Sunnybank Hills

An assessment of population growth drivers in Sunnybank Hills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of Sunnybank Hills, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, was around 19,538 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,453 people (8.0%) compared to the population of 18,085 recorded in the 2021 Census. The estimated resident population used for this calculation was 19,514, derived from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,019 persons per square kilometer for Sunnybank Hills, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 8.0% since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in Sunnybank Hills.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, for population forecasting. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort when utilising them. Considering projected demographic shifts, Sunnybank Hills is expected to experience population growth just below the median of national areas by 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 2,121 persons between 2025 and 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 10.7% in total over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Sunnybank Hills recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Between FY21-FY25, Sunnybank Hills averaged approximately 54 new dwelling approvals annually, totaling around 274 homes. As of FY26, there have been 13 approvals recorded. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built. However, this figure has intensified to 7.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $619,000, which is moderately above regional levels.

In FY26, there have been $8.0 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. Recent construction comprises 61.0% detached dwellings and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 85.0% houses.

With around 311 people per dwelling approval, Sunnybank Hills indicates a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 2,097 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Sunnybank Hills has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Pavilion The Residences, Gardner Road Townhouses Stage 3, Solaris Rochedale, and Gowan Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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.

Sunnybank Hills shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Sunnybank Hills has an educated workforce with varied sector representation, a 5.2% unemployment rate, and 1.9% employment growth in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of June 2025, 9,529 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Workforce participation lags at 57.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a strong specialization in the latter (1.3 times regional level). Construction shows lower representation at 6.8% versus the regional average of 9.0%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts.

Over the past year, employment increased by 1.9%, alongside labour force growth of 1.9%, keeping unemployment broadly stable (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sunnybank Hills's employment mix suggests local employment should rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Sunnybank Hills had a median income among taxpayers of $42,371 during financial year 2022. The average income stood at $55,848 in the same period. These figures are lower than national averages of $55,645 and $70,520 for Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,299 (median) and $63,661 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, Sunnybank Hills' household income ranks at the 48th percentile ($1,725 weekly), while personal income sits at the 22nd percentile. The majority of residents, 34.9% or 6,818 people, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which aligns with the surrounding region's 33.3%. Housing costs consume 15.3% of income in Sunnybank Hills, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Sunnybank Hills, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunnybank Hills was at 36.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.8%) or rented (31.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sunnybank Hills was $1,853, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $410. Nationally, Sunnybank Hills' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.9% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.1%, consisting of 17.0% lone person households and 5.1% group households. The median household size is 3.0 people.

Sunnybank Hills shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Sunnybank Hills is notably high with 37.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally as of the latest available data. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 26.0% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 10.7% and certificates make up 15.3%. Educational participation is high with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 7.4% in tertiary, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education.

Sunnybank Hills State School and Autism Queensland Education & Therapy Centre serve a total of 1,929 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1088. Educational provision includes one primary school and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis indicates 62 active public transport stops in Sunnybank Hills, comprising various bus routes. These stops are served by 23 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3000 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 428 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Sunnybank Hills is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Sunnybank Hills shows better health outcomes with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, older cohorts at risk have higher prevalence rates.

Approximately 49% (~9,638 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (5.7%) and mental health issues (5.5%). Around 75.7% declare no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 0%. About 18.3% (~3,575 people) are aged 65 and over, requiring more attention than the broader population.

Sunnybank Hills 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 Hills has a population where 57.8% speak a language other than English at home, with 54.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 39.0%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 7.2%, compared to none in Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (27.1%), Other (15.0%), and English (14.1%). Korean (1.9%), Samoan (1.1%), and Serbian (0.7%) are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of none for each group.

Sunnybank Hills's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sunnybank Hills has a median age of 37 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sunnybank Hills has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (9.8%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.9% to 13.3%, while the 0-4 cohort has declined from 5.8% to 4.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Sunnybank Hills' age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 61%, adding 735 residents to reach 1,947. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 65% of population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.