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 since the Census the suburb of Bushland Beach has an estimated population of 7,418 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 777 people (11.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,641 residents. This trend is derived from the resident figure of 7,226 calculated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS alongside 111 validated new addresses since the Census. The suburb's density stands at 841 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages. The 11.7% increase since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, positioning the suburb of Bushland Beach as a regional leader in expansion. Natural increase was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 47.0% of the overall population gains, although interstate and overseas migration also registered positive inflows.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 area. For locations without this coverage or for projections past 2032, Queensland State Government data released in 2023 based on 2021 numbers is used. Since state-level figures omit age cohorts, AreaSearch applies age weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 (based on 2022 data). Demographic models indicate the suburb of Bushland Beach will experience substantial growth, ranking in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan locations, with an expected increase of 3,738 persons by 2041, representing a total rise of 47.8% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bushland Beach when compared nationally

Analysis of ABS building approvals indicates that Bushland Beach averages approximately 28 dwelling approvals annually. There were 141 residential approvals over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 28 have been registered during FY-26. With an average of 3.6 new residents arriving for every completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, demand exceeds supply, driving buyer competition and upward pressure on pricing. Approved residential builds carry an average estimated construction cost of $405,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $302,000 have been logged this financial year, underscoring the residential focus of the area.

Compared to Rest of Qld, development activity per resident in Bushland Beach aligns closely with regional trends to maintain market stability. Residential approvals consist of 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving a low-density profile popular with buyers seeking space. An average of approximately 240 people per approval indicates a market in transition.

Long-term demographic forecasts show Bushland Beach is on track to add 3,546 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. The current rate of construction suggests supply might not keep pace with this influx, potentially intensifing buyer competition and supporting upward price movements.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major planning, and development works are key factors in regional performance. A total of 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a potential impact on the local area. Key projects include the Bushland Beach Master Planned Development, the Peggy Banfield Park Redevelopment, the Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation, and the Northern Beaches Trunk Road Infrastructure Package.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Bushland Beach well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

A highly qualified workforce characterizes Bushland Beach, with strong representation in essential services. The unemployment rate is low at 2.6% as of March 2026, which is 1.3% lower than the Regional Qld level of 3.9%. Total employment stands at 3,705 residents. Labor force participation is solid at 66.8% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census records indicate that a minor 6.8% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Public administration & safety is highly represented, employing a share of the workforce that is 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.5% of employment compared to the regional benchmark of 4.5%. Comparing the resident workforce count to local job availability indicates that the suburb is predominantly residential with limited local employment options.

Based on aggregate analysis of SALM and ABS figures, the local labor force contracted by 3.2% and total employment fell by 3.6% over the 12 months to March 2026, leading to a rise of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% increase in employment, a 0.3% expansion of its labor force, and a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 compiled by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context. These national projections forecast overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the local occupational structure indicates that employment for local residents would 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 the latest ATO postcode statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Bushland Beach earn a median income of $61,262 and an average income of $67,875. These figures align closely with national benchmarks, compared to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Adjusted for the Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated earnings as of March 2026 would be approximately $68,221 for the median and $75,586 for the average. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in the 78th to 82nd national percentiles. The largest income group comprises 44.5% of residents (3,301 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, compared to 31.7% in the wider region. Housing costs consume 13.5% of income, while strong earnings place local households in the 84th percentile for disposable income, and the area ranks in the 6th decile on the SEIFA index.

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

According to the latest Census, housing types in Bushland Beach consist of 98.5% standalone houses and 1.4% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. The home ownership rate of 21.8% lags behind the regional average of Regional Qld, with the remaining residences being mortgaged (51.3%) or occupied by renters (26.9%). Monthly mortgage costs average $1,733, exceeding the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while weekly rents stand at $380, compared to $345 regionally. Locally, mortgage repayments are lower than the national average of $1,863, while weekly rent exceeds the Australian average of $375.

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

Family households represent the vast majority of local homes at 86.3%, comprising couples with children at 44.0%, couples without children at 31.1%, and single-parent homes at 11.0%. Non-family households account for the remaining 13.7%, consisting of single-person households at 11.4% and group living situations at 2.1%. The average household size stands at 2.9 people, exceeding the Regional 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

Tertiary educational attainment in the area is low, with university graduation rates at 18.6% compared to the national benchmark of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees account for 12.8% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of 11.2% with advanced diplomas and 33.3% with certificates.

Enrollment rates in education are strong, with 34.6% of the population presently undertaking formal study. This student cohort comprises 13.7% in primary school, 10.2% in secondary school, and 4.5% in tertiary programs.

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

Public transport services in the suburb include 15 active stops serviced by a mix of buses. There is 1 individual route operating across these stops, generating 84 passenger trips weekly. The closest transit stop is located an average of 377 meters away, which represents good accessibility. Private vehicles remain the primary means of transport, with 95% of residents commuting by car. The average household has 1.9 vehicles, exceeding regional standards. Working from home was recorded for a low 6.8% of the workforce at the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

Transit service frequency averages 12 daily trips across the local network, representing roughly 5 weekly services for each 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

Evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates by AreaSearch suggest below-average health outcomes, with minor chronic conditions slightly elevated across both younger and older demographics. The level of private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 54% of the population (~4,013 people) holding a policy.

Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common medical diagnoses, affecting 8.6 and 7.8% of the population, respectively. However, 71.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health indicators for working-age residents are standard, and overall national health rankings are typical. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 11.0% of the population (815 people), which is below the Regional Qld average of 20.4%.

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

Cultural diversity measures are low, with citizens making up 90.2% of the population, 88.4% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 48.8% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

The most common ancestries reported in the area are English at 30.5%, Australian at 30.0%, and Irish at 8.6%. Other specific heritage groups show minor differences from regional trends: German ancestry stands at 4.3% (compared to 4.7% regionally), New Zealand heritage is at 0.8% (compared to 0.9% regionally), and Australian Aboriginal ancestry is recorded at 3.8% (compared to 3.9% regionally).

Bushland Beach's population is younger than the national pattern

The local median age of 36 is lower than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and slightly below the national median of 38. The 45 - 54 demographic represents 15.4% of the local population, making it over-represented compared to the region, while the 65 - 74 cohort is under-represented at 7.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 bracket has increased from 2.6% to 3.4% of the population, whereas the 5 to 14 group has shrunk from 17.2% to 15.2%. Projections to 2041 indicate that the age profile will change, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 661 people (58%) to reach 1,804, up from 1,142.