Sheldon

An assessment of population growth drivers in Sheldon reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Sheldon's population is estimated at around 1,926 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 164 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,762 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,923 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 84 persons per square kilometer. Sheldon's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 8.2%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied when utilised. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected for Sheldon (SA2), with an increase of 251 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 12.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Sheldon according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Sheldon has received around 6 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 31 homes were approved, with another 3 approved in FY-26. This results in an average of 5.6 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed over these years.

Demand significantly exceeds supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at around $805,000 on average. In FY-26, $4.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Sheldon's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sheldon has significantly less development activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Nationally, Sheldon's level is also below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction consists of standalone homes, maintaining Sheldon's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1254 people. Future projections show Sheldon adding 236 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Sheldon has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified six projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct, Birkdale Community Precinct, Redland Whitewater Centre, and Wellington Street/Panorama Drive Road Upgrade. The following list details those projects considered 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Sheldon places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Sheldon's workforce is skilled with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate was 2.2% in an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over that year was estimated at 6.7%. As of September 2025, 1,121 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors were construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Construction had notably high employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance employed 13.3% of local workers, lower than Greater Brisbane's 16.1%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data comparison. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified month, employment increased by 6.7% and labour force by 6.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) and the state unemployment rate was 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sheldon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Sheldon's median income among taxpayers is $45,016, with an average of $53,648. This is lower than the national average. Greater Brisbane has a median income of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Sheldon would be approximately $49,477 (median) and $58,965 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household incomes rank at the 91st percentile ($2,558 weekly), while personal incomes rank at the 58th percentile. The distribution data reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 27.7% of residents (533 people). This aligns with the broader area where this cohort also represents 33.3%. A substantial proportion of high earners, 41.4%, have incomes above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the district. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Sheldon is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Sheldon's residential structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.3% houses and 0.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sheldon stood at 50.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.7% and rented ones at 4.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Brisbane metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $473, compared to Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, Sheldon's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Sheldon features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 88.9% of all households, including 44.8% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 11.1%, with lone person households at 9.6% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Sheldon shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 26.1%, surpassing the SA3 area average of 20.6%. This indicates a strong emphasis on higher education among residents aged 15 and above. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.2% of residents holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 11.6%, while certificates make up 26.6%. Educational participation is high at 28.1%, including secondary education (10.5%), primary education (7.4%), and tertiary education (4.7%).

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

Sheldon has 11 operational public transport stops, serving a variety of bus routes. These stops are served by 5 different routes, offering a total of 181 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents generally situated 606 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 25 daily trips across all routes, which equates to roughly 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sheldon's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Sheldon's health data shows low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. About 48% (~933 residents) have private health cover, compared to 55.4% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (8.1%) and asthma (6%).

Around 70.8% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.6%. Approximately 22.9% (~441 residents) are aged 65+, lower than Greater Brisbane's 25.3%. Seniors' health outcomes are strong and outperform the general population in health metrics.

Sheldon ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Sheldon's population was predominantly Australian-born, with 80.6%. Citizenship stood at 92.2%, and English-only speakers were 93.5%. Christianity was the primary religion in Sheldon at 57.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 52.8%.

Top ancestral groups were English (31.1%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and Russian (0.6%) populations were higher than regional averages of 0.7% and 0.3%, respectively. Dutch ancestry was also slightly higher at 1.8%.

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

The median age in Sheldon is 47 years, notably exceeding Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and also higher than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the 55-64 age group is significantly over-represented in Sheldon at 15.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 4.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population of those aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.7% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 6.8% to 4.2%, and the 35-44 age group has dropped from 9.6% to 8.2%. Population forecasts for Sheldon in the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow substantially, increasing by 105 people (59%) from 179 to 285. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 69% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.