Shorncliffe

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Shorncliffe's population is estimated at around 1935 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 28 people (1.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1907 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1932 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1586 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the Shorncliffe statistical area (Lv2) was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 59% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in Jun 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in Jun 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Shorncliffe's population expected to contract by 31 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 70 people.

The level of residential development activity in Shorncliffe is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Shorncliffe has received around 4 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years ending FY26. This totals an estimated 24 homes. In FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to its size, benefiting buyers while new properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $810,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

Additionally, $3.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting Shorncliffe's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Shorncliffe has 19.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 24th percentile of areas assessed nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. This is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining Shorncliffe's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (82.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With approximately 649 people per approval, Shorncliffe demonstrates its mature and established nature. Given population expectations to remain stable or decline, Shorncliffe should experience reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

No infrastructure changes can significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives 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 details those most relevant.

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The labour market in Shorncliffe demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Shorncliffe has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There was an estimated employment growth of 12.7% over the past year. As of September 2025, 1,128 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.4% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 62.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area has a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Wholesale trade has limited presence with 0.5% employment compared to 2.7% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 12.7% and labour force increased by 11.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.8%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Shorncliffe's median income among taxpayers was $63,263, with an average of $75,706. Nationally, the median was $48,919 and the average was $62,685. In Greater Brisbane, the median was $58,236 and the average was $72,799. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $69,532 (median) and $83,208 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth. Census data shows Shorncliffe's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 71st and 81st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 24.5% of residents earn over $4,000 per week, with 474 people in this bracket. This differs from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 33.3%. The area's affluence is evident with 40.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Shorncliffe'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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.2% houses and 17.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 75.4% houses and 24.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shorncliffe was at 39.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.7% and rented ones at 25.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,201, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,800. Median weekly rent in Shorncliffe was $275, compared to Brisbane metro's $375. Nationally, Shorncliffe's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,201 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $275 compared to 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 is notably higher than broader standards. Among residents aged 15+, 38.7% possess university qualifications, compared to Queensland's 25.7% and the SA3 area's 28.2%. The most common degree is Bachelor (21.6%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.9%) and graduate diplomas (7.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (19.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Shorncliffe has 16 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,543 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 128 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 220 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 96 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

Shorncliffe's health indicators show below-average results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average figures. Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,106 people), contrasting with Greater Brisbane's 53.8%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6% and 8.6% of residents respectively. A total of 68.6% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 67.8%. Shorncliffe has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.9% (385 people), surpassing Greater Brisbane's 18.5%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Shorncliffe are particularly strong, outperforming 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, as of the 2016 Census, was predominantly Australian-born at 82.7%, with 91.2% being citizens and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion in Shorncliffe, practiced by 51.4% of residents, compared to 50.1% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.1%), Australian (25.6%), and Irish (12.9%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 10.3%, Polish at 0.9%, and French at 0.6%, compared to regional averages of 7.6%, 0.5%, and 0.4% respectively.

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

The median age in Shorncliffe is 47 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and also above Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Shorncliffe at 17.8%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 11.2%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.8% locally. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.5% to 12.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.2% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 17.7% to 15.8%, and the 85+ group has dropped from 1.9% to 0.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Shorncliffe. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 57 people (51%), from 114 to 172. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 95% of the projected population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.