Sunrise Beach (Qld)

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Estimates from Districts, which combine ABS population adjustments for the surrounding region and post-Census address verification, place the population of the suburb of Sunrise Beach at approximately 4,016 by May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census tally of 3,687 residents, this represents an expansion of 329 people (8.9%). Districts calculated this updated resident figure of 4,016 by analyzing the ABS's most recent ERP release from June 2025 alongside 7 validated new addresses established after the Census. Consequently, the local density stands at 1,612 persons per square kilometer, a concentration that exceeds typical national figures monitored by Districts. With an expansion rate of 8.9% relative to the 2021 census, the locality outpaced the broader SA3 region's 6.1% growth, establishing it as a primary driver of growth locally. This upward trajectory was chiefly powered by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 82.0% of the population growth in recent times, though natural increase and interstate migration also made positive contributions.

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Data compiled by Districts for local statistical boundaries indicates the suburb of Sunrise Beach has a highly educated workforce, a prominent tourism and hospitality sector, and an unemployment rate of only 2.4%. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,217, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.5% below the Regional Qld level of 3.9%. Labor force participation is relatively standard, registered at 67.7% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census responses show a moderate 23.8% of the working population performed their duties from home, though this may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.

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Tax statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023, compiled by Districts, show that the suburb of Sunrise Beach has an exceptionally high income profile by national standards. The median income for local taxpayers is $47,189, and the average income is $85,971, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $52,550 for the median and $95,737 for the average. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Sunrise Beach around the 56th percentile nationally. The most prominent weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, accounting for 34.0% of households (1,365 residents), which is consistent with the 31.7% recorded across the broader region. Housing costs absorb of income, yet robust earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the local SEIFA income score falls in the th decile.

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Census data shows that the housing stock in the suburb of Sunrise Beach consists of 68.0% houses and 32.0% other dwellings, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Sunrise Beach align with the Regional Qld average at 34.1%, while the remaining properties are mortgaged (38.0%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,167 is much higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent is $508 compared to the regional figure of $345. Locally, mortgage payments are significantly higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well above the national median of $375.

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Family households represent the largest group at 73.2% of all homes, which is made up of 32.1% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.8%, consisting of lone person households at 21.2% and group households at 5.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Regional Qld average.

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The level of education in the suburb of Sunrise Beach is high compared to regional averages, with 33.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Qld and 24.9% in the SA4 region. This educational profile positions the community well for professional and technical roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%. Vocational training is also common, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.8%) and vocational certificates (22.7%).

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Public transport services in the suburb of Sunrise Beach include 13 active bus stops. These stops are serviced by 3 routes, which provide 567 passenger trips each week. Transport access is convenient, with residents living an average of 185 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to other areas. Private vehicles are the main form of transport at 91%, while 3% of residents ride bicycles. The average number of vehicles per home is 1.5. A total of 23.8% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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Health data shows excellent results for the suburb of Sunrise Beach, with Districts identifying low rates of mortality and chronic illness across all age ranges, and a high proportion of residents holding private health insurance at approximately 61% of the population (2,460 people). This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Sunrise Beach has a diverse cultural profile, with 10.5% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 27.7% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 40.6% of the population. The most prominent religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.5% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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The median age in the suburb of Sunrise Beach is 44 years, which is slightly higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 years and older than the national median of 38 years. The largest age group is 45 - 54 year-olds at 16.9%, while the 65 - 74 age group is smaller at 8.8% than is typical for Regional Qld. Since 2021, the proportion of 25 to 34 year-olds has increased from 9.2% to 11.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.5% to 6.3%. In contrast, the 65 to 74 group fell from 10.4% to 8.8%, and the 45 to cohort decreased from to . Projections for suggest changing demographics, with the to age bracket expected to grow by (adding residents to reach ), while the to and to cohorts are projected to decrease in size.

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Sunrise Beach currently has an estimated 164 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 93 children aged 0-2 and 61 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 5% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 185 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 367. 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.