Pelican Waters

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

Pelican Waters' population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 8,339 people. This reflects a growth of 946 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,393 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 8,105 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data, and an additional 442 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 999 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pelican Waters' growth rate of 12.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's 8.8% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for locations outside capital cities, with Pelican Waters expected to grow by 1,323 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Pelican Waters among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Pelican Waters has averaged approximately 110 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 551 homes. In FY26 so far, 31 approvals have been recorded. The area has seen an average of 1.1 people moving to it for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. Developers are focusing on the premium market, with new homes averaging $835,000 in construction cost value.

This year has seen $1.0 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting Pelican Waters' residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Pelican Waters maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with the broader area's market balance. This is notably higher than national averages, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining Pelican Waters' suburban identity.

The area has approximately 74 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Pelican Waters is expected to grow by 885 residents through to 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.

Pelican Waters has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Aura Home + Life, Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters, Caloundra TAFE Centre of Excellence, and Aura Parklands & Lagoon. The following list details those 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 performance in Pelican Waters has been broadly consistent with national averages

Pelican Waters has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 3,353 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate 1.1% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was significantly lower in Pelican Waters, at 47.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade showed particularly strong specialization, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Pelican Waters' labour force decreased by 2.5%, while employment declined by 1.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force expand by 2.0%, with an increase in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insight into potential future demand within Pelican Waters. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Pelican Waters' employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and without considering localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Pelican Waters' median taxpayer income was $44,279 and average income was $56,534 based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Queensland's median being $50,780 and average income at $64,844. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $50,474 and $64,443 respectively, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Pelican Waters' household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 23rd and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 27.6% of residents (2,301 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, slightly lower than the metropolitan region's 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Pelican Waters is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Pelican Waters' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.0% houses and 11.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro Qld's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pelican Waters stood at 57.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented ones at 12.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent was $540, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Pelican Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Pelican Waters features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 84.9% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 49.3% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.1%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Rest of Qld average.

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

Educational qualifications in Pelican Waters trail regional benchmarks with 21.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally as at 2016. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (26.0%).

As at 2018, a substantial 23.2% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 8.4% in secondary, 7.9% in primary, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education. Caloundra City Private School provides local educational services within Pelican Waters, with an enrollment of 247 students as at 2019 while the area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1090). All 1 schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. Limited local school capacity (3.0 places per 100 residents vs 13.2 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling as of 2020 data.

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

Pelican Waters has ten active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 191 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate with residents typically located 590 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Pelican Waters is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Pelican Waters faces notable health challenges with common health conditions being relatively prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% (~4136 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.7% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.8%) and asthma (6.4%).

Around 63.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.5% (~2876 people), compared to 22.3% in the rest of Queensland. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, even outperforming general population metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Pelican Waters records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Pelican Waters' cultural diversity aligns with the wider region's average, with 74.4% of its population born in Australia, 88.7% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Pelican Waters, accounting for 61.0%, compared to 50.0% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.1%), Australian (24.8%), and Scottish (9.3%).

Notably, Welsh (0.8%) is overrepresented in Pelican Waters versus the regional average of 0.6%, as are South African (0.8% vs 0.6%) and New Zealand (0.9% vs 1.1%).

Pelican Waters ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Pelican Waters has a median age of 55, which is considerably higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Rest of Qld, Pelican Waters has a higher concentration of 65-74 residents at 18.7%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 5.5%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.0% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.8%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 20.2% to 18.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Pelican Waters's age structure. Leading this shift, the 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 16%, reaching 1,815 from 1,559. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.