Tugun

Population growth drivers in Tugun are strong compared to national averages 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 Tugun's population is estimated at around 7606 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 431 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7175 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7549, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2445 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% 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 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. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb of Tugun expected to increase by 1132 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.1% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Tugun according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Tugun had approximately 33 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around 167 homes were approved, with a further 46 in FY26 to date. Each new dwelling brought an average of 2.1 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $1,457,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals totaled $3.3 million in FY26. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Tugun had 53.0% lower building activity per person. New development consisted of 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living. The current housing mix is 46.0% houses. Tugun's population density was around 575 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,075 residents by 2041. Construction pace has been reasonable but may face growing competition as the population grows.

Tugun 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 identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Major initiatives include Blonde Bilinga, Admiral Crescent Residential Care and Retirement Facility, Bilinga Residential Estate Stage 2, and Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4. 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 Tugun ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Tugun has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0%. By December 2025, 4,386 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 70.7%, higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 16.0% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction had notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.5%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending in 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while labour force grew by 1.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In Regional Qld, employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tugun's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Tugun had a median income among taxpayers of $50,462 and an average level of $68,555. These figures are slightly above national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes for Tugun would be approximately $56,194 (median) and $76,343 (average). In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Tugun were at the 54th percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that 35.4% of Tugun's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures in Tugun are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Tugun displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Tugun, as per the latest Census, consisted of 46.4% houses and 53.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tugun was at 29.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.8%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tugun was $1,950, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Tugun was $460, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Tugun's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Tugun features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 67.5% of all households, including 28.5% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households at 6.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Tugun demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 27.2% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.4% and certificates at 26.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Tugun has 24 operational public transport stops offering mixed bus services. These are covered by four distinct routes facilitating 1,309 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated highly with residents generally situated 177 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Tugun residents commute outward using cars predominantly at a rate of 92%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, some 16% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 187 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 54 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Tugun is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Tugun demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population, which totals around 4,135 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.5% and 7.5% of residents respectively. Around 71.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,361 people, which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Tugun ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Tugun's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia at a rate of 80.5%, and speaking English only at home at a rate of 91.6%. Christianity is the predominant religion in Tugun, comprising 44.2% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented in Tugun compared to Regional Queensland, with 0.1% of the population identifying as Jewish versus 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents are English at 31.0%, Australian at 25.0%, and Irish at 10.4%. Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented in Tugun at 1.3% compared to 0.9% regionally, Welsh people at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Spanish individuals at 0.6% versus 0.3%.

Tugun's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Tugun is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 17.9% of the population in Tugun, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage. Conversely, the 55-64 age cohort makes up 9.5%, lower than Regional Queensland's figure. Post-2021 Census data indicates Tugun has become younger, with its median age decreasing by 1.1 years to 38 from 39. The 25-34 age group grew from 15.6% to 17.9%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.1% to 16.2%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age cohort declined from 12.3% to 9.5%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 11.7% to 9.9%. By 2041, Tugun's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 332 people (24%), from 1,361 to 1,694. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts.