Labrador

Population growth drivers in Labrador are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Labrador, its population is estimated at around 19,757 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,114 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,643 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,745 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 344 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,951 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Labrador's 6.0% growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). A significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside of capital cities is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 6,941 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 35.1% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Labrador when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, derived from statistical area data, indicates Labrador averaged approximately 91 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 459 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved in FY-26 so far. The average population growth per dwelling built over these years was about 0.8 people.

This suggests supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction cost value of new homes was around $478,000, somewhat higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, approximately $3.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Labrador's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Labrador shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 22.0% more per person over the past five years.

This maintains good buyer choice and supports existing property values, despite a recent slowdown in building activity. New development consists predominantly of townhouses or apartments (81.0%), with detached houses comprising 19.0%. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Labrador's population density is around 270 people per approval, indicating a low-density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Labrador is projected to add approximately 6,929 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and driving price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Labrador - Brisbane Road & Marine Parade Stormwater Upgrade, Labrador - Carrara Road, Gold Coast Highway to Napper Road Cycleway, and Freedom Vantage Labrador. 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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AreaSearch analysis reveals Labrador recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Labrador has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2%. As of December 2025, 9,937 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 60.2%, below Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 12.1% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade, with a notable concentration in accommodation & food at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.4%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.2% while labour force grew by 2.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.8% over ten years for Labrador, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

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

The suburb of Labrador's income level is below the national average, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest ATO data for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Labrador is $45,000, with an average income of $56,842. These figures compare to Regional Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $50,112 (median) and $63,299 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Labrador all fall between the 12th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $800 - 1,499 income bracket dominates with 28.6% of residents (5,650 people), unlike trends in the surrounding region where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile.

Labrador displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Labrador, as per the latest Census data, 19.1% of dwellings were houses while 80.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Labrador stood at 25.0%, with mortgaged properties at 27.1% and rented ones at 47.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Labrador was $380, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Labrador's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents in Labrador exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 55.5% of all households, including 15.6% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up 44.5%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Labrador Trail residents aged 15+ have 22.5% holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.0% of residents holding them – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (27.4%).

Educational participation is high at 26.2%, including primary education (7.1%), tertiary education (6.1%), and secondary education (6.0%).

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

Labrador has 72 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1,437 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 144 meters from the nearest stop. Most Labrador residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 86%. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.1% of Labrador residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 205 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Labrador is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Labrador faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of Labrador's total population (~9,825 people) has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.2% and 9.9% of residents respectively. 63.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Labrador has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (4,484 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Labrador's population was found to be more linguistically diverse than most local markets, with 19.1% speaking a language other than English at home as of 2016 data. In terms of birthplace, 36.2% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Labrador, comprising 46.0%.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, making up 0.3% compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%. Regarding ancestry, English (28.9%) and Australian (20.4%) were the top groups, with Other at 11.8%. Notably, New Zealand (1.5%), Maori (1.9%), and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 0.8%, and 0.2% respectively.

Labrador hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Labrador's median age is 44 years, which is marginally above Regional Queensland's average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-olds are particularly prominent at 16.5%, while the 5-14 group is comparatively smaller at 6.5% compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.3% to 16.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 8.3% to 6.5%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Labrador, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 52%, adding 1,707 residents to reach 4,967. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 8%, adding 170 people.