Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Gaven has an estimated 1,702 residents, up from 1,638 at the 2021 Census — a change of 64 people, or 3.9%. That puts 238 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates analysed for the wider region and address validation by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Gaven has a population estimated at approximately 1,702 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 64 people (3.9%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,638 residents. This change is calculated from the resident population of 1,702, which AreaSearch estimated after evaluating the ABS June 2025 ERP data release and verifying addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 237 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per resident and potential capacity for subsequent development.
The 3.9% growth rate of the suburb of Gaven post-Census is within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.6%), showing competitive growth indicators. Population expansion in the area was mostly driven by overseas migration, which comprised about 52.0% of total population increases during recent periods. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas excluded from these figures, and for years after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used. Note that these state-level projections omit age breakdowns; where they are applied, AreaSearch distributes proportional growth weightings based on the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at future population projections, growth in the lower quartile of non-metropolitan areas across the nation is expected, with the area projected to expand by 44 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2-level figures, indicating an overall increase of 2.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Gaven exhibits minimal construction activity, with fewer than one new dwelling approved annually (minimal dwellings over the five-year period). Such low levels of development are typical for rural areas where housing requirements are modest and building activity is naturally restricted by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note that the small sample size means individual development projects can significantly alter annual growth and relativity statistics. Gaven demonstrates significantly less construction activity than Rest of Qld. The pattern of development is also well below national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gaven
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 90 current infrastructure and development projects close to Gaven, worth an estimated $33.7 billion. 27 are already under construction and 31 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Few factors influence local performance as much as changes to infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total, 27 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to affect the area. Key developments include Gold Coast Rail Stations (Pimpama, Hope Island, Merrimac), Arundel Hills Country Club Redevelopment, 2 Uplands Drive Aged Care Facility, and Coomera Connector Stage 1 - Central Section, with the subsequent list outlining those expected to be of greatest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Coomera Medical Hub
Planned multi-disciplinary medical facility designed to serve the expanding northern Gold Coast population. The proposed hub encompasses specialist medical consulting suites, diagnostic imaging, pathology, and integrated allied health services.
2 Uplands Drive Aged Care Facility
This 8,906 sqm development site holds approval for a 130-bed, three-storey residential aged care facility. Following a receivers' sale by Cor Cordis, the property was purchased in May 2025 for $3.63 million by a private investor. The project is strategically positioned at the corner of Napper Road and Uplands Drive, near the Gold Coast University Hospital medical precinct. The development approval remains current through April 2026, though construction has not yet commenced as of early 2026.
Coomera Connector Stage 1 - Central Section
Construction of an 8km, six-lane section of the Coomera Connector (Second M1) between Helensvale Road and Smith Street Motorway. The project features three grade-separated interchanges at Helensvale Road, Gold Coast Highway, and Smith Street Motorway, along with 8km of shared active transport paths connecting to Helensvale and Parkwood light rail stations and dedicated wildlife corridors.
Parkwood Investigation Area Study
Long-term strategic planning for the Parkwood area along Napper Road to transition rural residential land into urban use. Following Council endorsement of the Preferred Concept Plan in December 2024, the project is in the Statutory Phase as of early 2026. Proposed changes include zoning for buildings up to 10 storeys along Napper Road to support housing diversity near the Gold Coast University Hospital and light rail corridor.
Molendinar Creek Flood Mitigation
City of Gold Coast flood mitigation program investigating and delivering staged drainage, channel, creek and stormwater upgrades within the Molendinar Creek catchment to reduce flood risk for Parkwood, Molendinar and surrounding communities. Planning, flood modelling and prioritisation of mitigation works continue as part of the city's long term flood resilience program.
Helensvale Business Park
Helensvale Business Park is a 47,450 sqm industrial park by Sandhurst Retail & Logistics at 2 Millaroo Drive, opposite Westfield Helensvale. The estate is designed for strata warehouse and office users with high-clearance warehouse space, mezzanine offices, car parking, container set-down access and strong links to the M1 Pacific Motorway, Smith Street Motorway, Brisbane Road and Helensvale rail and light rail stations. Stage 1 comprises 21 warehouse/office units and Stage 2 is being marketed by Colliers and Tidal Property, with construction progressing and remaining units offered for sale or lease.
Hinterland Gateway Community Hub
The City of Gold Coast is planning the Hinterland Gateway Community Hub to replace the Nerang Administration Precinct. Council has endorsed a recommendation to sell the precinct and partner with the private sector to deliver a modern, multi-purpose facility. Proposed features include a multi-purpose hall, meeting rooms, a new library, cafe, city customer service centre, and an evacuation centre.
Urbana Stage 3
Urbana Stage 3 is a four-tower mixed-use precinct in Coomera by Cadmium. The approved scheme includes 720 apartments above a connected podium with retail, dining, commercial tenancies, resident amenity, a gym and medical centre. Council approval followed amendments that reduced the planned tower heights, with the approved towers reported at 15, 21, 22 and 26 levels.
1,015 residents of Gaven are employed, from a labour force of 1,044. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 69.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Gaven possesses a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector particularly well-represented, an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, and 2.9% in estimated job growth over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,015 residents are employed, which is 1.1% below the 3.9% rate of Regional Qld, and workforce participation is exceptionally high (69.8% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.6% of residents worked from home, though the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.
The primary employment sectors for residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical. The area exhibits a highly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training is under-represented, employing only 5.3% of Gaven's workforce compared to 9.1% in Regional Qld. While local jobs exist in the area, a large number of residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the ratio of Census working population to local population. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas, employment grew by 2.9% and the labour force expanded by 2.9% over the 12 months to March 2026, which kept the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia from May-25 provide additional context regarding future demand within Gaven. These projections, spanning five and ten-year periods, have been matched with the local employment profile to project growth patterns. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by industry sector. Applying these industry projections to Gaven's employment distribution suggests local employment should rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gaven is $2,015 a week (about $105,000 a year), with median personal income at $715 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $43,540 a year against an average of $52,946. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest postcode level ATO data released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Gaven's median income among taxpayers is $43,540, with an average of $52,946. This sits below the national average, and compares to a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,486 (median) and $58,961 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household income is in the 66th percentile ($2,015 weekly), while personal income is in the 31st percentile.
In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 32.2% of residents (548 people), which reflects the broader area where 31.7% are in this bracket. Economic strength is indicated by 30.4% of households earning high weekly incomes above $3,000, which supports elevated consumer spending. High housing costs absorb 16.0% of income, yet strong earnings still position disposable income at the 66th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gaven had 501 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 1% apartments. 53% are owned with a mortgage, 13% rented and 34% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $455 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 22.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling structure within Gaven, as measured at the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate within Gaven matched Regional Qld at 34.4%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (52.7%) or rented (12.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Regional Qld average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $455, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Gaven's mortgage repayments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gaven counted 501 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 3.1 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 79% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 12% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households make up the majority at 84.8% of all households, consisting of 39.7% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.2%, with lone person households at 11.8% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.8% of adults in Gaven hold a university qualification, including 11.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.9% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 33.1% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The area experiences educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.8%) significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (33.1%). Educational enrolment is remarkably high, with 25.6% of residents currently participating in formal education. This comprises 8.5% in secondary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 4.3% enrolled in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Gaven means driving: households keep an average of 2.5 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis shows two active transport stops operating within Gaven, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by two individual routes, collectively providing 200 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as limited, with residents typically situated 736 meters from the closest transport stop. As a mostly residential area, most residents commute out for work, and the car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 16.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).
Service frequency averages 28 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 100 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.3% of residents in Gaven report no long-term health condition. 4.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Gaven shows above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, with the rate of common health conditions being low in the general population, though higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health insurance is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~820 people). This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were identified as arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.6 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 68.3% reported being completely free of medical conditions compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
The population under 65 demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (343 people), although ranking lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Gaven is largely Australian-born, at 75.7% of residents, with 6.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.9%) and Australian (26.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Gaven is roughly consistent with the wider region's average regarding cultural diversity, with 75.7% of its population born in Australia, 86.3% holding citizenship, and 93.4% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion in Gaven is Christianity, representing 48.9% of the population, which compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld. In terms of parent country of birth, the top three ancestries in Gaven are English, representing 31.9% of the population, Australian, representing 26.2% of the population, and Irish, representing 8.5% of the population. Furthermore, there are notable differences in the representation of certain other groups: New Zealand is highly overrepresented at 3.3% of Gaven (compared to 0.9% regionally), Maori at 2.2% (compared to 0.8%) and Dutch at 1.8% (compared to 1.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gaven is 45, older than 80% of areas nationally. 25.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 45, Gaven is older than the Regional Qld median of 41 and also well above the national average of 38. The age distribution reveals that 55 - 64 year-olds are highly represented (17.4%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (8.2%) than in Regional Qld. This concentration of 55 - 64 year-olds is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 10.3% to 8.2% and the 45 to 54 group declined from 16.1% to 15.1%.
Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate major changes in Gaven's age structure. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 group will expand by 19% (32 people), rising to 199 from 166. Notably, the combined 65+ age categories will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging profile. In contrast, the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to experience population decreases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gaven
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,638 at the 2021 Census → 1,702 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31105). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.