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 November 2025, the estimated population of Peregian Beach is around 5,333, reflecting an increase of 361 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.3% increase from the previous figure of 4,972 inhabitants. The current resident population estimate of 5,332 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 323 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Peregian Beach has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%, outperforming non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed around 45% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort where necessary. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities, with Peregian Beach expected to grow by 185 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 3.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Peregian Beach recorded approximately 21 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 109 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially influencing property prices and competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,368,000, indicating a focus on premium segments. In FY-26, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered.

Building activity shows 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% medium to high-density housing, expanding affordable options. This marks a shift from the current 80.0% houses pattern, suggesting limited developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Peregian Beach has approximately 310 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is expected to grow by 168 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond projections.

Peregian Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include the Peregian Beach Reservoir Upgrade, the SEQ Liveability Fund - Peregian Beach Pathways, and the Peregian Beach Park Upgrade, along with the Emu Mountain Road Shared Pathway. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Peregian Beach performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Peregian Beach has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 1.6%.

This figure is 2.3% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation stood at 65.8%, surpassing the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical services have a significant presence, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited representation at 1.0%, compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

Local employment opportunities may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.2% in Peregian Beach, accompanied by a 1.3% decrease in employment, leading to a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8%, labour force expansion of 2.0%, and a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Peregian Beach's specific employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative extrapolations based on current employment patterns and do not account for potential changes in population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Peregian Beach's median income among taxpayers is $54,037, with an average of $78,206. This is among the highest in Australia, compared to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,597 (median) and $89,147 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Peregian Beach cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows 32.9% of the population (1,754 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income, placing disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally and 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

The dwelling structure in Peregian Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no recorded houses or other dwellings at that time. Home ownership in Peregian Beach stood at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $500, unlike Non-Metro Qld which had no recorded rents. Nationally, Peregian Beach's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and its rents were substantially higher at $500 versus the national figure of $375.

Peregian Beach has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.6 people

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 making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people.

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 higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 35.2% of residents aged 15 years and over have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 24.9% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, 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 in the area, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Peregian Beach College offers local educational services within Peregian Beach, with an enrollment of 399 students as of 2021. The school provides integrated K-12 education, offering continuity throughout students' academic journey.

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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 260 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered moderate, with residents on average located 414 meters from their nearest stop.

Each route offers an average of 37 daily trips, resulting in approximately 26 weekly trips per individual bus stop.

Peregian Beach's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Peregian Beach.

Prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (3,103 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.2% and 6.8% of residents respectively. 75.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Rest of Qld. There are 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over (922 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 population, born in Australia, was 75.9%, with 88.0% being citizens and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated with 41.9%. Judaism, at 0.3%, was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland (None%).

Top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (10.0%). French (1.0%), Scottish (9.5%), and South African (0.9%) were notably overrepresented.

Peregian Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Peregian Beach is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but well above Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 14.9% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 13.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Peregian Beach, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 82 people (16%), from 501 to 584. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 51% of projected growth. Conversely, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.