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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Pelican Waters' population is estimated at around 8,596 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,203 people (16.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,393 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,479, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 576 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,030 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pelican Waters' 16.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with Pelican Waters expected to grow by 1,366 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.5% in total over the 16 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 shows Pelican Waters averaged approximately 115 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 579 homes. As of FY-26, 85 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.9 people, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. Developers focus on premium market segments, as new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $835,000.

In FY-26, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Comparing Pelican Waters' construction rates per person to Rest of Qld shows similar market balance, while being substantially higher than national averages, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 79.0% standalone homes and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 62 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Pelican Waters to grow by 1,249 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 32 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives 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 3.6%, 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 essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 3491 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation lags significantly at 48.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.7% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.4%, compared to Regional Qld's average of 4.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.0% and employment declined by 2.4%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Pelican Waters. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Pelican Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Pelican Waters suburb had median taxpayer income of $44,279 and average income of $56,534 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was lower than national averages, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By March 2026, current estimates projected median income at approximately $49,309 and average income at $62,956, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. In Pelican Waters, household incomes ranked between 23rd and 38th percentiles according to the 2021 Census data. Most residents (27.6%, or 2,372 people) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% occupied this bracket. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remained for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

In Pelican Waters, as per the latest Census, 88.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This differs from Regional Qld's dwelling structure, which is 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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 Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Pelican Waters was $540, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Pelican Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian 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 Regional Queensland average.

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 Australia's average (30.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most common (14.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.0% of residents holding them – advanced diplomas at 14.0% and certificates at 26.0%. A significant portion, 23.2%, is actively pursuing formal education: 8.4% in secondary, 7.9% in primary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.4% in secondary education, 7.9% in primary education, and 3.3% pursuing 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 169 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate with residents typically located 590 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward and car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 23.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,264 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and asthma (6.4%), with 63.8% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Under-65 residents have better than average health outcomes. As of June 2021, the area has 35.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,034 people), higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Seniors' health outcomes are strong, ranking broadly in line with the national average.

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 broader region's average, with 74.4% of its population born in Australia and 88.7% being citizens. English is spoken exclusively at home by 94.5% of residents. Christianity is the predominant religion in Pelican Waters, practiced by 61.0%, compared to 52.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (35.1%), Australian (24.8%), and Scottish (9.3%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and South Australian (0.8%) ethnicities are more prevalent in Pelican Waters than the regional averages of 0.5% each. New Zealand ethnicity is equally represented at 0.9%.

Pelican Waters ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Pelican Waters has a median age of 55, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Pelican Waters has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (18.9%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (5.9%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.3%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.3%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.8% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Pelican Waters's age structure. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 18% (288 people), reaching 1,913 from 1,624. This aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to contract by 79 residents.