Margate (Qld)

Margate has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Margate's population is estimated at around 7866 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 291 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7575 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7705 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2990 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 66% of overall 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the Margate (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 1981 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Margate has seen around 38 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 192 homes were approved, with another 22 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each new home attracts about 1.4 new residents per year over these five years.

The average construction value of new properties is $465,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This financial year has seen $2.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Margate accounts for about 59% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 87th percentile nationally, although building activity has increased recently. The current new development mix is 22.0% standalone homes and 78.0% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing mix of 72.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. Margate's population density, with around 101 people per dwelling approval, indicates a low-density area.

Future projections estimate Margate will add 2,003 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Margate 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 18 projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Redcliffe Peninsula Foreshore Masterplan, Peninsula Private Hospital Redevelopment, Redcliffe Peninsula Cycleway Network, and Tydal Woody Point (Tydal Sands & Tydal Oceana). 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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Margate has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Margate has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 7.8%. As of September 2025, 3,803 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.3%, 0.3% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was at 54.4%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Margate has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 5.8% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 7.8% while labour force increased by 5.6%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 1.9 percentage points. Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling 0.5 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Margate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Margate's median income is $50,575 and average income is $61,326. Nationally, the median income is higher at $60,894 with an average of $82,032. In Greater Brisbane, median income is $58,236 and average is $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Margate in September 2025 would be approximately $55,587 (median) and $67,403 (average). Census 2021 data shows Margate's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 15th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 25.9% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually (2,037 people), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 33.3%. Margate faces severe housing affordability pressures, with only 79.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

Margate is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Margate's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.8% houses and 28.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 68.2% houses and 31.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Margate was at 28.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.6% and rented ones at 42.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Margate was $1,733, aligning with Brisbane metro's average. The median weekly rent in Margate was $320, compared to Brisbane metro's $350. Nationally, Margate's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.2% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 14.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.3.

Margate shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (29.4%). Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.9% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 4.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis of Margate's public transport shows 26 active stops operating within the area, all serving buses. These stops are covered by four routes that together facilitate 639 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 178 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 91 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Margate is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Margate faces significant health challenges, with a variety of conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Private health coverage stands at approximately 52%, or about 4,050 people. The most prevalent medical issues are mental health problems (10.7%) and arthritis (10.6%), while 59.8% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 59.7%. Residents aged 65 and over make up 24.7%, or around 1,942 people, compared to Greater Brisbane's 28.2%. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges broadly in line with the general population's profile.

Margate ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Margate's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.1% of its population being citizens, 77.1% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Margate, comprising 48.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Margate compared to Greater Brisbane, with 0.1% of its population identifying as Jewish.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.1%), Australian (24.4%), and Irish (9.6%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders make up 1.2% of Margate's population compared to 1.1% regionally, Maori comprise 1.2% versus 1.4%, and Welsh people account for 0.7% versus 0.6%.

Margate hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Margate is 46 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Margate has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 6.6% to 8.8%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 decreased from 11.2% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Margate's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 86%, reaching 1,290 people from the current figure of 692. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting Margate's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.