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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Palm Beach (Qld) has an estimated population of around 18,270 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,921 people (11.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,349 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,151 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 640 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,886 persons per square kilometer, placing Palm Beach in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 11.7% 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. Population growth for Palm Beach 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas is forecast, with Palm Beach expected to increase by 5,479 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 29.3% in total 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. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,347 homes were approved, with an additional 73 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.7 people move to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

Developers target the premium segment, with new dwellings valued at approximately $844,000 on average. In FY-26, there have been $23.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. 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. The new building activity shows a trend towards denser development, with 11.0% detached houses and 89.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from existing housing patterns (currently 41.0% houses) suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With around 65 people per dwelling approval, Palm Beach exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add approximately 5,360 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. Key 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 most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 was 3.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year.

The area's unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and its workforce participation rate was higher at 65.6%. Leading industries for residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited representation with only 0.4% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force grew by 2.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Palm Beach's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

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

Palm Beach's median income among taxpayers was $51,221, and average income stood at $72,295 in financial year 2022. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project median income to be approximately $58,387 and average income at around $82,409, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Palm Beach cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.2% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, with 5,700 individuals in this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 49.8% houses and 50.2% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Palm Beach was 29.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (37.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Palm Beach was $2,093, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Palm Beach was recorded at $445, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.4.

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 with university qualification rates at 29.5% among residents aged 15+, surpassing 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 also prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 12.8% and certificates make up 25.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 3,601 students: Palm Beach State School and Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1041) with balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with a high ratio of 19.7 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities and exceeding the regional average of 12.1.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Palm Beach shows that there are currently 46 operational transport stops. These stops offer a combination of train and bus services. There are 11 distinct routes serving these stops, collectively facilitating 2,304 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents typically residing within 216 meters of their nearest stop. On average, there are 329 daily trips across all routes, which translates 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 has demonstrated above-average health outcomes for both young and elderly residents.

Common health conditions have a low prevalence in this area. Approximately 56% (~10,203 people) of Palm Beach's total population has private health cover, which is significantly higher than the average rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.5%) and mental health issues (7.3%). A majority of residents (72.0%), compared to 70.3% across the rest of Queensland, report being completely free from medical ailments. Palm Beach has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.5% (3,197 people), compared to the 19.2% in the rest of Queensland. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Palm Beach are notably strong and outperform those of the general population in various health metrics.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.8% of its population being citizens, 81.3% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Palm Beach, comprising 47.1% of its population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups in Palm Beach are English (32.1%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (9.9%). There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealand is overrepresented at 1.0% (vs 1.1% regionally), Scottish at 9.0% (vs 8.9%), and French at 0.6% (vs 0.6%).

Palm Beach's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Palm Beach is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 25-34 has a strong representation at 18.8% compared to Rest of Queensland, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.8%. According to data from the 2021 Census, Palm Beach has become younger, with its median age decreasing by 1 year to 38 from 39. The 25-34 age group has grown from 16.1% to 18.8%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.4% and the 55-64 group has dropped from 12.3% to 10.8%. By 2041, Palm Beach's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,399 people (41%) from 3,434 to 4,834, while the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 6% (117 people).