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 per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, the suburb of Southport (Qld) had an estimated population of around 40,435 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents a growth of 3,649 people (9.9%) from the 2021 Census count of 36,786 inhabitants. The estimation is based on AreaSearch's resident population figure of 39,978, derived from examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and considering an additional 1,062 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,817 persons per square kilometer, placing Southport in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch nationwide. The suburb's population growth rate of 9.9% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA3 area (7.3%) and the Rest of Qld, indicating it as a regionally prominent growth leader. Overseas migration was identified as the primary driver for Southport's population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and uses Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032, which were released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort when utilizing them. Looking ahead, significant population increases are forecasted for Southport within the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 16,582 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 39.9% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Southport recorded around 258 residential property approvals per year from FY-17 to FY-21. This totals an estimated 1,291 homes over those five financial years. As of FY-26344 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built accommodates approximately 3.1 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction cost for these new homes is around $598,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $209.6 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Southport has seen slightly more development activity, with 43.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balance maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity. The majority of new developments consist of medium and high-density housing (88.0%), with detached dwellings making up 12.0%. This trend caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers seeking accessible entry options. Southport has approximately 206 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, Southport is projected to grow by 16,125 residents 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 68 potential projects that could influence the region. Notable initiatives include Southport Supportive Housing Project, Paradiso Place, Marine Quarter Scenic Tower, and Four Residential Towers & Retail Clarke Street. The following list provides details on those most likely to be 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. The unemployment rate was 5.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5%. As of September 2025, there were 21,742 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.7% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

Census responses showed that only 11.4% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries 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, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 0.4%. There was a ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident as per Census data, indicating substantial local employment opportunities.

In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.5% and labour force grew by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected a national employment increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates 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, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Southport had a median income among taxpayers of $44,922 and an average income of $56,743 in financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,374 (median) and $62,366 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Southport all fall between the 18th and 22nd percentiles nationally. In Southport, 29.0% of the population (11,726 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Southport, with only 75.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile. 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 structures, 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 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southport was at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.6% and rented dwellings at 60.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Southport was $1,647, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Southport was $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Southport's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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 making up 10.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Southport's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 31.0% have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.4% of residents holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 13.2% and certificates for 21.2%. Educational participation is high in Southport, 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 buses. These are served by 19 routes that collectively facilitate 4,110 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically living 173 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode at 77%, while walking accounts for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 587 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying 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 indicate common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age cohorts, with a slightly higher degree among older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~20,092 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of 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 Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (6,954 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of 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's cultural diversity is notable, 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, comprising 43.9% of people. However, Judaism, at 0.2%, is overrepresented compared to Rest of Qld's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (25.9%), Australian (19.1%) and Other (12.7%). Notably, Korean (2.1%), New Zealand (1.2%) and Maori (1.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Southport compared to regional averages of 0.2%, 0.9% and 0.8% respectively.

Southport's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Southport was 35 years as of the 2021 Census, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort made up 24.3% of Southport's population, a notable over-representation compared to Rest of Qld's average. Conversely, the 5-14 year-olds were under-represented at 6.0%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Prior to the 2021 Census, Southport's median age was 37 years. Between the previous census and 2021, Southport became younger, with its median age dropping by 1.6 years. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 19.1% to 24.3%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 7.7% to 6.0%. The 45-54 age group also decreased from 11.5% to 9.8%. By 2041, Southport's population is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 58%, reaching a total of 15,559 people from 9,825.