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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Pelican Waters is around 8,317, reflecting a 924 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 12.5% rise from the previous population count of 7,393 people. The current resident population estimate of 8,189 by AreaSearch is based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 442 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 997 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pelican Waters' growth rate exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) 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.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year for each SA2 area. Post-2032 and for areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for locations outside capital cities, with Pelican Waters expected to grow by 1,322 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Pelican Waters averaged around 115 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 579 homes. So far in FY-26, 50 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.1 people, suggesting a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $835,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $1.4 million in commercial development approvals, reflective of the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Pelican Waters maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with broader area market balance, which is substantially higher than national levels, implying strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 79.0% standalone homes and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 60 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Pelican Waters is expected to grow by 905 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Aura Home + Life, Aura Parklands & Lagoon, Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters, and Caloundra TAFE Centre of Excellence. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, Pelican Waters has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Pelican Waters has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 47.8%, significantly below Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

A moderate 23.7% of residents work from home. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6% and employment declined by 2.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years for Pelican Waters, based on its current employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Pelican Waters has a median taxpayer income of $44,279 and an average of $56,534 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld's median income being $53,146 and average income being $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $48,667 (median) and $62,137 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Pelican Waters rank modestly, between the 23rd and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 27.6% of residents (2,295 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.0% houses and 11.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pelican Waters was 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 $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Pelican Waters was recorded at $540, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Pelican Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 15.1%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households making up 1.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

Pelican Waters' residents aged 15+ with university degrees (21.8%) trail the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.0% holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 14.0% and certificates for 26.0%. A significant 23.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education.

This includes 8.4% in secondary education, 7.9% in primary education, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

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 serving buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering a total of 169 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically living 590 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Buses run an average of 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per stop.

Pelican Waters's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Pelican Waters shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,126 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and asthma (6.4%), while 63.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. As of June 20XX, 35.3% are aged 65 and over (2,935 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Seniors' health outcomes align with national rankings.

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' population, born in Australia, was approximately 74.4%, with 88.7% being citizens and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 61.0%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (24.8%), and Scottish (9.3%).

Welsh, South African, and New Zealand groups had notable representations of 0.8%, 0.8%, and 0.9% respectively, differing from regional averages.

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 19.1%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 5.7%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Since the Census on 28 August 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.4%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.0% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.6% to 12.3% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.2%. Looking ahead to Census night on 9 August 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Pelican Waters's age structure. Leading this shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 21%, reaching 1,352 from 1,114. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 70% of projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 group will contract by 94 residents.