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 the Sunnybank Hills statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 19,538 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,453 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,085. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 19,514 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of an additional 95 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,019 persons per square kilometer, placing Sunnybank Hills (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 8.0% since census is within 1.7 percentage points of the national average of 9.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving Sunnybank Hills' population growth.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort where state projections lack age category splits. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth of 2,121 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 10.7% over the 17 years.

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

Sunnybank Hills has recorded approximately 54 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 274 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.4 new residents arrived per new home over these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this rate has increased to 7.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $619,000, targeting the premium market segment. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $8.0 million, reflecting the area's residential character. Building activity shows 61% detached houses and 39% medium to high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments.

This shift from the existing housing composition (currently 85% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse housing options. Sunnybank Hills has an estimated population density of around 311 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 2,097 residents through to 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Gowan Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Pavilion The Residences, Gardner Road Townhouses Stage 3, and Solaris Rochedale. Below is a list detailing 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 Sunnybank Hills has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Sunnybank Hills has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 5.3%, showing relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 9,580 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 6.3% (1.3% above Greater Brisbane's rate), and workforce participation at 57.9%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Accommodation & food shows strong specialization with a share of 1.3 times the regional level, while construction has lower representation at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. Most residents work outside the area as indicated by Census data.

Over the past year, employment increased by 0.0%, labour force grew by 0.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's employment growth of 3.8% and unemployment fall of 0.5%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between sectors. Applying these projections to Sunnybank Hills' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Sunnybank Hills had a median income among taxpayers of $42,371 and an average income of $55,848. These figures are lower than the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,570 and $61,383 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, Sunnybank Hills' household income ranks at the 48th percentile ($1,725 weekly) and personal income at the 22nd percentile. The majority of residents (34.9%, or 6,818 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, 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 strong rates of outright home ownership

Sunnybank Hills' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 36.9%, with 31.8% of dwellings mortgaged and 31.2% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,853, and the median weekly rent was $410. Compared nationally, Sunnybank Hills' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households making up 5.1%. 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 higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 37.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. This educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%.

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.7% and certificates for 15.3%. Educational participation is high, with 31.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.4% in tertiary education, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Sunnybank Hills shows that there are currently 60 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 17 individual routes providing service to the community. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 3,043.

The accessibility of transport in Sunnybank Hills is rated as good, with residents typically situated an average of 223 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages at 434 trips per day, which equates to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual 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 has better-than-average health outcomes, with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, older cohorts at higher risk have a prevalence rate higher than the national average.

Approximately 49% (~9,638 people) of Sunnybank Hills' residents have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Sunnybank Hills are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 5.7% and 5.5% of residents respectively. 75.7% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Brisbane. Sunnybank Hills has an older population, with 18.3% (~3,575 people) aged 65 and over.

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, one of Australia's most culturally diverse areas, has 57.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 54.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sunnybank Hills, accounting for 39.0% of people. Buddhism, however, is notably more prevalent here compared to Greater Brisbane, with 7.2% of the population adhering to it.

Regarding ancestry, Chinese is the largest group at 27.1%, followed by Other at 15.0% and English at 14.1%. Some ethnic groups are significantly overrepresented in Sunnybank Hills: Korean (1.9%), Samoan (1.1%), and Serbian (0.7%) compared to their regional representation.

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 the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.9% to 13.3%, while the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 5.8% to 4.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Sunnybank Hills' age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 61%, adding 735 residents to reach 1,947. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 65% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.