Southport (Qld)

Southport lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Southport (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 40,343 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,557 people (9.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 36,786 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 39,978 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1,020 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,811 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Southport's 9.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.1%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort where utilized. Moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 16,582 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 40.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Southport recorded approximately 258 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 1,291 homes. By FY-26344 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 3.1 new residents per year are associated with each home built during this period.

This indicates that demand is outstripping supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $598,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26 alone, $209.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Comparing Southport to the rest of Queensland over this five-year period, it has seen slightly more development activity, approximately 43.0% above the regional average per person.

This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity. New developments in Southport consist of 12.0% detached dwellings and 88.0% medium to high-density housing. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location currently has approximately 206 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Looking ahead, Southport is projected to grow by 16,217 residents by the year 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest 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.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 68 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Southport Supportive Housing Project, Paradiso Place, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, and Four Residential Towers & Retail Clarke Street. 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.

Employment performance in Southport has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Southport has a well-educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5%.

As of September 2025, 21,742 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 6.8%, above Rest of Qld's rate of 5.1%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld's at 59.1%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area had a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.4% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicated substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Southport's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Southport suburb's income level is lower than average nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Southport's median income among taxpayers is $44,922 and the average is $56,743, compared to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. With a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $49,374 (median) and $62,366 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows Southport's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 18th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.0% of the population (11,699 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, aligning with metropolitan regions at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 75.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile. Southport's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Southport features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Southport's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 23.9% houses and 76.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 44.5% houses and 55.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southport stood at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.6% and rented ones at 60.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,750. Median weekly rent in Southport was $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Southport's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,647 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $410 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 54.6% of all households, including 14.8% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 45.4%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 10.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

The educational profile of Southport exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Southport's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 31.0% hold university qualifications compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 13.2% and certificates for 21.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in tertiary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing primary education.

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

Southport has 134 active public transport stops. These include lightrail and bus services. There are 19 routes operating in total.

They provide 4,110 weekly passenger trips combined. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is 587 trips per day across all routes, which equals about 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Southport is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Southport faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but to a slightly higher degree among older adults. The rate of private health cover in Southport is relatively low at approximately 50% of its total population (around 20,046 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.2% and 7.7% of residents respectively. About 68.6% of Southport residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 69.4% reported across the rest of Queensland. As of June 2021, approximately 17.5% of Southport's population is aged 65 and over (around 7,060 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Southport require more attention than those in the broader population.

Southport was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Southport has a significant cultural diversity, with 26.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 41.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Southport, making up 43.9% of the population. While Judaism comprises only 0.2% of the population, this is similar to the proportion across Rest of Qld (0.2%).

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.9%), Australian (19.1%), and Other (12.7%). Notably, Korean is overrepresented in Southport at 2.1%, compared to 1.6% regionally. New Zealanders also have a higher representation at 1.2%, though Maori representation is slightly lower at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 1.6%.

Southport's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Southport's median age is 36, lower than Rest of Qld's 41 and Australia's 38. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented at 23.3% locally compared to Rest of Qld's average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 6.2%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have reduced the median age to 36, with the 25-34 group growing from 19.1% to 23.3%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 7.7% to 6.2%. The 45-54 group dropped from 11.5% to 10.2%. By 2041, Southport's population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 66%, reaching 15,559 people from 9,399.