Peregian Beach

Population growth drivers in Peregian Beach are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Peregian Beach is around 5,531, reflecting an increase of 559 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was 4,972 people. This growth represents an 11.2% increase from the previous census figure. AreaSearch estimated the resident population to be 5,528 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validated an additional 29 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 335 persons per square kilometer. Peregian Beach's growth rate exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, making it a notable growth leader in the region.

Interstate migration contributed about 45% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive influences. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth outside capital cities, with Peregian Beach expected to grow by 212 persons to reach a total of 5,743 by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 0.1% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Peregian Beach when compared nationally

Peregian Beach has recorded approximately 26 residential properties granted approval annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 132 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26. On average, 3.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new properties is around $1,150,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development.

In FY-26, $1.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. New building activity comprises 69.0% standalone homes and 31.0% medium and high-density housing, offering a mix of price brackets from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. The area has approximately 229 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Peregian Beach is expected to grow by 3 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Peregian Beach has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects impacting the area. Notable ones are Peregian Beach Reservoir Upgrade, SEQ Liveability Fund - Peregian Beach Pathways, Peregian Springs Shopping Centre Expansion, and Peregian Beach Park Upgrade. 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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The labour market strength in Peregian Beach positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Peregian Beach has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 1.8%. AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data shows that 2,928 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 24.3% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.0%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.6% with a 2.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Peregian Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Peregian Beach's median income among taxpayers is $54,146, with an average of $78,197. This is higher than the national average and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $59,512 (median) and $85,946 (average). Census data reveals incomes in Peregian Beach cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows 32.9% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to surrounding regions at 31.7%. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Peregian Beach's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Peregian Beach was at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Peregian Beach was $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863.

Peregian Beach has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.7% of all households, including 35.0% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Peregian Beach shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Peregian Beach is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 35.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 24.9% in the SA4 region. This gives the area a substantial educational advantage. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (23.4%). Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The transport analysis indicates ten active stops operating within Peregian Beach, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two individual routes, collectively facilitating 231 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically situated 414 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 93%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 24.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 33 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Peregian Beach's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Peregian Beach's health outcomes show exceptional results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Approximately 58% (~3,218 people) of Peregian Beach residents had private health cover, higher than the Rest of Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions were mental health issues (7.2%) and arthritis (6.8%), with 75.3% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the Rest of Qld. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Only 17.9% (990 people) were aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes were strong, aligning with national rankings.

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

Peregian Beach's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 75.9% born in Australia, 88.0% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 41.9%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (32.7%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (10.0%). French (1.0%) and Scottish (9.5%) are notably overrepresented, while South African is slightly higher at 0.9%.

Peregian Beach's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Peregian Beach is 42 years, which is close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. The cohort aged 55-64 is over-represented locally at 15.1%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.4% to 10.2%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic changes are forecasted for Peregian Beach. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 65 people (13%), from 519 to 585. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 53% of the population growth. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are forecasted to experience population declines.