Redland Bay

Redland Bay 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, the suburb of Redland Bay's population is estimated at around 19,142 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,086 people (12.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,056 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,854, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 870 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 410 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of Redland Bay's 12.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.3%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 45.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the suburb of Redland Bay expected to grow by 4,987 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 24.4% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Redland Bay was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Between FY17-FY21, Redland Bay had approximately 203 new homes approved annually, totalling around 1,018 dwellings. By June 26, 2021, there were 150 approvals recorded in FY26. Historically, each dwelling has added about 1.9 residents per year on average. The average construction cost of new homes is approximately $434,000.

Commercial approvals for FY21 reached $34.9 million. Compared to Greater Brisbane's average over the same period, Redland Bay had 17.0% more development per capita. This indicates strong developer confidence in the area. Detached dwellings accounted for 82.0% of new building activity and attached dwellings made up 18.0%.

By 2041, AreaSearch forecasts an increase of 4,677 residents. Current construction levels suggest adequate housing supply to meet demand.

Redland Bay 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 has identified 12 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Weinam Creek Priority Development Area, Marina Redland Bay, Baya by Villawood Properties, and Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Redland Bay rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Redland Bay has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in September 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 6.7% over the past year.

As of that date, 11,006 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation was 73.0%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. A moderate 15.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction is particularly specialized, employing 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services employed only 5.0%, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.7% and labour force grew by 6.4%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane, employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Redland Bay's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Redland Bay has higher median and average incomes compared to national averages. The suburb's median assessed income is $59,498, while the average income stands at $71,402. In contrast, Greater Brisbane's median income is $58,236 with an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Redland Bay would be approximately $65,394 (median) and $78,478 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Redland Bay cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 37.0% of locals (7,082 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which aligns with the surrounding region at 33.3%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Redland Bay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Redland Bay was higher at 30.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.2% and rented at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,080, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Redland Bay was $465, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Redland Bay's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,080 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Redland Bay features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 84.0% of all households, including 39.5% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.0%, with lone person households at 13.8% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Redland Bay aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.9% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 31.5%. Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.4% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Redland Bay has 53 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These are served by 6 routes that collectively facilitate 1,418 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 322 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.7% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 202 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per stop.

Redland Bay's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Redland Bay's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~10,623 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.7 and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 66.9% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 2021, the area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,943 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

Redland Bay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Redland Bay had a low cultural diversity, with 79.2% born in Australia, 89.7% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 51.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 47.8%. Top ancestry groups were English (32.6%), Australian (26.9%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notable differences included New Zealand (1.4% vs regional 1.0%), South African (0.9% vs 0.6%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.5%).

Redland Bay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Redland Bay is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Redland Bay at 11.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.2%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.4% to 6.8% of the population, and the 65-74 cohort has increased from 10.4% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 10.6% to 9.2%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.2% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Redland Bay, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 81% (adding 1,058 people), reaching a total of 2,360 from 1,301. The demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated growth. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 1%, adding only 5 residents.