Sandgate (Qld)

Sandgate is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Sandgate's population is estimated at around 5039 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 113 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4926 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5033, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1609 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the Sandgate (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 83 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 1.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Sandgate is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Sandgate has averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 33 homes. So far in FY26, three approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $810,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sandgate shows substantially reduced construction, being 57.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (72.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 714 people per dwelling approval, Sandgate reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show Sandgate adding 58 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Sandgate 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 eight projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan, Motif Bridgeman Downs, Lomandra Park Estate, and Grevillea by Ausbuild. The following list details those most likely to be 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 conditions in Sandgate remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Sandgate's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 11.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data.

As of this date, 2600 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Sandgate lagged significantly at 56.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, education & training had employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Retail trade was under-represented, with only 7.5% of Sandgate's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.4%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Over the 12 months ending September 2025, employment increased by 11.4%, while labour force grew by 10.3%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling 0.5 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate a projected expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Sandgate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Sandgate was $52,651 during financial year 2023. The average income stood at $63,007. This is below the national average of $58,236 and Greater Brisbane's average of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $57,869 and $69,251 respectively, based on a 9.91% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Sandgate rank modestly, between the 43rd and 53rd percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 24.4% of locals (1,229 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, with a further 30.6% earning over $3,000 per week. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Sandgate's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.3% houses and 27.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 75.4% houses and 24.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandgate was at 31.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sandgate was $2,167, exceeding Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. Weekly rent in Sandgate was $294, lower than Brisbane metro's $375. Nationally, Sandgate's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $294 against the national figure of $375.

Sandgate features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.8% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Sandgate exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 33.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing Queensland's average of 25.7% and the SA3 area's rate of 28.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 30.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (19.7%).

Educational participation is high at 26.6%, comprising secondary education (9.4%), primary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (4.9%).

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

Sandgate has 32 operational public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 different routes, facilitating 2,777 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 209 meters from the nearest stop.

On an average day, there are 396 trips across all routes, translating to about 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Sandgate is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Sandgate faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is more common here than average, at approximately 52% (~2,628 people). Mental health issues affect 10.8% of residents, followed by arthritis at 8.3%. However, 61.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (25.6%, or 1,289 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 18.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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

Sandgate's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.2% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sandgate, making up 54.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Sandgate compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 0.2% versus 0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.6%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (11.9%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealand was notably overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional average, French at 0.7% versus 0.4%, and Scottish at 8.9% versus 7.6%.

Sandgate hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Sandgate's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that residents aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 9.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 5.3%. From 2021 to present, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 10.4% to 13.1%, and the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.7% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 17.7% to 16.1%, and the 85+ cohort has dropped from 5.9% to 4.5%. Population forecasts for Sandgate in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 107%, adding 242 residents to reach a total of 469. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, reflecting the trend towards an aging population. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 0-4 years old.