Sunshine Coast Council

The population of the Sunshine Coast is forecast to grow to over 500,000 people by 2041. It is anticipated that we will require a total of over 217,230 dwellings.

Council is planning ahead for this increased population through the Environment and Liveability Strategy.

The population, dwelling statistics and demographics of the Sunshine Coast between 2021 and 2041, is forecast below:

• there will be an increase of approximately 166,580 persons, or over 8,300 people per year
• the majority of population growth will be provided through net migration (99% of all population growth)
• the largest of population increases will be those aged 75 years and over, and the second largest will be those 40-54 years (i.e. more established families)
• there will be an increase of approximately 71,230 dwellings and 68,370 households (or over 3,560 dwellings and 3,420 households per year)

Total population

2021	2031	2041
351,424	436,785	518,004

Population Growth

Measure	2021-2031	2031-2041
Additional People	85,361	81,218
Proportion Growth	24.3%	18.6%
Average annual change	2.2%	1.7%

Components of growth

Natural increase (births minus deaths)

	2011-2021	2021-2031	2031-2041
Births	36,983	46,068	56,303
Deaths	36,783	45,896	53,824
Natural increase	200	172	2,479

 Migration

	2011-2021	2021-2031	2031-2041
In migration	322,756	382,256	449,356
Out migration	231,400	299,878	370,120
Net migration	91,356	82,378	79,236

Migration origins (Origin of people who migrated to the Sunshine Coast post 2006)

Migration source
Queensland	Other States	Overseas
46%	28%	26%

Population growth contribution

	2011-2021	2021-2031	2031-2041
Natural increase	0.2%	0.2%	3.0%
Net migration	99.8%	99.8%	97.0%

Age group changes

2016-2026 comparison

10 year forecast

Total dwellings and households

	2021	2031	2041
Dwellings	146,000	182,860	217,230
Households	142,600	178,020	210,970

Dwelling growth (10 year change)

Measure	2021-2031	2031-2041
Additional dwellings	36,860	34,375
Proportion growth	25.2%	18.8%

Household growth (10 year change)

Measure	2021-2031	2031-2041
Additional households	35,420	32,950
Proportion growth	24.8%	18.5%

Download a copy of the Population Growth fact sheet[4842KB]. 

If you would like any further information regarding demographics, please contact council via email or read the full community profile by .idcommunity.