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

As of Nov 2025, Sandgate's population is estimated at around 5,019. This reflects an increase of 93 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,926. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5,018 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,603 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth of national areas, with Sandgate expected to grow by 95 persons to reach a total population of approximately 5,114 by the year 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Sandgate has averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 30 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a 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.

In FY-26, $3.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sandgate shows substantially reduced construction activity, which is 61.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new constructions in Sandgate have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

The location has approximately 1000 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Sandgate is expected to grow by 90 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Sandgate has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include the 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.

Sandgate has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Sandgate has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.4%, having experienced a 10.9% employment growth over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 2,554 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.5%. This is 1.4% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 5.1%. Workforce participation in Sandgate is lower at 56.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

Notably, education & training has a strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, retail trade has limited representation at 7.5%, compared to the regional average of 9.4%. Many residents commute outside Sandgate for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment in Sandgate increased by 10.9% while labour force grew by 10.1%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In Greater Brisbane, employment grew by 4.4%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sandgate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, although these are illustrative extrapolations not accounting for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Sandgate's median income among taxpayers is $52,651. The average income in Sandgate for the same period is $63,007. This is slightly below the national average. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $55,645 and the average is $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Sandgate's median income would be approximately $60,017 by September 2025, with an average of around $71,822. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Sandgate rank modestly, between the 43rd and 53rd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The earnings profile shows that 24.4% of residents (1,224 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is also dominant in the region at 33.3%. Economic strength is evident with 30.6% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. Sandgate'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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.3% houses and 27.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 75.4% houses and 24.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandgate stood at 31.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Sandgate was $294, lower than Brisbane metro's figure of $375. Nationally, Sandgate's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $294 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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. University qualification rates exceed the Queensland average of 25.7% (33.7%) and that of the SA3 area (28.2%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 19.7%. Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary (9.4%), primary (7.9%), and tertiary (4.9%) education. The area's educational provision includes Sacred Heart Primary School and Sandgate State School, serving a total of 598 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1071.

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

Sandgate has 34 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,150 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located approximately 206 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages around 450 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 92 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 stands at approximately 52%, slightly above the average SA2 area (~2,618 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.8% and 8.3% of residents respectively. However, 61.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.7% (1,289 people), compared to 18.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors align 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 main religion in Sandgate, comprising 54.7% of people. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.0% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.6%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (11.9%). Notably, New Zealand (1.1%) and French (0.7%) groups were overrepresented in Sandgate compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 0.4%, respectively. Scottish ancestry was also relatively high at 8.9%, compared to the regional average of 7.6%.

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

Sandgate's median age is 49 years, notably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 75-84 are particularly prevalent, comprising 9.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up a relatively smaller proportion at 5.3%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 10.4% to 13.1%, and the 75-84 age group has risen from 8.7% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 17.7% to 16.1%, and the 85+ group has fallen from 5.9% to 4.6%. By 2041, Sandgate's population is projected to experience significant demographic shifts. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 104%, adding 239 residents to reach a total of 470. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 99% of the population growth, reflecting an aging demographic trend. However, populations in the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decline.