Russell Island

Russell Island lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Russell Island's estimated population is around 4,299, reflecting a 16.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,698 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,284, based on an examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 245 persons per square kilometer. Russell Island's growth exceeded both the SA4 region's 7.7% and the national average, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed about 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to experience above median population growth by 2041, increasing by 1,099 persons and reflecting a total increase of 26.1% 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Russell Island averaged around 132 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 663 homes. As of FY-26, 51 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 1.4 new residents arrived per new home, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value for new homes was $218,000, below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers.

This financial year has seen $147,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Russell Island exhibits 265.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice though recent periods have shown moderation in development activity. This level is notably above the national average, demonstrating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 99.0% detached houses and 1.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Russell Island's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 38 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts suggest Russell Island will gain 1,124 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Russell Island has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No changes can influence an area's performance as much as alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Key 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, with the following list detailing those likely to be 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.

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

Russell Island has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an 18.1% unemployment rate and a 5.3% employment growth in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 14.0% more residents are unemployed compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 30.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is high at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical jobs are under-represented at 3.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.3%, while labour force grew by 3.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Russell Island's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.5% in five years and 13.4% in 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 was $32,017 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $42,557 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Russell Island would be approximately $36,496 (median) and $48,511 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Russell Island all fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 42.6% of individuals earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 33.3%. A significant proportion of households, 54.7%, earn below $800 weekly after housing costs, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. After accounting for housing expenses, only 15.1% of income remains, ranking Russell Island at the 2nd percentile nationally.

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

Russell Island's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings. This contrasts with Brisbane metro's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership on Russell Island was recorded 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. Median weekly rent in the area was $260, compared to Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, Russell Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $867 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 account for 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 constitute 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 is 12.5%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (33.6%).

A substantial 20.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.1% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education. Russell Island State School serves the local community with an enrollment of 178 students as of [date]. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 4.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis shows two active transport stops currently operating within Russell Island. These stops offer a mix of ferry services. There is one route servicing these stops collectively providing 217 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited with residents typically located 3177 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 31 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 residents. Approximately 44% of Russell Island's total population (~1,894 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 54.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 15.5% of residents) and mental health issues (13.5%).

Conversely, 46.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.6%. Russell Island has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 39.7% (1,706 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 25.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in the area are better than those of the general population in terms of 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 seen in its population statistics: 83.2% are citizens, 73.7% were born in Australia, and 94.4% speak English exclusively at home. Christianity is the predominant religion on Russell Island, accounting for 51.4% of residents. Notably, Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, with 0.2% versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (33.3%), Australian (23.7%), and Irish (10.5%). Some ethnicities show distinct differences: French (1.0%) and New Zealand (1.2%) match regional percentages, while Scottish is slightly higher at 9.5%.

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 age 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 of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.9% to 14.0%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 5.9% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort 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 shows the strongest projected growth at 76%, adding 460 residents to reach 1,062. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 82% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.