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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Scarborough (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) is around 10,279, reflecting a 12.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 9,178 people. This growth was inferred from an estimated resident population of 9,922 in June 2024 and an additional 276 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is approximately 2,953 persons per square kilometer, placing Scarborough (Qld) in the upper quartile relative to other assessed areas nationally. The area's growth of 12.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area average of 8.4% and the national average, indicating a notable increase compared to surrounding regions. 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. For population projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort when utilizing state projections. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecasted for the Scarborough (Qld) (SA2), with an expected rise of 4,037 persons to reach a total of 14,316 by 2041. This represents a 43.2% increase over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

The level of residential development activity in Scarborough was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Scarborough averaged around 93 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 469 homes. As of FY-26, 55 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 5.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating demand outstripping supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $751,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $8.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Scarborough exhibits moderately higher building activity, with 21.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. The area's construction activity has recently eased, however.

New development comprises 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges. Scarborough has approximately 193 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, the area is forecast to gain 4,440 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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 identified 11 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Stockland Newport Master Planned Community, Stockland Newport Retirement Living - Expansion (Pier North), Scarborough Boat Harbour Redevelopment, and Marin Scarborough. The following 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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 7.8%. As of September 2025, 5,273 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation in Scarborough was 52.1%, below Greater Brisbane's 64.5%.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, while professional & technical services employ only 7.1% of local workers compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 7.8%, while labour force grew by 6.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points over the same period. State-level data from QLD to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. 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 should grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Scarborough suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $46,187 and an average income of $62,130. These figures are below the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,764 and $68,287 respectively. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Scarborough rank modestly, between the 22nd and 30th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 26.3% of individuals (2,703 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is consistent with broader regional trends where 33.3% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Scarborough, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Scarborough's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.6% houses and 39.4% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Brisbane metro had 68.2% houses and 31.8% 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 average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Scarborough was $350, the same as Brisbane metro's figure. Nationally, Scarborough's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,907 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 2.3.

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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 14.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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 account for 14.1% and certificates for 24.4%.

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

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

Transport analysis shows 43 active stops in Scarborough offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by three routes, delivering 529 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 153 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 75 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 12 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 is relatively low, at approximately 52% of the total population (around 5,326 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.9% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.9% reported no medical ailments, compared to 59.7% in Greater Brisbane. Scarborough has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (33.6%, or 3,453 people), compared to 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 aligns with the wider region's average, with 74.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Scarborough, comprising 55.7%, compared to 52.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.6%), Australian (23.6%), and Irish (11.3%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Scottish (9.5%) groups are overrepresented in Scarborough compared to the regional averages of 0.6% and 8.5%, respectively. Hungarian ancestry is also slightly higher at 0.4%.

Scarborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Scarborough's median age at 54 years is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36, as well as exceeding the national average of 38 by a substantial margin. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 17.4% of the population, which is larger than both the Greater Brisbane figure and the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 5.2%, smaller compared to Greater Brisbane. Since 2021, Scarborough has seen changes in its age distribution: the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.9% to 11.9%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 9.8% to 8.4%. By 2041, Scarborough's demographic is expected to shift notably, with the 75-84 age group projected to grow by 103%, reaching 2,482 people from its current figure of 1,223. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of this growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.