Main Beach

Population growth drivers in Main Beach are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Main Beach as of November 2025 is around 4662. This reflects an increase of 664 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3998. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4225, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 266 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1347 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Main Beach's growth rate of 16.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Examining future trends, a significant population increase is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 1627 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 25.5% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Main Beach when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis shows Main Beach had approximately 146 dwelling approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 730 homes were approved, with another 31 so far in FY-26. On average, 0.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This indicates new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost of new homes is $2,275,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, $78,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Main Beach has 73.0% more construction activity per person as of recent data. This high level of activity suggests strong developer confidence in the location. New developments consist of 1.0% detached houses and 99.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

There are approximately 215 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections estimate Main Beach to add 1,190 residents by 2041, based on current AreaSearch quarterly estimates. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Main Beach 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 has identified 47 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include La Mer Main Beach, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, Bella Vie Residences, and AMALI Main Beach. The following details those expected to have the most significance.

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Employment conditions in Main Beach demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Main Beach's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of June 2025, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%. There are 2,362 residents currently employed with a workforce participation rate of 51.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while unemployment remained relatively stable. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Main Beach's industry mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 indicates that Main Beach has high incomes nationally. The median income is $54,454 and the average income stands at $90,138. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year ending June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $62,072 (median) and $102,748 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows personal income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($938 weekly), while household income sits at the 46th percentile. The largest segment comprises 27.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,300 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Main Beach features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Main Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.4% houses and 96.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 25.1% houses and 74.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Main Beach stood at 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.6% and rented dwellings at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,091, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Main Beach was $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $437 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Main Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 58.6% of all households, including 11.1% couples with children, 40.8% couples without children, and 6.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 5.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.1.

Main Beach 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 Main Beach is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 35.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 14.4% and certificates at 17.7%.

A significant 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.4% in tertiary education, 5.2% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing primary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Main Beach's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Main Beach shows that there are currently 18 operational transport stops. These include a mix of lightrail and bus services. Three individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 2,844 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transports is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 117 meters away from the nearest stop. The service frequency averages at 406 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 158 weekly trips per individual stop.

Main Beach's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Main Beach's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing a typical range of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 63% (2,933 people), compared to 58.1% across the rest of Queensland and 55.3% nationally. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.6 and 5.9% of residents respectively.

A total of 67.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 38.7% (1,804 people), compared to 21.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

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

Main Beach's cultural diversity was above average, with 10.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 59.4%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to the Rest of Qld's 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.2%), Australian (18.9%), and Irish (11.8%). Notably, French (1.0%) and Scottish (9.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 7.2%, respectively.

Main Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Main Beach is 56 years, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and also considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.0% in Main Beach, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 2.6%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 85+ age group has grown from 2.3% to 5.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 12.5% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 9.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 19.0% to 16.2%. By 2041, Main Beach is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand substantially, increasing by 618 people (255%) from 242 to 861. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 72% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both the 5-14 and 45-54 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.