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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Hope Island statistical area (Lv2) is around 18,198. This figure reflects a growth of 3,676 people since the 2021 Census, marking a 25.3% increase from the previous population count of 14,522. The latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, combined with an additional 1,154 validated new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this estimated resident population of 17,462. This results in a density ratio of 1,277 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Hope Island (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 25.3% since the 2021 census, surpassing the non-metro area's growth rate of 8.8% and the national average, indicating its status as a significant growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where necessary. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the Hope Island (SA2) expected to expand by 7,559 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 37.3% over the 17-year period.

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 five financial years, totalling an estimated 2087 homes. So far in FY-26246 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This indicates balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $728000, reflecting a focus on premium properties. In this financial year, commercial development approvals have reached $150 million, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Hope Island has 192% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 14% standalone homes and 86% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This is a significant shift from the current housing mix of 60% houses. The location has approximately 53 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Hope Island will add 6790 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

Given 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 47 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Hope Island Railway Station (Cross River Rail), Marina Point Apartments, Esperance Hope Island, and Coomera Urban Village Stage 3. 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 places Hope Island well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Hope Island has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7%.

As of September 2025, 9,077 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is also lower at 55.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Notably, professional & technical services have employment levels 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 Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, labour force by 3.1%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hope Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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. This is high nationally, contrasting with the Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,982 (median) and $83,884 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Hope Island cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.0% of locals (5,641 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income. Despite this, 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

The dwelling structure in Hope Island, as per the latest Census, was 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 80.5% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hope Island stood at 41.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $550, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Hope Island's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, and rents 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 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 account for the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 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 of 26.8% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA3 area at 20.7%, indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 18.3% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ possessing them. This includes advanced diplomas held by 14.4% of residents and certificates by 22.9%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (7.9%), secondary education (7.2%), and tertiary education (5.2%).

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

The analysis of public transport in Hope Island shows that there are 14 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There are 2 individual routes that collectively provide 250 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located 695 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 35 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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, with common health conditions 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 (around 10,452 people), compared to 53.3% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 6.1% of residents respectively, while 68.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.6% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 27.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,931 people), which is higher than the 12.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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 showed higher cultural diversity than 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%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% in the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (20.0%), and Scottish (8.4%). Notably, South African ethnicity was higher than regional averages at 1.4%, while New Zealand was at 1.3% and Russian at 0.6%.

Hope Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Hope Island has a median age of 49 years, which is significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 14.5% of the population, compared to the Rest of Qld's figure and the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, those aged 5-14 make up 8.7%, which is smaller than in the Rest of Queensland. Between 2021 and present, there has been a growth in the 15-24 age group from 9.7% to 11.3%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 8.5% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group declined from 16.1% to 14.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.5% to 13.1%. By the year 2041, Hope Island's population is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 61%, adding 1,112 people and reaching a total of 2,950 from the current figure of 1,837.