Shorncliffe

Shorncliffe has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, Shorncliffe's population is estimated at around 1,948 people. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,907 people, a rise of 41 individuals (2.1%). The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a resident population of 1,947. This results in a density ratio of 1,596 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032, based on 2021 data. For areas not covered by these data, proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Projections indicate a decline in overall population to 1,905 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected to grow, with an increase of 65 people anticipated within this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Shorncliffe, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Shorncliffe has experienced around 5 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 27 homes from FY-18 to FY-22. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded.

With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which could be positive for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $810,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Shorncliffe has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This is lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (82.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 389 people per dwelling approval, Shorncliffe shows a developed market. Given population is expected to remain stable or decline, Shorncliffe should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially affect the area. Notable projects include Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan, Gateway Motorway, Bracken Ridge to Pine River Upgrade, Gateway Upgrade North, and Bruce Highway Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road Upgrade Stage 1. The following list outlines those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Shorncliffe maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Shorncliffe has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 12.5%. As of June 2025, 1,105 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 62.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical sectors.

The area specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while wholesale trade shows lower representation at 0.5% versus the regional average of 2.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 12.5% and labour force increased by 11.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Shorncliffe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Shorncliffe's median income among taxpayers was $63,263 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $75,706 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Brisbane of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $72,113 (median) and $86,297 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Shorncliffe, between the 71st and 81st percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 24.5% of the population (477 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 33.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (40.8% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Shorncliffe. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Shorncliffe's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.2% houses and 17.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 75.4% houses and 24.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shorncliffe stood at 39.1%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (35.7%) or rented (25.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,201, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent in Shorncliffe was $275, lower than the Brisbane metro figure of $375. Nationally, Shorncliffe's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,201 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $275 against the national figure of $375.

Shorncliffe has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.8% of all households, including 36.9% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

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

Shorncliffe's educational attainment notably exceeds broader benchmarks, with 38.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 28.2% in the SA3 area. This significant educational advantage places Shorncliffe favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.9%) and graduate diplomas (7.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 19.6%.

Educational participation is notably high in Shorncliffe, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education. The area's educational provision includes Shorncliffe State School and St Patrick's College, collectively serving 1,777 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1106. The educational mix in the area consists of one primary school and one K-12 school. Shorncliffe functions as an education hub, with 91.2 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 14.3 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Shorncliffe has 15 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, providing a total of 1,463 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 133 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 209 trips per day, equating to approximately 97 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Shorncliffe are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Shorncliffe, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,114 people), compared to 52.6% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.6 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 68.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (387 people), which is higher than the 18.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Shorncliffe's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 82.7% having been born in Australia as of the last recorded date. Citizenship was also high, standing at 91.2%, while English was spoken exclusively at home by 94.7%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 51.4% of residents, compared to 50.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the most prevalent groups were English (32.1%), Australian (25.6%), and Irish (12.9%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than average at 10.3%, while Polish and French ancestry were also slightly overrepresented at 0.9% and 0.6% respectively.

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

The median age in Shorncliffe is 47 years, which exceeds Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and is also higher than the Australian median of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Shorncliffe at 17.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.8%. This concentration of the 55-64 cohort is significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 10.5% to 12.8%, while the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.2% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 17.7% to 15.8%, and the 85+ age group has dropped from 1.9% to 0.4%. Population forecasts for Shorncliffe in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to expand by 52 people (45%) from 114 to 167. The aging population trend is evident, as those aged 65 and above will comprise 98% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.