Main Beach

Population growth drivers in Main Beach 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, as of Nov 2025, Main Beach's population is estimated at around 4673. This reflects an increase of 675 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 (June 2024), and an additional 266 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1350 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Main Beach's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population gains during recent periods.

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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Main Beach expected to increase by 1627 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 25.2% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Main Beach had approximately 146 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 730 homes were approved, with a further 31 in FY-26 so far. Over these five years, an average of 0.2 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This suggests 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 value of new homes is $2,275,000, indicating a focus on premium segment properties. In FY-26, Main Beach has recorded $14.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Main Beach has 73.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers despite recent easing in construction activity. This is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists predominantly of attached dwellings (99.0%), with detached houses making up only 1.0%.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The area has approximately 215 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Main Beach is projected to add 1,179 residents by 2041. Based on 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 potential impact projects. Notable ones are La Mer Main Beach, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, Bella Vie Residences, and AMALI Main Beach. The following details those expected to have the greatest relevance.

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.

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

Main Beach has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 1.7% and there was an estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,366 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Main Beach lags significantly at 51.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share that is 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident indicates local employment opportunities are above the norm. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data up to 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Main Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Main Beach suburb has extremely high national income levels. The median assessed 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 $53,146 and the average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,850 (median) and $99,071 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($938 weekly), while household income sits at the 46th percentile. The data shows that the largest segment comprises 27.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,303 residents), which is similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Main Beach, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 47th percentile. The suburb'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). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 25.1% houses and 74.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Main Beach was at 47.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (20.6%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,091, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950 and significantly above the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Main Beach was recorded at $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $437 and substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.6% of all households, including 11.1% that are couples with children, 40.8% that are couples without children, and 6.1% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 5.7% of the total. 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

In Main Beach, residents aged 15 years and above have higher educational attainment compared to broader benchmarks. Specifically, 35.7% of residents hold university qualifications, surpassing the Rest of Qld's 20.6% and the SA4 region's 25.4%. This area has a significant educational advantage with bachelor degrees leading at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.1% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (17.7%).

Notably, 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, which includes 8.4% in tertiary education, 5.2% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing primary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 18 active stops operating within Main Beach. These include both lightrail and bus services. There are 3 routes serving these stops, together offering 2,712 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 117 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 387 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 150 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. Common health conditions are observed at standard levels across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (2,940 people), compared to 56.9% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.6 and 5.9% of residents respectively. 67.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 38.7% (1,808 people), compared to 21.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Main Beach's population, when assessed for linguistic diversity in the home, showed that 10.0% spoke a language other than English. In terms of birthplace, 29.4% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 59.4% adherents.

While the proportion of Judaism was similar to the regional average at 0.6%, there was notable overrepresentation in certain ancestry groups: English (33.2%), Australian (18.9%), and Irish (11.8%). Among other ethnicities, French (1.0%) and Scottish (9.5%) were notably more prevalent than the 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 national norm of 38. The 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.0% locally compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 2.6%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 85+ age group has grown from 2.3% to 5.2%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 12.5% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.8% to 9.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 19.0% to 16.2%. By 2041, Main Beach's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand substantially by 618 people (254%), 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 5-14 and 45-54 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.