Southside

Population growth drivers in Southside are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Southside statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 7361 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1049 people (16.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6312 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7135, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 475 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 394 persons per square kilometer. Southside's 16.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected. The Southside (SA2) is expected to increase by 882 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Southside recorded around 145 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 728 homes. So far in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $355,000. This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Southside records 148.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and demonstrating strong developer confidence. New building activity shows 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 39 people per approval, Southside reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Southside will gain 699 residents through to 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Southside has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project (GWRAP) - Phase 1, 10 Copp Road Residential Care Facility, GemLife Gympie Land Lease Community, and Kingsview Estate. 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.

Southside has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Southside has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing is notably concentrated, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Mining, however, is under-represented, at 2.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.6%. As of September 2025, 3,365 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and estimated employment growth of 9.9% over the past year. The unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation lags significantly at 49.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.9% while labour force increased by 10.7%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Southside's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Southside had a lower than average national income level in financial year 2023 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Its median income among taxpayers was $42,422 and the average income stood at $51,361. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,626 (median) and $56,451 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Southside all fell between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 28.0% of the population (2,061 individuals) fell within the $400 - $799 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominated with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

Southside is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Southside's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southside was at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented ones at 29.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,387, above Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,326. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $285, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $290. Nationally, Southside's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Southside has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.9 percent of all households, including 23.4 percent couples with children, 31.7 percent couples without children, and 13.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.1 percent, with lone person households at 27.5 percent and group households comprising 2.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

Educational outcomes in Southside fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (30.7%). Educational participation is high at 26.4%, with 9.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows that there are 14 operational public transport stops in Southside. These stops offer bus services only. A total of 22 weekly passenger trips are provided by these stops, served by a single route collectively.

The average distance between residents' homes and the nearest transport stop is 1068 meters. On average, there are 3 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. Transport accessibility is rated as limited based on this information.

Health performance in Southside is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Southside, with various health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population, which consists of around 3,500 people.

This figure is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.4 and 10.7% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 59.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.3% across the Rest of Qld. The area has a significant senior population, with 25.5% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling around 1,877 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Southside is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Southside's population showed low cultural diversity, with 89.5% born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.8%, compared to 50.4% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher in Southside at 6.3% versus 5.8% regionally, while South African was 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Scottish was slightly lower at 8.1% compared to 8.3%.

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

Southside's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Southside has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 25-34 has grown from 10.3% to 11.7%, while the 65-74 age group has declined from 14.4% to 13.2%. By 2041, Southside's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 22%, reaching 1,055 people from the current 861. Conversely, the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.