Sunshine Coast Council

The population of the Sunshine Coast grew by over 79,000 people between 2011 and 2021, and is forecast to grow to over 500,000 people by 2041. It is anticipated that in order to accommodate the population of 2041, 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 Growth fact sheet (PDF, 741KB) provides a summary of the growth of the Sunshine Coast between 2011 and 2021. Key findings include:

• there was an increase of over 79,000 people. This was a 30% increase on the 2011 figure
• the population growth between 2016 and 2021 was one of the highest on record
• the number of people moving to the area continues to increase, with over half of new arrivals coming from other parts of Qld, one in three from other States, and one in five from oversea
• of all population growth between 2011 and 2021, over 80% was from migration, with the remainder coming from natural increase (births minus deaths) 
• the largest population increases was for those aged 70-74 years and over, followed by those aged 65-69 years and 75-79 years
• there was an increase of over 24,400 dwellings and 24,900 households (or almost 2,450 dwellings and 2,500 households per year).

If you would like any more information regarding demographics, please email demographics@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or read the full community profile by .idcommunity.