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, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Scarborough (Qld) has an estimated population of around 10,330. This reflects an increase of 1,152 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,178 people in the suburb. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,922, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 277 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,968 persons per square kilometer, placing Scarborough in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 12.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 8.8%, along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with Scarborough expected to increase by 4,008 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 42.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Scarborough averaged around 93 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 469 homes. So far in FY-26, 55 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 5.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply.

New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $751,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In this financial year, $8.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus relative to residential. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Scarborough shows moderately higher building activity, balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, although construction activity has eased recently.

New development consists of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. The location has approximately 193 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Scarborough will gain 4,356 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers 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 area. Notable projects include 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 well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.6%.

Compared to Greater Brisbane's unemployment rate of 4.0%, Scarborough's was 1.9% lower, with workforce participation at 61.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Home workership among residents stood at 20.6%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors, while professional & technical employment was 7.1%, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 7.6% and labour force grew by 6.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Scarborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 for financial year ended June 2023, Scarborough suburb had median taxpayer income of $46,187 and average income of $62,130. These figures are below national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively in Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $50,764 and average income is around $68,287. Census data shows Scarborough's household, family and personal incomes rank modestly between 22nd and 30th percentiles. Income distribution indicates 26.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 (2,716 individuals), consistent with broader regional trends where 33.3% fall in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at 21st percentile. Scarborough'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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.6% houses and 39.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had a higher percentage of houses at 73.5%, with 26.5% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Scarborough was 40.4%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented ones at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Scarborough was $1,907, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863. The median weekly rent in Scarborough was $350, lower than Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Scarborough's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,907 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 against 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 account for the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 2.1%. 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 prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas comprise 14.1% and certificates make up 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.

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

Scarborough has 43 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by three different routes, offering a total of 529 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 153 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Primarily residential, Scarborough sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 86%, with trains used by 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Each route has an average service frequency of 75 trips per day, resulting in approximately 12 weekly trips per 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, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,353 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (9.3%). Conversely, 58.9% of residents reported no medical ailments, lower than the 69.2% rate in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.8%, compared to 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking roughly in line with the general population nationally.

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 broader region, with 74.4% born in Australia, 89.2% citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Scarborough at 55.7%, compared to 47.8% 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%) populations exceed regional averages of 0.5% and 7.4%, respectively. Hungarian population is also higher at 0.4%.

Scarborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Scarborough's median age is 54 years, substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 17.6%, which is significantly higher than both the Greater Brisbane figure (12%) and the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 9.9% to 12.6%, while those aged 65 to 74 have risen from 16.4% to 17.6%. Conversely, the population aged 5 to 14 has declined from 9.8% to 8.3%, and those aged 25 to 34 have dropped from 6.2% to 4.7%. By 2041, Scarborough's age composition is expected to shift notably. The population aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 89%, reaching 2,454 people from the current 1,301. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 68% of this growth, while the 0 to 4 age group will show minimal growth of just 3%.