Shorncliffe (Qld)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address points validated by Districts since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Shorncliffe stands at approximately 1,929 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 22 people (1.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 1,907 residents. This adjustment is derived from the resident population of 1,927, which Districts calculated using the ABS June 2025 ERP release combined with 4 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population level translates to a density ratio of 1,581 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure across national locations evaluated by Districts. The primary driver of population gains in recent times was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 59.0% of the overall increases.

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A well-educated labor force characterizes the suburb of Shorncliffe, with professional services highly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 8.7% over the preceding year, according to Districts' compiled statistical area data. In March 2026, 1,158 local residents were employed, while the unemployment rate sat 0.2% below the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%, and workforce participation aligned closely with standard levels (74.5% versus 70.4% in Greater Brisbane). Census data indicates a high proportion of employed residents, at 28.5%, worked from home, though this may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Shorncliffe's taxpayers recorded a median income of $63,263, alongside an average income of $75,706. This stands substantially above the national average, comparing to a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $70,450 for the median and $84,306 for the average. Census records show that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Shorncliffe are positioned high nationally, falling between the 71st and 81st percentiles. The local earnings profile is led by the $4000+ weekly bracket, which accounts for 24.5% of residents (472 people), differing from the wider region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common at 33.3%. High affluence is evident, with 40.8% of earners bringing in more than $3,000 per week, which helps support high-end retail and local services. After housing expenses, residents keep 88.9% of their income, demonstrating strong discretionary spending, and the area is placed in the 8th decile on the SEIFA income index.

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At the time of the latest Census, residential dwellings in the suburb of Shorncliffe consisted of 82.2% standalone houses and 17.9% other property types, including townhouses and apartments, compared to 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings across the Brisbane metro area. Furthermore, home ownership in the suburb of Shorncliffe was substantially higher than the Brisbane metro average, standing at 39.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (35.7%) or tenants renting (25.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,201 was significantly higher than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $275, compared to $380 in Brisbane metro. On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb of Shorncliffe are notably above the Australian average of $1,863, whereas weekly rents sit well below the national average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 70.8%, consisting of couples with children at 36.9%, couples without children at 23.7%, and single parent households at 9.3%. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.2%, with single-person households representing 26.1% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is identical to the average for Greater Brisbane.

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The level of education in the suburb of Shorncliffe is substantially higher than broader averages, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% throughout QLD and 28.2% in the SA3 region. This educational profile prepares the area well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.9% and graduate diplomas at 7.2%. Vocational and technical skills are also well represented, with 31.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 19.6%.

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Public transport data shows 15 stops operating within the suburb of Shorncliffe, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 22 routes, which support a total of 1,543 weekly passenger trips. Access to transport is strong, with residents living an average of 128 meters from their closest stop. As the area is mostly residential, many residents travel outside the suburb for work, with private cars being the primary mode of travel at 86%, and trains accounting for 9%. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.5. A significant portion of residents, 28.5%, worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

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An evaluation of health indicators shows positive outcomes throughout the suburb of Shorncliffe, according to Districts' review of mortality and chronic illness rates, which reveals a low prevalence of common conditions among both younger and older age brackets, alongside a high rate of private health insurance held by approximately 57% of the population, or about 1,103 people.

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The suburb of Shorncliffe displays a lower level of cultural diversity compared to average benchmarks, with 82.7% of residents born in Australia, 91.2% holding citizenship, and 94.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 51.4% of the population in the suburb of Shorncliffe, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

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The median age in the suburb of Shorncliffe is 47 years, which is higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and the Australian median of 38. The 55 - 64 age group is larger locally at 18.4% compared to the Greater Brisbane average, while 25 - 34 year-olds are less common at 5.2%. This local concentration of 55 - 64 year-olds is higher than the national average of 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 10.5% to 13.2% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.2% to 6.3%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 17.7% to 15.0%, and the 85+ group declined from 1.9% to 0.4%. Projections for 2041 suggest changes to the demographics of the suburb of Shorncliffe, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 49 people (41%) from 121 to 171. The aging trend is clear, as residents aged 65 and over represent the entirety of the projected growth, while the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 brackets are expected to contract.

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Shorncliffe currently has an estimated 57 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 42 children aged 0-2 and 27 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 46 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 179. Birth rates in the area have averaged 5.5 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.