Population growth
- Last updated:
- 20 Jan 2020
The population of the Sunshine Coast is forecast to grow to over 385,000 people by 2026. It is anticipated that we will require a total of over 168,000 dwellings.
The population, dwelling statistics and demographics of the Sunshine Coast between 2016 and 2026, is forecast below:
- there will be an increase of approximately 83,300 persons, or over 8,300 people per year
- the majority of population growth will be provided through net migration (97% of all population growth)
- the largest of population increases will be those aged 35-39 years and those 0-4 years and 5-9 years (i.e. younger and more established families)
- there will be an increase of approximately 36,700 dwellings and 32,700 households (or over 3,670 dwellings and 3,270 households per year)
Total population
|
2016 |
2021 |
2026 |
|
303,392 |
345,782 |
386,692 |
Population Growth
| Measure | 2016-2021 | 2021-2026 |
| Additional People | 42,389 | 40,910 |
| Proportion Growth | 14.0% | 11.8% |
| Average annual change | 2.7% | 2.3% |
Components of growth
Natural increase (births minus deaths)
| 2016-2021 | 2021-2026 | 2016-2026 | |
| Births | 19,364 | 22,084 | 41,448 |
| Deaths | 19,985 | 22,248 | 42,233 |
| Natural increase | -621 | -164 | -785 |
Migration
| 2016-2021 | 2021-2026 | 2016-2026 | |
| In migration | 165,928 | 182,578 | 348,506 |
| Out migration | 124,765 | 141,668 | 266,433 |
| Net migration | 41,163 | 40,910 | 82,073 |
Migration origins (Origin of people who migrated to the Sunshine Coast post 2006)
| Migration source | ||
| Queensland | Other States | Overseas |
| 37% | 52% | 11% |
Population growth contribution
| 2016-2021 | 2021-2026 | 2016-2026 | |
| Natural increase | -1.5% | -0.4% | -0.9% |
| Net migration | 97.1% | 99.9% | 98.5% |
Age group changes
2016-2026 comparison
10 year forecast
Total dwellings and households
| 2016 | 2021 | 2026 | |
| Dwellings | 131,730 | 150,217 | 168,448 |
| Households | 120,609 | 137,058 | 153,315 |
Dwelling growth (5 year change)
| Measure | 2016-2021 | 2021-2026 |
| Additional dwellings | 18,487 | 18,231 |
| Proportion growth | 14.0% | 12.1% |
Household growth (5 year change)
| Measure | 2016-2021 | 2021-2026 |
| Additional households | 16,449 | 16,257 |
| Proportion growth | 13.6% | 11.9% |
Download a copy of the Population Growth Infographic[4367KB].
If you would like any further information regarding demographics, please contact council via email.