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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Palm Beach (Qld) is around 18,532 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,183 people (13.4%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 16,349 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 18,151 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 672 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,927 persons per square kilometer, placing Palm Beach in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 13.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of Qld (9.1%) and SA3 area figures, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australia's regional areas, with Palm Beach expected to increase by 5,479 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 27.5% over the 17 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 has seen approximately 269 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 1,347 homes have been approved in the area over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 197 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 people move to Palm Beach for each dwelling built annually over these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings in the area is $844,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been approximately $23.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity in Palm Beach. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Palm Beach records 64.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity in Palm Beach shows a trend towards denser development, with 11.0% detached houses and 89.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 41.0% houses) and is likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Palm Beach has around 65 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Palm Beach is projected to add approximately 5,098 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current 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 65 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include La Belle Palm Beach, Palm Beach Oceanway Extension, Sophia by Mosaic - Palm Beach, and Flourish Ovana Palm Beach. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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 Palm Beach demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Palm Beach has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 10,576 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

The workforce participation rate is higher at 71.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. A moderate 17.1% of residents work from home, considering potential Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4%.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.8% and labour force grew by 2.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.0%. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Palm Beach. Applying these projections to Palm Beach's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Palm Beach had an income level higher than average nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $51,221 and the average income stood at $72,295. These figures compared to those for Rest of Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,297 (median) and $79,459 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data showed household, family and personal incomes in Palm Beach clustered around the 55th percentile nationally. Distribution data indicated that 31.2% of the population (5,781 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 31.7% were in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Palm Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 41.1% houses and 59.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Palm Beach was at 29.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (37.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,093, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Palm Beach was recorded at $445, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Palm Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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 Rest of Qld 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 university qualification rate is 29.5%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This is also higher than the SA4 region's rate of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common 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. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 11 routes, collectively facilitating 2,319 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 216 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, 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 per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Palm Beach is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Palm Beach shows above-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population, around 10,350 people, compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.5 and 7.3% of residents respectively. About 72.0% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Under-65s have better than average health outcomes in Palm Beach. The area has 17.5% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 3,243 people, which is lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are 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 had a cultural diversity level below average. Its population comprised 86.8% citizens, 81.3% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.1% of Palm Beach's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the Rest of Qld's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.0%, Scots at 9.0%, and French at 0.6% compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 7.8%, and 0.5% respectively.

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

The median age in Palm Beach is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 19.1%, compared to Rest of Queensland, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates a decrease in median age from 39 to 38, with the 25-34 age group growing from 16.1% to 19.1%, and the 35-44 cohort increasing from 14.4% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.0% to 11.0%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.6%. By 2041, Palm Beach's age composition is projected to shift significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 1,294 people (37%), from 3,539 to 4,834, while the 15-24 cohort will experience minimal growth of just 4% (89 people).