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 around Russell Island, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the estimated population of Russell Island as of May 2026 is approximately 5,468. This reflects an increase of 1,770 people (47.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,698 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,432 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 239 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 312 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Russell Island's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.3%) and 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 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in Russell Island's top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with an expected increase of 1,337 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 23.8% in total over the 16 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 shows Russell Island averaged around 133 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 668 homes. As of FY26122 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 1.2 new residents per year arriving per new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is $218,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $59,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus on the island. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Russell Island has 238.0% higher building activity per person, offering greater choice and indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the island's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. There are approximately 30 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Russell Island is projected to add 1,301 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering 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 20% nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include Stapylton-Jacobs Well Road Upgrade, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, Cleveland Line Duplication (Park Road to Cleveland), and Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail and Coomera Connector Stage 1 Corridor Upgrades.

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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 comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with construction being notably prominent. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 18.7%. Employment grew by an estimated 5.5% over the previous year.

As of December 2025, 1,415 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 14.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation on Russell Island was significantly lower at 34.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 16.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction was particularly concentrated on Russell Island, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 3.3% of Russell Island's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 5.5%, while labour force grew by 9.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2%, labour force expand by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Russell Island had a median income among taxpayers of $32,017 and an average income of $42,557 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than those for Greater Brisbane, which were $58,236 (median) and $72,799 (average). By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $35,654 (median) and $47,391 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. 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 between $400 and $799 weekly, contrasting with regional levels where the leading bracket is $1,500 to $2,999 at 33.3%. A significant portion of households, 54.7%, earn below $800 weekly after housing costs, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. After housing expenses, only 15.1% of income remains, ranking Russell Island at the 2nd percentile nationally in terms of disposable income.

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

Russell Island's dwellings were 99.4% houses and 0.6% other types at the latest Census, compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership on Russell Island was 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented ones at 26.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $867, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. The median weekly rent figure on Russell Island was $260, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Russell Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 comprise 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 make up the remaining 45.8%, consisting of 39.9% lone person households and 6.0% group households. 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 Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (33.6%). A total of 20.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 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

Transport analysis indicates two active transport stops operating within Russell Island, utilizing a mix of ferry services. These stops are served by one individual route, collectively facilitating 217 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as limited, with residents typically situated 3177 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 64%, followed by bus at 9% and walking at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.4% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. 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, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 44% of the total population (around 2,409 people), compared to 55.8% 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%), while 46.2% report no medical ailments, lower than the 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. As of a certain date, 42.0% of Russell Island's population is aged 65 and over (2,296 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the overall population.

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 population was found to have cultural diversity roughly in line with the wider region, with 83.2% being citizens, 73.7% born in Australia, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Russell Island, comprising 51.4% of its population. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, making up 0.2% compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.3%), Australian (23.7%), and Irish (10.5%). Notably, French (1.0%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.5%, as were New Zealanders (1.2% vs 1.0%) and Scots (9.5% vs 7.4%).

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 24.2% locally, compared to Greater Brisbane's average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 4.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.9% to 15.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 5.9% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 12.1%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 22.6% to 21.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Russell Island, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 57%, adding 480 residents to reach 1,317. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 79% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.