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

As of November 2025, Southport's population is estimated at around 41,058, reflecting an increase of 4,272 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 11.6% rise from the previous figure of 36,786. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 39,978 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1,020 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,861 persons per square kilometer, placing Southport in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Southport's growth rate exceeded that of both the SA3 area (8.5%) and the non-metro area during this period. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains for the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast for Southport, with an expected gain of 16,582 persons by 2041, reflecting a total growth of 37.8% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Southport recorded around 258 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,291 homes. So far in FY-26301 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 3.1 new residents per home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply. The average construction value of these new homes is $598,000.

In terms of commercial development, Southport has registered $209.6 million in approvals this financial year, demonstrating strong momentum. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Southport has slightly more development, at 43.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. The majority of new development consists of medium and high-density housing (88.0%), with detached houses making up 12.0%. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The location currently has approximately 206 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Looking ahead, Southport is expected to grow by 15,502 residents through to 2041, according to 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.

Southport 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 has identified 68 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects are Southport Supportive Housing Project, Paradiso Place, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, and One Park Lane. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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

Southport has a well-educated workforce. The tourism and hospitality sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 2.2%. As of June 2025, 21,643 residents were employed. The unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence, with 0.4% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, and labour force increased by 2.0%. This caused the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Southport. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Southport's employment mix suggests 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's median income among taxpayers was $44,915 in financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $56,735 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Southport would be approximately $51,199 (median) and $64,672 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census figures indicate that household, family, and personal incomes in Southport all fall between the 18th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.0% of residents (11,906 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 75.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally. The area'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, comprised 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 was at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.6% and rented ones at 60.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,750 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Southport was $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420 and 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 45.4%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households making up 10.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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 significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. 31% of residents aged 15+ 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.2% and certificates at 21.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12% in tertiary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing primary education. Fourteen schools serve 9,795 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1038) indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes three primary, seven secondary, and four K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 23.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.0, suggesting Southport serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Southport has 134 active public transport stops, consisting of both lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes that together facilitate 4,252 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest one.

The service frequency is high, with an average of 607 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 31 weekly trips per 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, particularly among older age cohorts to a slightly higher degree. Approximately 50% of Southport's total population (~20,401 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.2 and 7.7% of residents respectively. 68.6% of Southport residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.4% across the Rest of Qld. As of 2016, 17.5% of Southport's residents are aged 65 and over (7,185 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

Southport is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Southport has a high cultural diversity, with 26.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 41.3% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Southport, making up 43.9% of people. Judaism is overrepresented in Southport compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.2% versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.9%), Australian (19.1%), and Other (12.7%). Notably, Korean (2.1%) and Maori (1.4%) are overrepresented in Southport compared to regional averages of 1.6% and 1.6%, respectively. New Zealand is slightly underrepresented at 1.2%.

Southport's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Southport's median age is 36, which is lower than Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Southport at 23.3%, compared to the Rest of Queensland average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 6.2%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted Southport's median age down by 1.3 years to 36. During this period, the 25-34 age group has grown from 19.1% to 23.3%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 7.7% to 6.2%. Additionally, the 45-54 age group has dropped from 11.5% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for Southport indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 63%, reaching 15,559 people from its current figure of 9,566.