Population change

The Sunshine Coast has something for everyone. Our competitive business environment and idyllic natural environment underpin our unique lifestyle. Our region is a popular place to visit, and to live. Indeed, over 94% of new residents move here from other parts of Australia.

Over the past 10 years, the population of the Sunshine Coast increased by over 80,000 people. This is a trend predicted to continue. In fact, our average rate of growth is set to increase, with approximately 8,000 new residents each year calling the Sunshine Coast home.

In 2021, our region had a population of 346,648 residents with 149,000 dwellings. We expect our population to grow to over 500,000 people by 2041. It’s likely that many of our new residents will be:

• 35-49 years of age, with children under 15
• 65 years of age and older.

We need careful planning and delivery around population growth. This is so we retain the liveability of our region, and preserve and enhance our natural environment.

To house our new residents, we project we will need an additional 90,000 new dwellings (approximately). We also need further urban development and supporting infrastructure. Our new and improved infrastructure, facilities and services also benefits our tourism industry.

Our new residents will have housing choice. Around 55% of new residents will choose to live in our emerging communities (Kawana, Caloundra South, Sippy Downs, Palmview and Beerwah East) with others preferring established areas. Low-rise buildings in town centres and public transit corridors provide modern lifestyle options.

To support this growth, additional infrastructure is required to maintain our liveability, such as additional high quality sport venues and recreation parks, community facilities, health, education, an integrated multi-modal transport network, responsive services, efficient and secure utilities and new local employment opportunities.

While the number of people calling the Sunshine Coast home is increasing, the characteristics of our community are also changing and major social issues such as cost of living pressures and mental and chronic health challenges are on the rise. It is important that the quality of our way of life is planned for, with a focus placed on creating a strong community - healthy and active, vibrant, inclusive, connected and resilient, creative and innovative.

Through the Environment and Liveability Strategy, we'll aim to create more vibrant and diverse communities. We'll also work towards improve access to services and facilities, and the shape of our urban form.