Golden Beach (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Golden Beach are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Golden Beach's estimated population is around 5,911. This reflects an increase of 265 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,646. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 5,798 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of additional 53 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,103 persons per square kilometer, above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Golden Beach (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outpacing non-metro areas. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Moving forward, demographic trends project an above median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The Golden Beach (Qld) (SA2) is expected to increase by 1,350 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 25.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Golden Beach recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Golden Beach has seen approximately 21 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 105 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 4.9 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $835,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $208,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Golden Beach has significantly less development activity, which is 76.0% below the regional average per person. The area's new construction consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% attached dwellings, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers despite increasing density pressures. With around 462 people per dwelling approval, Golden Beach shows a developed market.

Population forecasts indicate the area will gain 1,525 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Golden Beach has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters, Aura Brook Parklands Development, Pelican Waters Infrastructure Upgrade B, and Caloundra South Industrial Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Golden Beach shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Golden Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 2,663 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Golden Beach is significantly lower at 45.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Notably, construction has employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.1% of Golden Beach's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, alongside a 1.9% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7%. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Golden Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 indicates Golden Beach suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $43,422 and an average of $55,439. Both figures are below the national averages. Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates suggest approximately $47,725 as median income and $60,933 as average income for Golden Beach residents by September 2025. According to Census data from 2021, incomes in Golden Beach fall between the 10th and 20th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 27.5% of residents (1,625 people) earn within the $800 - $1,499 bracket, unlike metropolitan regions where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Golden Beach, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Golden Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Golden Beach, as per the latest Census, 56.6% of dwellings were houses while 43.4% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This differed from Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure which comprised 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Golden Beach stood at 48.3%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 19.4% and rented dwellings making up 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,907, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Golden Beach was recorded at $400 compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $450. Nationally, Golden Beach's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Golden Beach features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 61.2% of all households, including 15.6% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.8%, consisting of 34.7% lone person households and 4.1% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Golden Beach aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (27.6%). A total of 21.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.4% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.4% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Golden Beach has 27 operational public transport stops, all of which serve buses. There is one route that services these stops, offering a total of 87 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Golden Beach is rated good, with residents located an average of 204 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 12 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Golden Beach faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~2,906 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of Queensland's 53.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%), while 57.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in Rest of Queensland.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 36.6% (2,163 people), higher than the Rest of Queensland's 22.3%.

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

Golden Beach, as per the census data from 2016, exhibited a lower level of cultural diversity compared to the regional average. The majority of its residents were born in Australia, with this figure standing at 82.6%. Furthermore, 89.1% of Golden Beach's population held citizenship, and an overwhelming 96.5% spoke English exclusively at home.

Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Golden Beach, accounting for 56.7% of its population, which was slightly higher than the regional average of 50.0%. When considering ancestry, based on the country of birth of parents, the top three groups in Golden Beach were English (34.0%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was disproportionately represented at 9.6%, compared to the regional average of 8.8%. Similarly, New Zealand ancestry remained consistent with the region at 1.1%, while German ancestry showed a slightly higher representation at 5.3% compared to the regional figure of 4.6%.

Golden Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Golden Beach's median age is 55, which is significantly higher than Queensland's figure of 41 and the national norm of 38. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Golden Beach has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (14.2%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.8%). This 75-84 concentration is notably above the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 12.5% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.4%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 18.2% to 16.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Golden Beach's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 143%, reaching 818 people from 336. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 66% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is expected to decrease by 15 residents.