Hope Island

Hope Island lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of Hope Island is around 18,220. This reflects an increase of 3,698 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,522. The change was inferred from the resident population of 17,444 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 1,154 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,278 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hope Island's growth since the 2021 census at 25.5% exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Hope Island, expected to expand by 7,557 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 37.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Hope Island was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hope Island has seen around 417 new homes approved per year over the past 5 financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 2,089 homes. So far in FY-26, 29 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 people move to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $728,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $15.0 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to the Rest of Qld. Hope Island has 193.0% more development activity per person than the Rest of Qld, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% medium and high-density housing, a shift from the current housing mix of 60.0% houses. This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 53 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Hope Island adding 6,766 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

With current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 potential impact projects. Notable ones include Hope Island Railway Station (Cross River Rail), Marina Point Apartments, Esperance Hope Island, and Coomera Urban Village Stage 3. The following list highlights those likely to be 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 places Hope Island well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Hope Island has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.2% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 8,692 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 55.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among Hope Island residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

There is a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 12.0% of Hope Island's workforce compared to 16.1% in Rest of Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, and labour force increased by 2.1%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. This compares similarly to Rest of Qld's growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Hope Island. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hope Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Hope Island has a median taxpayer income of $52,754 and an average of $76,321 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is high compared to Queensland's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on a 13.99% increase since 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $60,134 (median) and $86,998 (average). Census data indicates that Hope Island's household, family, and personal incomes are at the 61st percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.0% of locals (5,648 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Hope Island, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, comprised 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings, compared to Non-Metro Qld's 80.5% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hope Island was at 41.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged at 30.7% or rented at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200 as at June 2021, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550 compared to Non-Metro Qld's averages of $2,000 and $450 respectively during the same period. Nationally, Hope Island's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 as of June 2021, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 for the same month.

Hope Island features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.8% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 42.5% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9.

Hope Island shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 26.8% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA3 area (20.7%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%.

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 14.4% and certificates at 22.9%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 14 active stops operating within Hope Island, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 2 individual routes, collectively facilitating 250 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 695 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Hope Island. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~10,465 people), compared to 52.3% across Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 6.1% of residents respectively. 68.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.6% across Rest of Qld. The area has 27.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,937 people), which is higher than the 12.0% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Hope Island was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hope Island's population exhibited higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 37.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.7% of Hope Island's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, higher than the Rest of Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (20.0%), and Scottish (8.4%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: South African (Hope Island 1.4% vs regional 1.0%), New Zealand (Hope Island 1.3% vs regional 1.9%), and Russian (Hope Island 0.6% vs regional 0.3%) were notably divergent in representation.

Hope Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Hope Island's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-old group comprises 14.5%, while the 5-14 year-old group makes up 8.7%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.7% to 11.3%, and the 25-34 age group has increased from 8.5% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 65-74 year-old cohort has declined from 16.1% to 14.5%, and the 45-54 year-old group has dropped from 14.5% to 13.1%. By 2041, Hope Island is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 60%, reaching 2,949 people from 1,840.