Russell Island

Russell Island lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Russell Island's population is estimated at around 4,728 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,030 people (27.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,698 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,152 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 270 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Russell Island's growth of 27.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.2%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the Russell Island statistical area (Lv2), with an expected increase of 1,110 persons to 2041 reflecting a total increase of 14.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Russell Island among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Russell Island shows an average of around 133 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 668 homes. In FY26 so far, 96 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.4 new residents per year has arrived per new home, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $218,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $59,000 in commercial development approvals, predominantly focused on residential development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Russell Island's building activity per person is 266.0% higher, offering buyers greater choice and indicating robust developer interest. All recent development has been detached houses, maintaining the area's low density character and appealing to families seeking space. There are approximately 31 people per dwelling approval in the location, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Russell Island is projected to add 706 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, presenting good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

No factors impact a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects expected to affect this area. Significant projects include Brisbane to Gold Coast Transport Corridor Upgrades (Corridor Program), Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, Cleveland Line Duplication (Park Road to Cleveland), and Gold Coast Rail Line Station Upgrades. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Russell Island are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Russell Island's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs, with construction being prominent. Its unemployment rate was 15.7% in the past year, growing by 8.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,223 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 11.7%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 30.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is notably high, at 1.7 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 3.3% of Russell Island's workforce. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 8.2%, while labour force grew by 6.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8% over the same period. Statewide in Queensland, employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Russell Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Russell Island's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $32,017. The average income stood at $42,557. These figures are lower than Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes for Russell Island would be approximately $35,190 and $46,774 based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Russell Island fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The income distribution reveals that 42.6% of individuals earn within the $400 - $799 band, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant at 33.3%. A significant proportion of households, 54.7%, earn below $800 weekly after housing costs, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains, ranking Russell Island at the 2nd percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

Russell Island's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Russell Island stood at 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $260, significantly lower than Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, Russell Island's mortgage repayments were lower at $867 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $260 against the national figure of $375.

Russell Island features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 54.2% of all households, including 10.2% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.8%, with lone person households at 39.9% and group households comprising 6.0%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Russell Island faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate stands at 12.5%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 9.0% of residents holding such qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 45.3% holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (33.6%). A substantial 20.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.1% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 20.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.1% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Russell Island has two operational public transport stops. These stops offer a mix of ferry services, with one route serving both. Together, these stops facilitate 217 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport on the island is limited, with residents generally located 3177 meters from their nearest stop. On average, there are 31 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Russell Island is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Russell Island faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 44% of the total population (~2,083 people), compared to 55.4% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.5%) and mental health issues (13.5%), with 46.2% reporting no medical ailments, lower than the 64.6% across Greater Brisbane.

Russell Island has 39.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,872 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 25.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Russell Island's cultural diversity aligns with the broader area, as indicated by its population demographics: 83.2% are citizens, 73.7% were born in Australia, and 94.4% speak English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion on Russell Island, with 51.4% of residents identifying as Christian. Notably, Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.3%), Australian (23.7%), and Irish (10.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: French (1.0% vs regional 0.5%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.2%), and Scottish (9.5% vs 8.9%) are notably divergent on Russell Island compared to the wider region.

Russell Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Russell Island is 59 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 24.0% locally compared to Greater Brisbane's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 3.9%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.9% to 13.9%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 5.9% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 14.1% to 12.8%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 7.1% to 6.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Russell Island. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 61%, adding 402 residents to reach 1,060. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 92% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.