Population growth
- Last updated:
- 22 Oct 2020
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.