Deception Bay (Qld)

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Based on evaluation of ABS demographic estimates for the wider region, alongside updated addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Deception Bay is calculated to be approximately 21,002 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,429 residents (7.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 19,573 individuals. This shift is deduced from the resident population of 20,926, which Districts estimated after analyzing the June 2025 release of ERP figures by the ABS, plus an extra 300 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 1,080 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages across locations evaluated by Districts. The suburb of Deception Bay's 7.3% expansion since the census puts it within 2.0 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth in the locality was mainly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately of overall population increases during recent periods, though all growth drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, registered positive contributions.

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The suburb of Deception Bay supports a balanced labor force spanning white and blue collar jobs, with essential services industries well represented, an unemployment rate of 7.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 2.9% over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 8,854 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.3% higher than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.3%, indicating potential for betterment, and workforce participation is substantially lower (56.5% compared to 70.4% in Greater Brisbane). Census records show a low 9.8% of residents worked from home, though the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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According to Districts' compilation of the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Deception Bay registered a median income of $48,554 among taxpayers, with the average income at $54,549. This sits below the national average and compares to figures of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would stand at approximately $54,070 (median) and $60,746 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census statistics, household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Deception Bay all fall between the 14th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution figures show the largest segment comprises 30.5% of local taxpayers (6,405 people) in the $1,500 - bracket, which aligns with broader regional trends where of taxpayers are in the same bracket. Affordability pressures for housing are serious, with only of income remaining, placing the area in the th percentile.

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The mix of housing types in the suburb of Deception Bay, as measured in the most recent Census, consisted of 84.2% houses and 15.8% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to Brisbane metro's breakdown of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in the suburb of Deception Bay matched the Brisbane metro level of 25.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (34.5%) or renting (39.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment for the locality was far below the Brisbane metro average at $1,517, whereas the median weekly rent was recorded at $325, compared to Brisbane metro averages of $1,863 and $380. On a national level, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Deception Bay are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are significantly below the national benchmark of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 70.2% of all households, consisting of 25.8% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 18.0% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.8%, with single person households representing 26.5% and group households making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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The locality presents educational hurdles, with university qualification levels (11.4%) falling far below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This situation represents both a difficulty and an opening for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (33.5%).

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Public transport analysis identifies 49 active transit stops within the suburb of Deception Bay, which consist of bus services. These stops are connected by 3 separate routes, which combine to offer 993 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is classified as good, with residents living an average of 246 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a predominantly residential suburb, most working residents commute elsewhere, and cars remain the primary method of travel at 90%. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.4 per household. A comparatively low 9.8% of residents work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements).

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Significant health issues are apparent across the suburb of Deception Bay, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic condition prevalence, with various health issues impacting both younger and older cohorts, and the rate of private health insurance coverage is extremely low at approximately 49% of the total population (~10,253 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Deception Bay was found to have lower levels of cultural diversity, with 85.0% of residents holding citizenship, 79.6% born in Australia, and 92.2% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 49.7% of the local population, compared to 47.8% recorded across Greater Brisbane.

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The median age of 40 years in the suburb of Deception Bay is much higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 36, and slightly above the national average of 38 years. In comparison with Greater Brisbane averages, the 75 - 84 cohort is highly over-represented (7.8% locally), whereas the 25 - 34 year age group is under-represented (10.6%). Post-2021 Census statistics show that the 75 to 84 age cohort has expanded from 5.9% to 7.8% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has dropped from 13.9% to 13.1%. Population projections for 2041 suggest major demographic transitions for the suburb of Deception Bay. Spearheading this change, the 75 to cohort is projected to expand by ( people), climbing from to . This demographic aging is highlighted by the fact that residents aged and older represent of the expected growth. Conversely, the to and to age groups are projected to see population contractions.

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Deception Bay currently has an estimated 1,239 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 711 children aged 0-2 and 474 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 13% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 1,165 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,047. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.