Scarborough (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Scarborough are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Scarborough (Qld) had an estimated population of around 10,502 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 1,324 people (14.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,178 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,294, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 278 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,017 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Scarborough's 14.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.9%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 3,417 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 30.6% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Scarborough averaged approximately 93 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 465 homes. As of FY-26, 63 approvals have been recorded. Each year, on average, 2.1 new residents were gained per dwelling built in Scarborough during this period.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $751,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $8.2 million, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Comparatively, Scarborough exhibited moderately higher building activity than Greater Brisbane over the five-year period, with an 18.0% increase per person.

This balance supports buyer choice and current property values but has shown recent moderation in development activity. The dwelling mix comprised 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% attached dwellings, including townhouses and apartments, catering to diverse price points. Scarborough's population growth rate is approximately 190 people per dwelling approval. As a growth area, it is projected to add 3,209 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Development activity has kept pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Scarborough 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 11 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Stockland Newport Master Planned Community, Stockland Newport Retirement Living - Expansion (Pier North), Scarborough State Boat Harbour Master Plan, and Scarborough Boat Harbour Redevelopment. The following list details those 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 performance in Scarborough exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Scarborough has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 2.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 4,854 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Scarborough was 54.5%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. Census responses indicated that a moderate 20.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

The dominant employment sectors among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Professional & technical services had limited presence with 7.1% employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 2.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Scarborough's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.9% in five years and 14.2% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Scarborough had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Scarborough was $46,187, with an average income of $62,130. This compares to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since June 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,434 (median) and $69,188 (average). Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in Scarborough ranked modestly, between the 22nd and 30th percentiles. Income analysis revealed that 26.3% of the population, or 2,762 individuals, fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader regional trends showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Scarborough displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Scarborough's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.6% houses and 39.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Scarborough stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented ones at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,907, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent in Scarborough was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Scarborough's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,907 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.0% of all households, including 19.6% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households making up 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Scarborough performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 24.5% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 14.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 14.1% and certificates at 24.4%.

A significant 22.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education. This includes 7.5% in secondary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Scarborough shows 43 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 529 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to these stops is rated as excellent, with an average distance of 153 meters from their homes to the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 86% of residents, while 6% use trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Scarborough is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Scarborough faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,442 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (9.3%). 58.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 34.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,612 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Scarborough's cultural diversity aligns with the wider region, where 74.4% were born in Australia, 89.2% are citizens, and 93.9% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Scarborough at 55.7%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 47.8%. The top three ancestry groups in Scarborough are English (32.6%), Australian (23.6%), and Irish (11.3%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Scottish (9.5%) populations are higher compared to the regional averages of 0.5% and 7.4%, respectively. Hungarian ancestry is also slightly more prevalent in Scarborough at 0.4%.

Scarborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Scarborough's median age is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 17.3%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 5.1%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.9% to 12.4%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.8% to 8.3% and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 6.2% to 5.1%. By 2041, Scarborough's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 74%, reaching 2,272 people from 1,302. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 74% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0 to 4 and 25 to 34.