Sunnybank

Sunnybank has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Sunnybank's population is estimated at around 10,139. This reflects an increase of 1,247 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,892. The change was inferred from AreaSearch estimates following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,258 persons per square kilometer. Sunnybank's growth rate of 14.0% exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data but without age category splits. Therefore, proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilized. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 2,037 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 20.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Sunnybank has seen approximately 37 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 187 homes were approved, with a further 15 approved in FY26 to date. This results in an average of about 4.5 new residents per home built over the past five financial years.

However, supply is lagging demand, suggesting heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new homes is approximately $748,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This year has seen around $17.0 million in commercial approvals, signifying steady commercial investment activity. Recent construction comprises 97.0% standalone homes and 3.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Sunnybank's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space. With approximately 342 people per dwelling approval, Sunnybank exhibits a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Sunnybank is projected to grow by 2,029 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

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 that may affect this region. Notable projects 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 likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Sunnybank faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Sunnybank's workforce is highly educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, 4,950 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged at 57.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food had notably high representation, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training showed lower representation at 6.8% versus the regional average of 9.4%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, and labour force increased by 2.0%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors over five and ten-year periods. 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, assuming constant population projections.

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

Sunnybank's median income among taxpayers was $41,677 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $54,831 during the same period. Comparing these figures with Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520 shows Sunnybank's incomes were lower. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $47,508 (median) and $62,502 (average). Census data indicates individual incomes at the 15th percentile were $627 weekly, while household income performed better at the 40th percentile. Income distribution shows that 31.1% of locals (3,153 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to 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 area'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

Sunnybank's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had no recorded figures for these categories at that time. Home ownership in Sunnybank stood at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.1% and rented ones at 40.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Brisbane metro average. The median weekly rent was $400, unlike Brisbane metro which had no recorded figures for this category. Nationally, Sunnybank's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Sunnybank features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 3.0 people

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 9.7%. The median household size is 3.0 people.

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

Sunnybank's educational attainment exceeds broader standards, with 37.8% of its residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationwide as of the latest available data. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (14.6%). Educational participation is notably high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.9% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education as of the latest available data.

A robust network of seven schools operates within Sunnybank, educating approximately 3,383 students while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1018) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes three primary, three secondary, and one K-12 school. With 33.4 school places per 100 residents, the area shows strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities as of the latest available data.

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, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 57 different routes, collectively facilitating 4,912 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living just 186 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 701 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 77 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sunnybank's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Sunnybank, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 4,961 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.3% and 5.3% of residents respectively. Around 78.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the 0% reported across Greater Brisbane. Sunnybank has approximately 15.6% of its population aged 65 and over (around 1,581 people), with seniors' health outcomes aligning broadly with those of the general population.

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 diverse, with 59.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 58.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 35.7%. Buddhism, at 8.0%, is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane.

Top ancestry groups are Chinese (29.7%), English (15.3%), and Other (14.1%). Korean (2.7%), Vietnamese (2.6%), and Filipino (2.8%) groups are notably more prevalent in Sunnybank than regionally.

Sunnybank's population is younger than the national pattern

Sunnybank's median age is 34, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, Sunnybank's population has seen an increase in the 15 to 24 age group from 13.8% to 16.2%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 9.0% to 7.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes for Sunnybank's population. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 34%, adding 374 residents to reach a total of 1,480. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group is projected to decrease by 7 residents.