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, the Labrador statistical area's population is estimated at around 19,849 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,206 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,643 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,529, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 341 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,969 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Labrador's 6.5% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 7,262 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 35.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Labrador has experienced around 91 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 459 homes. So far in FY-26 (July 2025 to June 2026), 12 approvals have been recorded. With an average of approximately 0.8 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually over these five years, new construction has matched or outpaced demand.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is around $478,000. Additionally, $3.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Labrador has had slightly more development activity, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over these five years. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

New building activity shows that approximately 19.0% are standalone homes and 81.0% are townhouses or apartments. With around 270 people per dwelling approval, Labrador shows characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Labrador is expected to grow by 6,942 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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 20 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include 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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The labour market performance in Labrador lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Labrador has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.8% and there was an estimated employment growth of 2.4% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 9,806 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, the concentration in accommodation & food is high, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 2.4%, alongside labour force growth of 2.2%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.8% over ten years for Labrador, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Labrador's median income among taxpayers is $45,000. The average income in the suburb was $56,842 during this period. This figure is lower than the national average. In comparison, the Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593 in the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates project Labrador's median income to be approximately $49,460 and the average income to be around $62,475 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Labrador all fall between the 12th and 20th percentiles nationally. The majority of residents, 28.6%, earn within the $800 - $1,499 bracket (5,676 people). This differs from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Labrador, with only 76.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Labrador's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 19.1% houses and 80.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 41.7% houses and 58.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Labrador was at 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 47.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Labrador was $380, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $410. Nationally, Labrador's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 than 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 44.5%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

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

Educational qualifications in Labrador Trail region show that 22.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 account for 12.6% and certificates for 27.4%. Educational participation is high, with 26.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 7.1% in primary, 6.1% in tertiary, and 6.0% in secondary education.

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 accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents being an average of 144 meters away from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 205 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Labrador faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 9,870 people), compared to 52.6% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.2% and 9.9% of residents respectively.

However, 63.2% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 64.5% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (4,505 people), lower than the 25.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 19.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 36.2% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Labrador, accounting for 46.0% of the population. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, comprising 0.3% of the population compared to 0.2% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.9%), Australian (20.4%), and Other (11.8%). Notably, New Zealand (1.5%) and Maori (1.9%) had higher representations than regional averages (1.4% and 1.5%, respectively). Hungarian representation was also slightly higher at 0.4%.

Labrador hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Labrador's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than 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, comprising 16.4% of Labrador's population, while those aged 5-14 years make up only 6.5%. From 2021 to present, the percentage of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 14.3% to 16.4%, and the 15-24 age group has risen from 10.2% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort has decreased from 8.3% to 6.5%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Labrador, with the strongest growth projected for the 25-34 age cohort, which is expected to grow by 58%, adding 1,900 residents to reach a total of 5,156. The 15-24 age group is also forecasted to grow, albeit modestly at 7% (an increase of 159 people).