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 suburb of Southside's population is estimated at around 7573 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1261 people (20.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6312 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7541, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 493 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 406 persons per square kilometer. Southside's 20.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and 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 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 of Southside expected to increase by 810 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.3% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Southside among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Southside has recorded around 145 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 729 homes. So far in FY-26, which started on July 1st, 2025 and will end on June 30th, 2026, 53 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.5 people moving to the area per dwelling built over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, supply and demand appear balanced, creating stable market conditions.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $355,000. This year, $1.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Southside records 144.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. This is well above average nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

At around 38 people per approval, Southside reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate Southside will gain 778 residents through to 2041, based on 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 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 14 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Gympie Water Resilience and Augmentation Project (GWRAP) - Phase 1, 10 Copp Road Residential Care Facility, Kingsview Estate, and GemLife Gympie Land Lease Community. 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.

Employment performance in Southside has been broadly consistent with national averages

Southside's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. It has a notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, mining is under-represented, at 2.1% compared to Regional Qld's 3.6%. As of December 2025, 3,330 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and estimated employment growth of 8.0% over the past year. The area's unemployment rate is 0.2% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags at 55.3%. Only 5.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 8.0% while labour force grew by 8.6%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Southside's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do 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's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Southside is $42,422 and the average income stands at $51,361, compared to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates are approximately $47,241 (median) and $57,196 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Southside fall between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.0% of Southside's population (2,120 individuals) falls within the $400 - $799 income range, differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

Southside is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Southside, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Southside was 39.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged at 30.7% or rented at 29.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Southside was $1,387, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Southside was recorded at $285, compared to Regional Qld's $345. 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 30.1%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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, 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

Southside has 31 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1068 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Southside's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 97%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Southside is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Southside faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 3,601 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.4 and 10.7% of residents respectively, while 59.1% claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Queensland. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 25.6% (around 1,938 people), than Regional Queensland's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings for the overall population.

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. The dominant religion in Southside is Christianity, comprising 55.8% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (33.7%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Southside at 6.3%, compared to 4.7% regionally. South Australian ethnicity stands at 0.5% in both Southside and the regional average. Scottish ethnicity is represented at 8.1% in Southside, slightly higher than the regional average of 7.8%.

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

Southside's median age is 45, which is older than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and higher than the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 75-84 years make up a significant portion (9.4%), while those aged 35-44 are comparatively less prevalent (10.7%) compared to Regional Queensland. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of individuals aged 25 to 34 has increased from 10.3% to 12.1%, while the 0 to 4 age group has risen from 4.7% to 5.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 12.7%, and the 45 to 54 age group has fallen from 12.1% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in Southside's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 18%, reaching 1,081 individuals from its current total of 916. Conversely, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are projected to decrease by 91 individuals.