Labrador

Labrador 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 November 2025, Labrador's population is estimated at around 126,658, reflecting an increase of 8,746 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.4% increase from the previous population count of 117,912. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Labrador's resident population at 19,529 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 341 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 25,331 persons per square kilometer, placing Labrador in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area at 6.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this growth, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Labrador expected to grow by 13,949 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicate Labrador experienced approximately 382 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,914 homes. As of FY-26, 48 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in Labrador between FY-21 and FY-25 was 5.6 people. This high demand exceeds new supply, often leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $1,082,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $239.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Labrador has slightly more development, with 22.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values.

New development consists of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Labrador's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 148.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Labrador has approximately 640 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population projections show stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Commonwealth Games Village (Smith Collective), Labrador-Brisbane Road & Marine Parade Stormwater Upgrade, and Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct - Lumina Development. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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Employment conditions in Labrador rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Labrador has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 43,965 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Labrador is high at 124.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance employs 2.5 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.6% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. There are 0.8 workers for each resident, indicating substantial employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.3%, and employment decreased by 0.7%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Labrador's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch aggregated ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Labrador had a median taxpayer income of $99,786 and an average income of $138,368. These figures are significantly higher than the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Labrador as of September 2025 would be approximately $113,746 and $157,726 respectively. Census 2021 data ranks Labrador's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 94th and 108th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 65.0% of the population (82,327 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. The income distribution is polarized, with 44.4% in lower brackets (<$800/week) and 46.2% in higher brackets (>$3,000/week). High housing costs consume 64.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 108th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 12th decile.

Labrador is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Labrador, as per the latest Census, consisted of 148.2% houses and 51.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 41.7% houses and 58.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Labrador was at 68.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (76.8%) or rented (55.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $4,000, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Labrador was recorded at $930, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $410. Nationally, Labrador's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Labrador features high concentrations of family households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 149.0% of all households, including 64.2% couples with children, 60.6% couples without children, and 22.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for -49.0%, comprising 43.2% lone person households and 7.8% group households. The median household size is 5.2 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

Labrador demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Labrador is notably high, with 56.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 22.9% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 39.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.2%) and graduate diplomas (6.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 75.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 25.0% and certificates at 50.8%. Educational participation is high, with 62.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 20.4% in primary, 18.4% in secondary, and 13.8% in tertiary education.

Labrador State School serves the local community, enrolling 692 students as of a certain date, and provides balanced educational opportunities with an ICSEA score of 1004. The school focuses on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Labrador functions as an education hub, offering 41.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.8, and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of Labrador's public transport system indicates that there are currently 314 operational transport stops within the area. These stops cater to a variety of bus routes, with a total of 18 individual routes serving the community. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 3,082.

The accessibility of transport in Labrador is deemed limited, with residents generally residing 688 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, across all routes, there are 440 daily trips, which translates to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Labour market outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Labrador with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 108% of the total population (136,917 people), compared to 53.9% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 17.8% and 15.6% of residents respectively, while 138.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 64.5% across Rest of Qld.

The area has 40.5% of residents aged 65 and over (51,245 people), which is higher than the 25.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Labrador is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Labrador, one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country, has 15.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home, with 50.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Labrador, comprising 96.6% of the population. Judaism, though small at 0.4%, is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland's 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, English (65.4%) and Australian (49.6%) are significantly higher than regional averages of 30.7% and 21.2%, respectively. Scottish ancestry at 18.0% is also substantially higher than the regional average of 7.6%. Notably, South African (1.8%), New Zealand (2.2%), and Welsh (1.4%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Labrador compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 1.4%, and 0.6% respectively.

Labrador ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Labrador's median age is 81, which is significantly higher than Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38 years. The population distribution by age aligns with regional norms for the Rest of Queensland. Notably, the concentration of individuals aged 15-24 in Labrador exceeds the national average of 12.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Labrador's population within the 15-24 age group increased from 26.2% to 28.4%, while the 25-34 cohort rose from 21.2% to 23.1%. Conversely, the proportions of those aged 5-14 decreased from 27.2% to 25.1%, and the 45-54 age group fell from 27.4% to 25.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Labrador's age structure. The most notable shift is a projected growth of -43% (-3,407 people) in the 85+ age group, which will reach 4,445 from its current figure of 7,852. Conversely, population declines are projected for both the 85+ and 0-4 age cohorts.