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 May 2026, the estimated population of Peregian Beach is around 5,422 people, reflecting a 9.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,972 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's examination of latest ERP data released by ABS in June 2025 and additional validation of 27 new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 328 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Peregian Beach has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%, outpacing its SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 45.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors. 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort where utilized. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities, with Peregian Beach expected to grow by 182 persons to reach a total of 5,604 people by 2041, reflecting an increase of 3.4% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Peregian Beach among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Peregian Beach recorded approximately 26 residential properties granted approval each year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 134 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 6.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new properties was approximately $1,173,000, indicating a focus on premium segment dwellings.

In FY-26, there have been $1.3 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. New building activity comprises 67% standalone homes and 33% medium to high-density housing, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets. The area has approximately 227 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Peregian Beach is expected to grow by 182 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include 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.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Peregian Beach significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Peregian Beach has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 2,935 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 68.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses show that 24.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.0% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.9%, alongside a 2.7% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Peregian Beach. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Peregian Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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. The average income is $78,197. Nationally, the median income is lower at $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Peregian Beach's median and average incomes are approximately $60,297 and $87,080 respectively by March 2026. Census data indicates that incomes in Peregian Beach cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.9% of the population (1,783 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income in Peregian Beach. Despite this, 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 latest Census data shows 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings. Regional Qld has 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Peregian Beach is 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655. Median weekly rent in Peregian Beach is $500, while Regional Qld's is $345. Nationally, Peregian Beach's mortgage repayments are higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Peregian Beach are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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 account for 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 Regional 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 notably high, with 35.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This compares favourably to broader benchmarks, such as 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 24.9% in SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.1%, while certificates make up 23.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures available. 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

Peregian Beach has ten active public transport stops, all bus services. Two routes operate collectively offering 231 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is moderate with residents located an average of 414 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to its residential nature; cars remain dominant at 93%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 24.3% work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 33 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 23 weekly trips per 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 excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 58% of the total population, which totals around 3,155 people. This compares with 52.5% across Regional Queensland. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.2 and 6.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 75.3%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals around 992 people, lower than the 20.4% in Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average, with 75.9% of its population born in Australia, 88.0% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Peregian Beach, comprising 41.9% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.3% compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, French (1.0%) and Scottish (9.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 7.8%, respectively. South Australian ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.9%.

Peregian Beach's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Peregian Beach is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, the cohort aged 55-64 is over-represented in Peregian Beach at 14.9%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.8%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.4% to 10.8%, while the proportion aged 75-84 has increased from 4.6% to 5.7%. Conversely, the proportion aged 45-54 has declined from 14.8% to 13.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Peregian Beach. The cohort aged 25-34 is projected to expand by 75 people (16%) from 477 to 553. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 51% of the projected growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 55-64 and 5-14 are expected to experience population declines.