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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Hope Island's population is estimated at around 19,037 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 4,515 people (31.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,522 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,140, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 1,333 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,335 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hope Island's 31.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 7,158 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 32.9% in total over the 16 years.

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

Hope Island saw approximately 417 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years (FY-20 to FY-24), totalling around 2,087 homes. As of FY-26293 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 1.9 people moved into the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes was around $728,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year (FY-26), commercial development approvals amounted to $15.0 million, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial activity compared to the rest of Queensland. Hope Island has seen 190.0% more development activity per person than the rest of Queensland, reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% medium to high-density housing, catering to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift from the current housing mix (60.0% houses) is due to reduced development sites and evolving lifestyle demands. The area has approximately 53 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate Hope Island's population to grow by 6,261 residents by 2041, with current development patterns indicating that new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth.

Future projections show Hope Island adding 6,261 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on 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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects are Odyssey Hope Island, Links Hope Island Resort Master Plan, Esperance Hope Island, and Marina Point Apartments. The following details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Hope Island significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Hope Island has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6%. By December 2025, 9,185 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation lagged at 58.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. A high 25.9% of residents worked from home, possibly influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries included construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area had a notable concentration in professional & technical jobs, at 1.8 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 12.0% of Hope Island's workforce compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, labour force grew by 2.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. In Regional Qld during the same period, employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Hope Island's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Hope Island is $52,754, with an average of $76,321, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is high compared to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hope Island would be approximately $58,747 (median) and $84,991 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Hope Island cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.0% of locals (5,901 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is similar to the surrounding region at 31.7%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income in Hope Island, 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, comprised 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hope Island was at 41.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, above Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Hope Island was recorded at $550, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Hope Island's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.8 percent of all households, including 26.1 percent couples with children, 42.5 percent couples without children, and 8.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.2 percent, with lone person households at 19.0 percent and group households comprising 3.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of SA3 area (20.7%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (22.9%).

Educational participation is high at 25.2%, including 7.9% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hope Island has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 250 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is limited, with residents typically living 695 meters away from the nearest one. Most residents commute outside Hope Island, with cars being the primary mode of transport for 94% of them. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per household. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 25.9%, work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency is 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hope Island's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Hope Island's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, indicating a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~10,934 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.2 and 6.1% of residents respectively, while 68.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 27.4% of residents aged 65 and over (5,216 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hope Island was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hope Island's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 37.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion on Hope Island, comprising 56.7% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.4%), Australian (20.0%), and Scottish (8.4%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: South Australian at 1.4% vs regional 0.5%, New Zealand at 1.3% vs regional 0.9%, and Russian at 0.6% vs regional 0.2%.

Hope Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Hope Island's median age stands at 49 years, which is notably higher than the Regional Queensland average of 41 and significantly exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age distribution indicates that individuals aged 65 to 74 are particularly prevalent in Hope Island, comprising 14.3% of the population, while those aged 5 to 14 make up a relatively smaller proportion at 8.3%, compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of individuals aged 25 to 34 has increased from 8.5% to 10.6%, and those aged 15 to 24 have risen from 9.7% to 11.5%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 14.5% to 12.7%, while the percentage of those aged 65 to 74 has dropped from 16.1% to 14.3%. By the year 2041, Hope Island is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the demographic shift will be led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is expected to grow by 49%, adding 993 people and reaching a total of 3,011 individuals from the previous count of 2,017.