Southside

Population growth drivers in Southside are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Southside, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's population is estimated at around 7,427 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,115 people (17.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,312 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,105, 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 398 persons per square kilometer. Southside's 17.7% 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 suburb 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 and 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, with the suburb expected to increase by 894 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.7% 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 indicates Southside recorded approximately 143 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling about 716 homes. As of FY26, 22 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $355,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $1.4 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Southside's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Southside had 144.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice nationally. New building activity comprised approximately 82.0% standalone homes and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 43 people per approval, Southside reflects a developing area with population forecasts indicating an increase of 645 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Population forecasts indicate Southside will gain 645 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 14 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project (GWRAP) - Phase 1, the 10 Copp Road Residential Care Facility, Kingsview Estate, and GemLife Gympie Land Lease Community. The following list details those projects likely to be 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.9%.

As of June 2025, 3,184 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 4.8%, which is 0.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 49.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for Southside residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing employment was notably high, at 1.9 times the regional average.

Mining employment, however, was under-represented at 2.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 3.6%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 5.9% while labour force rose by 7.5%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force by 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 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.

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

Southside's median income among taxpayers was $42,422 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,361 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $48,357 and average income $58,546 as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Southside all fall between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 28.0% of Southside's population (2,079 individuals) have incomes within the $400 - $799 range, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 range dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Southside, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Southside, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Southside was at 39.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (29.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Southside was $1,387, which is higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,326. The median weekly rent figure for Southside 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 constitute 69.9% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, aligning with the Rest of Qld average.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, 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%, comprising 9.2% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 2.7% in tertiary education. The area's educational provision includes Gympie South State School and Cooloola Christian College, serving a total of 949 students. These schools operate under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 987) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix consists of one primary school and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active public transport stops in Southside, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited with residents typically located 1067 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Southside faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,532 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (10.7%), while 59.1% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 60.3%. Southside has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (25.5%, or 1,893 people), with health outcomes among this group presenting some challenges despite performing better than the general population in certain 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Southside, comprising 55.8% of people, compared to 50.4% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 6.3%, South African at 0.5%, and Scottish at 8.1%.

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 years 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 present, the population aged 25-34 has grown from 10.3% to 11.7%, while the population aged 65-74 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% (190 people), reaching 1,059 from 868. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.