Palm Beach (Qld)

Palm Beach lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Palm Beach (Qld) is around 18,887 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,538 people from the population reported in the 2021 Census, which was 16,349 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,678 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2025 and an additional 715 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,983 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 15.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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 national regional areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 5,230 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 26.6% in total over the 16 years.

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

Palm Beach averaged approximately 269 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25, totalling 1,347 homes. In FY-26 up to the current date, there have been 314 approvals. On average, each new dwelling constructed over these five years accommodated about 1.7 new residents.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the market. The average construction cost of new dwellings was $844,000, indicative of a focus on premium properties by developers. Commercial development has seen $23.8 million in approvals this financial year, indicating active commercial growth. Comparatively, Palm Beach had 62.0% more building activity per person than the Rest of Qld between FY-21 and FY-25. This level was significantly higher than the national average, reflecting strong developer interest in the area. The new development composition was 11.0% detached houses and 89.0% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing pattern of 41.0% houses. This denser development trend caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

The location had approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Palm Beach will gain 5,021 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

Palm 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 66 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Palm Beach Hotel, Palm Beach Oceanway Extension, Flourish Amargo, and La Belle Palm Beach. 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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AreaSearch analysis reveals Palm Beach significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Palm Beach has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 10,701 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Palm Beach is higher at 69.9%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. Based on Census responses, 17.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, and labour force grew by 2.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 suggest that Palm Beach's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Palm Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $51,221 and an average income of $72,295 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares with figures for Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,040 (median) and $80,508 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Palm Beach cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 31.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (5,892 residents), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Palm Beach, as per the latest Census data, 41.1% of dwellings were houses while 59.0% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Beach stood at 29.3%, with mortgaged properties at 33.0% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,093, significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Palm Beach was recorded at $445, compared to Regional Queensland's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Palm Beach's mortgage repayments were notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Palm Beach features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.2% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 7.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Palm Beach exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 29.5% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region rate of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 25.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.0% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 5.4% in tertiary education.

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

Palm Beach has 46 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 11 routes that together facilitate 2,319 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 216 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound, with car being the dominant mode at 90%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 17.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 331 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

Palm Beach's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Palm Beach. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~10,548 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.5 and 7.3% of residents respectively. 72.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area had 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,380 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Palm Beach, as per a study, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.8% citizens, 81.3% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Palm Beach's religion, comprising 47.1%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

In ancestry, English (32.1%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (9.9%) were the top groups in Palm Beach. Notably, New Zealand (1.0% vs regional 0.9%), Scottish (9.0% vs 7.8%), and French (0.6% vs 0.5%) groups were overrepresented.

Palm Beach's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Palm Beach is 38 years, slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but in line with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 18.2% of the population in Palm Beach compared to Regional Queensland, while the 5-14 cohort constitutes 10.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, Palm Beach has seen a decrease in median age from 39 years to 38 years. The 25-34 age group has grown from 16.1% to 18.2%, and the 35-44 cohort has increased from 14.4% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.2%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 12.3% to 10.5%. By 2041, Palm Beach's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,241 people (36%), from 3,437 to 4,679. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4% (75 people).