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 8,317. This figure reflects a growth of 924 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,393. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,189 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 442 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 997 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth rate of 12.5% exceeded both the non-metro average (8.8%) and national average, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population trends project above median growth for locations outside capital cities, with the Pelican Waters statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 1,327 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

Pelican Waters averaged around 115 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 579 homes. As of FY-26, 50 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value per home was $835,000, suggesting developers focus on premium market developments.

This year, Pelican Waters has seen $1.4 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Pelican Waters maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with broader area market balance. Nationally, this rate is substantially higher, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 79% standalone homes and 21% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Pelican Waters' suburban identity with a concentration of family homes.

The area has approximately 60 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, Pelican Waters is projected to grow by 911 residents based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

Pelican Waters 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 identified 34 projects likely impacting the 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 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 well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 3,319 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Pelican Waters lags at 47.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.4% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Pelican Waters' labour force decreased by 2.7%, while employment declined by 2.5%, resulting in a fall of the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 2025 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Pelican Waters' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Pelican Waters suburb shows median taxpayer income $44,279 and average $56,534 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld having median income $53,146 and average $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,667 (median) and $62,137 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Pelican Waters ranks modestly in household, family, and personal incomes, between 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 metropolitan regions at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses, and 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 assessed in the latest Census, comprised 88.0% houses and 11.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to 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, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Pelican Waters was $540, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Pelican Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 compared to 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 account for 84.9% of all households, consisting of 27.9% couples with children, 49.3% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 matches the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

Pelican Waters' residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders (21.8%) compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common (14.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (26.0%). A significant portion, 23.2%, is actively pursuing formal education.

This includes 8.4% in secondary, 7.9% in primary, 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, with one route currently in operation. Together, these routes facilitate 169 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Pelican Waters is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 590 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, services run 24 times a day across all routes, translating to approximately 16 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 significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4126 people), compared to 53.9% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 11.8% of residents, and asthma, affecting 6.4%.

Sixty-three point eight percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 34.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2861 people), which is higher than the 22.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health 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' population was found to have cultural diversity roughly in line with the wider region's average, with 74.4% born in Australia, 88.7% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Pelican Waters, comprising 61.0% of its population, 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%) and South African (0.8%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Pelican Waters compared to regional averages of 0.6% each, while New Zealand was slightly underrepresented at 0.9%.

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 17%, reaching 1,817 from 1,555. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.