-representation. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 7.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 2.6% to 3.3% of the population, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 17.2% to 14.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Bushland Beach. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 59%, adding 664 people and reaching a total of 1,788 from its current figure of 1,123.