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

Scarborough's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 10,184 people. This figure reflects an increase of 1,006 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,178 in the suburb of Scarborough (Qld). The estimated resident population used for this calculation was 9,880, determined by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This estimate includes an additional 276 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,926 persons per square kilometer, placing Scarborough in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since the 2021 Census, Scarborough's growth of 11.0% exceeded both the SA3 area's 8.1% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region.

Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, Scarborough is expected to increase by 4,050 persons, reflecting a total increase of 44.7% over the 17 years, based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Scarborough shows an average of 106 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 533 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 7 approvals. Over these five years, on average, 4.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This high demand relative to supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $751,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY26, there have been $1.1 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Scarborough has shown moderately higher building activity over the past five years, with 38.0% more approvals per person. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values.

However, construction activity has eased recently. Nationally, Scarborough's building activity is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity consists of 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. Scarborough's population is expected to grow by 4,548 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Stockland Newport Master Planned Community, Stockland Newport Retirement Living - Expansion (Pier North), Scarborough Boat Harbour Redevelopment, and Marin Scarborough. 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.

Scarborough ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Scarborough has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 9.8% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data).

As of June 2025, there are 5,105 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Scarborough is at 52.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with 7.1% employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 9.8%, while the labour force grew by 8.4%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% with a labour force growth of 4.0%, and a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Scarborough. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Scarborough's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Scarborough's median income among taxpayers was $46,187 during financial year 2022. The average income stood at $62,130 in the same period. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $52,649 and $70,822 based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, Scarborough's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 22nd and 30th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 26.3% of Scarborough's population (2,678 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Scarborough, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Scarborough's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 60.6% houses and 39.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had a higher proportion of houses at 68.2%, with 31.8% being 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 in Scarborough, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,733 but lower than the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Scarborough was $350, matching Brisbane metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 make up the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.3.

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 prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (14.1%) and certificates (24.4%).

A significant 22.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.5% in secondary education, 7.4% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education. Scarborough's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,614 students as of the latest data, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. As an education hub, Scarborough offers 25.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis in Scarborough shows 42 active public transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling three different ones. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 552.

Residents' accessibility to transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 153 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency averages 78 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Scarborough is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Scarborough faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's rate (~5,277 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (9.3%). Conversely, 58.9% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 59.7% in Greater Brisbane. Scarborough has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.5% (3,411 people), exceeding Greater Brisbane's 28.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 matches the wider region's average. Its population is 74.4% Australian-born, 89.2% citizens, and 93.9% English-only speakers at home. Christianity is the main religion in Scarborough at 55.7%, compared to 52.8% in Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.6%), Australian (23.6%), and Irish (11.3%). Notably, Welsh is overrepresented at 0.9% vs regional 0.6%, Scottish at 9.5% vs 8.5%, and Hungarian at 0.4% vs 0.2%.

Scarborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Scarborough's median age is 54 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 17.4% of the population, compared to 9.4% nationally. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 5.2%, smaller than in Greater Brisbane. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 9.8% to 8.4%. By 2041, Scarborough's population is expected to see notable shifts. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 107%, reaching 2,485 people from the current 1,201. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 70% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 35-44 and 25-34.