Varsity Lakes (Qld)

Detail

According to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Varsity Lakes has a residency estimated at approximately 18,051 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,558 individuals (9.4%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 16,493 individuals. The shift is calculated from the estimated resident population of 18,051, determined by Districts following an evaluation of the newest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 302 validated new addresses after the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 3,054 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top quartile of national areas evaluated by Districts. The 9.4% growth in the suburb of Varsity Lakes since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (8.0%), as well as the Rest of Qld, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in the area, accounting for roughly of total population increases over recent times.

Detail

Varsity Lakes possesses a highly educated workforce, with significant representation in essential services, a jobless rate of only 3.0%, and a 3.6% estimated increase in employment over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 10,572 local residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 0.9% lower than the 3.9% rate in Regional Qld, and workforce participation is substantially higher than average (72.5% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld). According to Census responses, a moderate 15.9% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

Detail

Taxpayer income levels in Varsity Lakes are below the national average according to the latest ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. The median taxpayer income is $51,265 and the average income is $64,034, compared to Regional Qld averages of $53,146 and $66,593. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be roughly $57,089 (median) and $71,308 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively modest in Varsity Lakes, falling between the 44th and 47th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 35.8% of the population (6,462 individuals) are in the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which aligns with broader trends in the metropolitan region where fall into the same category. Financial pressures from housing are significant, with just of income remaining, placing the area in the th percentile, and its SEIFA income score falls in the th decile.

Detail

The mix of housing in Varsity Lakes at the latest Census consisted of 42.7% houses and 57.3% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional Qld which recorded 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Varsity Lakes was lower than in Regional Qld at 21.3%, with the remaining dwellings holding a mortgage (34.3%) or being rented (44.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional Qld average at $1,842, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $490, compared to Regional Qld figures of $1,655 and $345. On a national level, Varsity Lakes mortgage payments are below the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents are considerably higher than the national average of $375.

Detail

Families represent the majority of households at 69.7%, consisting of 29.1% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.3%, with single person households representing 24.0% and group households making up 6.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is equal to the average across Regional Qld.

Detail

The level of education in Varsity Lakes is well above broader benchmarks, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Qld and 25.4% in the SA4 region. This notable educational lead positions the area well for knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational and technical qualifications are also common, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (23.1%).

Detail

Analysis of transit options indicates 43 active public transport stops operating in Varsity Lakes, combining rail and bus services. These stops are served by 30 separate routes, which together provide 3,203 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is classified as good, with residents typically living 203 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential profile, most residents travel outwards for work, and private vehicles remain the primary travel mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per household, which is below the regional average. Around 15.9% of residents work from home (based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic circumstances).

Detail

Health statistics show positive trends for Varsity Lakes residents, with analysis by Districts of mortality rates and medical conditions indicating outcomes that align with national averages. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the broader population, although it is higher than the national average among older, vulnerable cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly ahead of the average SA2 area, representing approximately 53% of the total population (~9,491 people).

Detail

Varsity Lakes exhibits higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 22.3% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 35.3% born overseas. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 43.8% of the population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

Detail

With a median age of 36, Varsity Lakes is notably younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and slightly younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld averages, the 25 - 34 cohort is highly represented (18.7% locally), whereas the 65 - 74 age group is underrepresented (7.0%). Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 15.9% to 18.7% of the population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.5%. Demographic projections indicate the age profile of Varsity Lakes will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by people () from to . Meanwhile, the to age bracket is projected to increase by a modest ( people).

Detail

Varsity Lakes currently has an estimated 956 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 564 children aged 0-2 and 377 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 36% by 2041 (to approximately 1,302 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,653. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.0 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.