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, the suburb of Southport's population is estimated at around 40,564 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,778 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 36,786 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 40,507 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1,281 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,826 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Southport's growth of 10.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 7.3% and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside of capital cities is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 15,214 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 37.4% in total over the 16 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 data indicates Southport averaged approximately 258 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,291 homes. As of FY-26737 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests demand exceeds supply, potentially driving price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value for new properties is $598,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $209.6 million, signifying robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Southport exhibits moderately higher construction activity, balancing buyer choice and supporting current property values. Recent construction comprises 12.0% detached houses and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 206 people per dwelling approval, Southport displays growth area characteristics. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Southport is projected to add approximately 15,157 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 68 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Southport Supportive Housing Project, Griffith University Village Student Accommodation Tower, Monarch Place - Imperial Square Stage 2, and Quest Southport. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Southport recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Southport has a well-educated workforce with tourism and hospitality sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 22,019 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.5%, 1.5% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 11.4% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area had a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

There were substantial local employment opportunities, with a ratio of 0.9 workers per resident as of the Census. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, labour force by 2.6%, resulting in an unemployment fall of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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

In AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Southport suburb had median taxpayer income at $44,922 and average income at $56,743. Nationally, median income was $53,146 and average was $66,593 in Regional Qld. As of March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $50,025 (median) and $63,189 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, Southport's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 18th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 29.0% of Southport population (11,763 individuals) earn within $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 31.7%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 75.0% of income remaining post housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally. Southport's SEIFA income rank 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

The latest Census data shows that in Southport, 23.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 76.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types of dwellings. In comparison, Queensland's regional areas had 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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 in Southport was $1,647, below the Regional Qld average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Southport was $410, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Southport's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than 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 comprising 10.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Southport's residents aged 15+ have a notably higher proportion with university qualifications at 31.0%, compared to the broader Queensland average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 25.4%. This educational advantage is led by bachelor degrees at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.4% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (21.2%). Educational participation is notably high in Southport, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.0% in tertiary, 6.7% in secondary, and 5.8% pursuing primary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 133 active public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These are served by 19 routes providing 4,110 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 77%, while walking accounts for 7%. The average vehicle ownership is 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 587 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 30 weekly trips per individual stop. The map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~20,156 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.2%) and arthritis (7.7%). 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (7,220 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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 high level of 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, comprising 43.9% of people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented in Southport compared to Regional Qld, making up 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.9%), Australian (19.1%), and Other (12.7%). Notably, Korean (2.1%) is significantly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.2%, as are New Zealanders (1.2% vs 0.9%) and Maori (1.4% vs 0.8%).

Southport's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Southport's median age is 36, which is lower than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Southport at 23.5%, compared to the Regional Queensland average and the national figure of 14.6%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1.3 years to 36 due to a shift in younger residents. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 19.1% to 23.5%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 7.7% to 6.0%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.5% to 10.0%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Southport. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 55%, reaching 14,791 people from the current 9,532.