Deception Bay

Deception Bay is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Deception Bay is around 19,606. This reflects an increase of 33 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,573. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,321, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 286 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,008 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for Deception Bay was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 49.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. It should be noted that 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 national areas is projected, with Deception Bay expected to grow by 4,136 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 27.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Deception Bay among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates approximately 76 new homes approved annually in Deception Bay. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 382 homes were approved, with an additional 35 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over the past five financial years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is $322,000, lower than regional levels, offering more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $9.2 million, reflecting the area's residential character. Building activity comprises 77.0% detached houses and 23.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving Deception Bay's suburban identity with a focus on family homes. The population density is approximately 162 people per approval. By 2041, Deception Bay is projected to gain 5,307 residents. Given current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Deception Bay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could affect the region. Notable projects include First Nations Elders Housing Project, Deception Bay Road Upgrade (Bruce Highway to Park Road), Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan - South East Queensland, and Peninsula Power Sports Complex. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Deception Bay recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Deception Bay has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 6.3% in an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the same period was estimated at 14.1%. As of June 2025, 9,299 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 53.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%.

Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employed only 3.0% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population and resident population. In a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 14.1% while labour force grew by 8.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 4.7 percentage points. Greater Brisbane recorded lower employment growth at 4.4% with an unemployment fall of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Deception Bay's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Deception Bay had a median income among taxpayers of $48,554. The average income stood at $54,549. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $55,645 and $70,520 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $55,347 (median) and $62,180 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Deception Bay all fall between the 14th and 18th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 30.5% of locals (5,979 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Deception Bay, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.2% houses and 15.8% other dwellings. In contrast, Brisbane metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Deception Bay was at 25.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.5% and rented ones at 39.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, aligning with Brisbane metro's average. The median weekly rent was $325, compared to Brisbane metro's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Deception Bay's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Deception Bay has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households comprise 70.2% of all households, including 25.8% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

Deception Bay faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.4%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 33.5%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.2% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Nine schools operate within Deception Bay, educating approximately 4,627 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 929). The school mix includes four primaries, four secondaries, and one K-12 school. There are 23.6 school places per 100 residents, indicating strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 49 active public transport stops in Deception Bay. These stops offer bus services via three routes, serving a total of 993 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents located an average of 246 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 141 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Deception Bay is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health challenges significantly impact Deception Bay, affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~9,571 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are prevalent, affecting 11.5% and 10.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a notable senior population, with 21.4% (4,195 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but generally align with the overall population's health profile.

Deception Bay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Deception Bay showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 85.0% of its population being Australian citizens and 79.6% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 92.2%. Christianity dominated religiously, comprising 49.7%, compared to None% across Greater Brisbane.

Ancestry-wise, the top groups were English (29.9%), Australian (27.5%), and Scottish (7.2%). Notably, Samoan ancestry was overrepresented at 2.1% in Deception Bay, while New Zealand and Maori were each at 1.4% and 1.8%, respectively, compared to None% regionally.

Deception Bay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Deception Bay is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Deception Bay at 8.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.9% to 8.1% of Deception Bay's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.0% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Deception Bay. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 78%, adding 1,240 people and reaching a total of 2,829 from the current 1,588. This growth is primarily driven by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 56% of the anticipated population increase. The 0-4 age group is expected to show modest growth with no additional residents added by 2041.