Sunnybank

Sunnybank has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at 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 Sunnybank's population is estimated at around 10,377 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,485 people (16.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,892 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,356, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,311 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sunnybank's 16.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,038 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 17.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Sunnybank when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Sunnybank shows around 38 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 192 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each home built over these years accommodates about 4.4 new residents per year.

This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value of new homes is $758,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $19.2 million, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Recent construction consists mainly of standalone homes (97.0%) and a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (3.0%), maintaining Sunnybank's suburban identity with a focus on family homes offering space for buyers. With around 325 people per dwelling approval, Sunnybank exhibits a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sunnybank is projected to grow by approximately 1,791 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population expands.

Sunnybank 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 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion, 12-20 Bothwell Street Apartments, Macgregor Gardens Retirement Village Expansion, and Salina Towers. 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 assessment indicates Sunnybank faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Sunnybank has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 5.8% as of September 2025, and estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. The area has 5,175 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 61.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%.

Around 13.7% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food has notable concentration with levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 6.8% versus the regional average of 9.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, labour force grew by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sunnybank's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Sunnybank suburb's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Sunnybank was $41,637 with an average of $54,778, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,763 (median) and $60,206 (average). Census data shows individual incomes at the 15th percentile were $627 weekly while household income was at the 40th percentile. Income distribution indicates that 31.1% of locals (3,227 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the region where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 83.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

In Sunnybank, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunnybank was at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.1% and rented ones at 40.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Sunnybank was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Sunnybank's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Sunnybank features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.3% of all households, including 30.2% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households making up 9.7%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Sunnybank performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Sunnybank's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 37.8% have university qualifications compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationwide. This significant educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas constitute 10.9% and certificates make up 14.6%. Educational participation is notably high in Sunnybank, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Sunnybank has 63 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 60 individual routes, offering a total of 5,237 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 185 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 75%, followed by buses at 11% and trains at 9%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 748 trips per day, equating to roughly 83 weekly trips per stop.

Sunnybank's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Sunnybank. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and old age cohorts. Approximately 49% of the total population (~5,075 people) had private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma were the most common medical conditions, affecting 5.3% and 5.3% of residents respectively. 78.0% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents showed low chronic condition prevalence. Sunnybank has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,681 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, largely in line with national rankings.

Sunnybank is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sunnybank's population is predominantly diverse, with 59.9% speaking languages other than English at home and 58.9% born overseas. Christianity is the most prevalent religion, practiced by 35.7%. Buddhism, however, is more prominent here compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 8.0% versus its regional average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese heritage is notably high at 29.7%, exceeding the regional average of 3.4%. English ancestry, conversely, is lower than the region's average, at 15.3% compared to 26.8%. Other ancestries make up 14.1%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Koreans are overrepresented at 2.7%, Vietnamese at 2.6%, and Filipinos at 2.8%, each surpassing their respective regional averages of 0.5%, 0.8%, and 1.2%.

Sunnybank's population is younger than the national pattern

Sunnybank's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 at 20.0%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 10.0%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 13.8% to 16.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.0% to 7.9%. Population forecasts for Sunnybank in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 age group at 31%, adding 348 residents to reach a total of 1,480. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group shows minimal growth of just 0% (2 people).