Bushland Beach (Qld)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Bushland Beach has an estimated population of 7,418 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 777 people (11.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,641 residents. This trend is derived from the resident figure of 7,226 calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ERP release from the ABS alongside 111 validated new addresses since the Census. The suburb's density stands at 841 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages. The 11.7% increase since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, positioning the suburb of Bushland Beach as a regional leader in expansion. Natural increase was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 47.0% of the overall population gains, although interstate and overseas migration also registered positive inflows.

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A highly qualified workforce characterizes Bushland Beach, with strong representation in essential services. The unemployment rate is low at 2.6% as of March 2026, which is 1.3% lower than the Regional Qld level of 3.9%. Total employment stands at 3,705 residents. Labor force participation is solid at 66.8% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census records indicate that a minor 6.8% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

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According to the latest ATO postcode statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Bushland Beach earn a median income of $61,262 and an average income of $67,875. These figures align closely with national benchmarks, compared to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Adjusted for the Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated earnings as of March 2026 would be approximately $68,221 for the median and $75,586 for the average. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in the 78th to 82nd national percentiles. The largest income group comprises 44.5% of residents (3,301 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, compared to in the wider region. Housing costs consume of income, while strong earnings place local households in the th percentile for disposable income, and the area ranks in the th decile on the SEIFA index.

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According to the latest Census, housing types in Bushland Beach consist of 98.5% standalone houses and 1.4% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. The home ownership rate of 21.8% lags behind the regional average of Regional Qld, with the remaining residences being mortgaged (51.3%) or occupied by renters (26.9%). Monthly mortgage costs average $1,733, exceeding the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while weekly rents stand at $380, compared to $345 regionally. Locally, mortgage repayments are lower than the national average of $1,863, while weekly rent exceeds the Australian average of $375.

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Family households represent the vast majority of local homes at 86.3%, comprising couples with children at 44.0%, couples without children at 31.1%, and single-parent homes at 11.0%. Non-family households account for the remaining 13.7%, consisting of single-person households at 11.4% and group living situations at 2.1%. The average household size stands at 2.9 people, exceeding the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Tertiary educational attainment in the area is low, with university graduation rates at 18.6% compared to the national benchmark of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees account for 12.8% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of 11.2% with advanced diplomas and 33.3% with certificates.

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Public transport services in the suburb include 15 active stops serviced by a mix of buses. There is 1 individual route operating across these stops, generating 84 passenger trips weekly. The closest transit stop is located an average of 377 meters away, which represents good accessibility. Private vehicles remain the primary means of transport, with 95% of residents commuting by car. The average household has 1.9 vehicles, exceeding regional standards. Working from home was recorded for a low 6.8% of the workforce at the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates by Districts suggest below-average health outcomes, with minor chronic conditions slightly elevated across both younger and older demographics. The level of private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 54% of the population (~4,013 people) holding a policy.

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Cultural diversity measures are low, with citizens making up 90.2% of the population, 88.4% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 48.8% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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The local median age of 36 is lower than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and slightly below the national median of 38. The 45 - 54 demographic represents 15.4% of the local population, making it over-represented compared to the region, while the 65 - 74 cohort is under-represented at 7.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 bracket has increased from 2.6% to 3.4% of the population, whereas the 5 to 14 group has shrunk from 17.2% to 15.2%. Projections to 2041 indicate that the age profile will change, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 661 people () to reach up from .

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Bushland Beach currently has an estimated 445 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 376 children aged 0-2 and 249 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 56% by 2041 (to approximately 692 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 884. Birth rates in the area have averaged 16.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.