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Brisbane vs Sunshine Coast

Council (LGA) comparison ≈ 88 km apart · Brisbane profile · Sunshine Coast profile

Brisbane Sunshine Coast

Brisbane and Sunshine Coast are two major Queensland hubs with very different profiles. Brisbane is a diverse, highly walkable city where 31.8% of people were born overseas and 24.0% use another language at home. It has a more qualified workforce, with 38.1% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, and a higher share of high-income households, where 29.3% earn $3,000 or more a week. In contrast, Sunshine Coast is more residential, with 73.1% of homes being separate houses compared to 62.6% in Brisbane. It is also less walkable, with a score of 4.8 (somewhat walkable) compared to Brisbane's 7.4 (very walkable).

Everyday life shares many similarities across both areas, including almost identical rates of volunteering (15.7%) and the same share of children under 15 (17.4%). While the two areas are quite different in their layout and demographics, some gaps are shifting. The age difference is narrowing, as residents in Sunshine Coast are noticeably older, though the gap fell from 8 years to 7 years since 2016. Similarly, the gap in Year 12 completion has narrowed slightly to 17.7%.

Where they differ most

Demographics & Identity

Population in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +900,284 larger in Brisbane gap steady
1,242,825 100th pct 342,541 89th pct
  • First area, 2011: 1,041,839
  • First area, 2016: 1,131,155
  • First area, 2021: 1,242,825
  • Second area, 2016: 294,367
  • Second area, 2021: 342,541
Median age in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +7 yrs older in Sunshine Coast gap narrowing
36 yrs 19th pct 43 yrs 57th pct
  • First area, 2011: 34 yrs
  • First area, 2016: 35 yrs
  • First area, 2021: 36 yrs
  • Second area, 2016: 43 yrs
  • Second area, 2021: 43 yrs
First Nations in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.6 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap steady
1.8% 27th pct 2.4% 34th pct
  • First area, 2011: 1.4%
  • First area, 2016: 1.5%
  • First area, 2021: 1.8%
  • Second area, 2016: 1.9%
  • Second area, 2021: 2.4%
Aged 65+ in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +8.2 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap steady
13.5% 22nd pct 21.7% 61st pct
  • First area, 2011: 11.6%
  • First area, 2016: 12.5%
  • First area, 2021: 13.5%
  • Second area, 2016: 20.4%
  • Second area, 2021: 21.7%
Under 15 in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast even gap steady
17.4% 47th pct 17.4% 47th pct
  • First area, 2011: 17.8%
  • First area, 2016: 17.6%
  • First area, 2021: 17.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 18.1%
  • Second area, 2021: 17.4%
De facto in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.3 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
12.6% 47th pct 12.3% 41st pct
  • First area, 2011: 10.2%
  • First area, 2016: 11.0%
  • First area, 2021: 12.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 11.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 12.3%

Age structure

31.9% Young adults (25–44) ◂ +8.5 pts 23.4%
23.4% Older adults (45–64) +3.2 pts ▸ 26.6%
13.5% Seniors (65+) +8.2 pts ▸ 21.7%
17.4% Children (0–14) ◂ +0.1 pts 17.4%
13.8% Youth (15–24) ◂ +2.9 pts 10.9%

Marital status

44.0% Married +4.5 pts ▸ 48.6%
41.2% Never married ◂ +9.6 pts 31.7%
8.1% Divorced +2.8 pts ▸ 10.9%
3.8% Widowed +1.6 pts ▸ 5.4%
2.8% Separated +0.6 pts ▸ 3.4%

Age & sex structure

Brisbane Sunshine Coast

Bars show the share of each area's own population, so differently sized areas stay comparable.

  • 85+ in Brisbane: 0.7% males, 1.2% females; 85+ in Sunshine Coast: 1.1% males, 1.6% females
  • 80–84 in Brisbane: 0.8% males, 1.0% females; 80–84 in Sunshine Coast: 1.3% males, 1.5% females
  • 75–79 in Brisbane: 1.2% males, 1.4% females; 75–79 in Sunshine Coast: 2.0% males, 2.2% females
  • 70–74 in Brisbane: 1.6% males, 1.8% females; 70–74 in Sunshine Coast: 2.8% males, 3.1% females
  • 65–69 in Brisbane: 1.9% males, 2.1% females; 65–69 in Sunshine Coast: 2.9% males, 3.2% females
  • 60–64 in Brisbane: 2.3% males, 2.5% females; 60–64 in Sunshine Coast: 3.1% males, 3.5% females
  • 55–59 in Brisbane: 2.7% males, 2.8% females; 55–59 in Sunshine Coast: 3.0% males, 3.6% females
  • 50–54 in Brisbane: 3.1% males, 3.2% females; 50–54 in Sunshine Coast: 3.2% males, 3.5% females
  • 45–49 in Brisbane: 3.4% males, 3.5% females; 45–49 in Sunshine Coast: 3.2% males, 3.5% females
  • 40–44 in Brisbane: 3.5% males, 3.6% females; 40–44 in Sunshine Coast: 2.9% males, 3.2% females
  • 35–39 in Brisbane: 4.0% males, 4.1% females; 35–39 in Sunshine Coast: 2.9% males, 3.3% females
  • 30–34 in Brisbane: 4.1% males, 4.2% females; 30–34 in Sunshine Coast: 2.7% males, 3.0% females
  • 25–29 in Brisbane: 4.2% males, 4.2% females; 25–29 in Sunshine Coast: 2.5% males, 2.8% females
  • 20–24 in Brisbane: 3.9% males, 3.9% females; 20–24 in Sunshine Coast: 2.5% males, 2.6% females
  • 15–19 in Brisbane: 3.0% males, 2.9% females; 15–19 in Sunshine Coast: 3.0% males, 2.9% females
  • 10–14 in Brisbane: 3.1% males, 2.9% females; 10–14 in Sunshine Coast: 3.3% males, 3.1% females
  • 5–9 in Brisbane: 3.1% males, 2.9% females; 5–9 in Sunshine Coast: 3.0% males, 2.9% females
  • 0–4 in Brisbane: 2.8% males, 2.7% females; 0–4 in Sunshine Coast: 2.6% males, 2.4% females

Ancestry & Birthplace

Born overseas in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +11.2 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
31.8% 87th pct 20.7% 74th pct
  • First area, 2011: 28.3%
  • First area, 2016: 30.6%
  • First area, 2021: 31.8%
  • Second area, 2016: 19.6%
  • Second area, 2021: 20.7%

Country of birth

64.4% Australia +9.9 pts ▸ 74.3%
3.4% England +2.5 pts ▸ 5.9%
3.4% New Zealand +0.9 pts ▸ 4.3%
3.0% China ◂ +2.7 pts 0.2%
2.8% India ◂ +2.2 pts 0.7%
1.3% Vietnam ◂ +1.2 pts 0.1%
1.1% South Africa +0.1 pts ▸ 1.2%
1.1% Philippines ◂ +0.7 pts 0.5%
0.4% Nepal ◂ +0.2 pts 0.2%
0.4% Italy ◂ +0.2 pts 0.2%

Ancestry

33.3% English +12.3 pts ▸ 45.6%
27.9% Australian +7.6 pts ▸ 35.5%
12.3% Irish +0.2 pts ▸ 12.5%
10.2% Scottish +2.1 pts ▸ 12.3%
7.7% Chinese ◂ +6.7 pts 1.0%
5.2% German +1.4 pts ▸ 6.6%
3.7% Indian ◂ +2.8 pts 0.9%
3.4% Italian ◂ +0.8 pts 2.6%
1.5% Dutch +0.5 pts ▸ 2.0%
1.9% Vietnamese ◂ +1.7 pts 0.2%
1.7% Filipino ◂ +1.0 pts 0.7%
1.1% Greek ◂ +0.7 pts 0.5%

Language

Other language in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +17.8 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
24.0% 82nd pct 6.1% 51st pct
  • First area, 2011: 18.5%
  • First area, 2016: 22.4%
  • First area, 2021: 24.0%
  • Second area, 2016: 5.0%
  • Second area, 2021: 6.1%
Limited English in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +2.9 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
3.4% 86th pct 0.5% 44th pct
  • First area, 2016: 3.6%
  • First area, 2021: 3.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 0.5%
  • Second area, 2021: 0.5%

Language used at home

71.6% English only +17.1 pts ▸ 88.8%
4.4% Mandarin ◂ +4.1 pts 0.3%
1.7% Vietnamese ◂ +1.6 pts 0.1%
1.5% Cantonese ◂ +1.4 pts 0.1%
1.0% Punjabi ◂ +0.8 pts 0.3%
0.9% Hindi ◂ +0.8 pts 0.1%
0.6% Arabic ◂ +0.5 pts 0.1%
0.6% Italian ◂ +0.3 pts 0.3%
0.5% Greek ◂ +0.4 pts 0.1%
0.5% Tagalog ◂ +0.3 pts 0.2%

Religion

No religion in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +5.3 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap widening
41.4% 51st pct 46.7% 76th pct
  • First area, 2011: 23.3%
  • First area, 2016: 32.2%
  • First area, 2021: 41.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 34.1%
  • Second area, 2021: 46.7%

Religious affiliation

41.4% No religion +5.3 pts ▸ 46.7%
43.1% Christianity +0.5 pts ▸ 43.6%
6.1% Not stated +1.1 pts ▸ 7.1%
2.9% Hinduism ◂ +2.2 pts 0.7%
2.7% Buddhism ◂ +1.7 pts 1.0%
2.3% Islam ◂ +2.0 pts 0.2%
1.3% Other religions ◂ +0.8 pts 0.5%
0.1% Judaism even 0.1%

Education & Qualifications

Year 12 in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +17.7 pts higher in Brisbane gap narrowing
74.1% 94th pct 56.4% 79th pct
  • First area, 2011: 64.3%
  • First area, 2016: 68.8%
  • First area, 2021: 74.1%
  • Second area, 2016: 50.1%
  • Second area, 2021: 56.4%
Bachelor+ in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +16.6 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
38.1% 91st pct 21.5% 76th pct
  • First area, 2011: 28.7%
  • First area, 2016: 32.6%
  • First area, 2021: 38.1%
  • Second area, 2016: 16.9%
  • Second area, 2021: 21.5%
Schools in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +237 more in Brisbane
318 100th pct 81 88th pct
Schools/1k kids in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.11 more in Brisbane
1.47 8th pct 1.36 5th pct
Students in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +162,454 more in Brisbane
219,026 100th pct 56,572 89th pct
Avg size in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +7 larger in Sunshine Coast
691 96th pct 698 97th pct
ICSEA in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +45 higher in Brisbane
1,095 90th pct 1,050 82nd pct

Highest year of school

74.1% Year 12 ◂ +17.7 pts 56.4%
11.7% Year 10 +11.0 pts ▸ 22.7%
4.1% Year 11 +3.5 pts ▸ 7.6%
5.1% Year 9 or below +1.8 pts ▸ 6.9%

Highest qualification level

36.1% Bachelor degree ◂ +12.9 pts 23.2%
17.8% Certificate III / IV +14.2 pts ▸ 32.0%
14.1% Advanced diploma / diploma +2.8 pts ▸ 16.8%
14.1% Postgraduate degree ◂ +7.8 pts 6.3%
5.0% Graduate diploma / certificate ◂ +1.3 pts 3.7%
1.5% Certificate I / II +0.6 pts ▸ 2.0%

Field of qualification

22.6% Management & commerce ◂ +5.7 pts 17.0%
12.2% Engineering & related +1.0 pts ▸ 13.3%
12.9% Society & culture ◂ +1.4 pts 11.6%
11.8% Health +1.1 pts ▸ 12.9%
7.2% Education +2.1 pts ▸ 9.3%
4.5% Architecture & building +3.0 pts ▸ 7.5%
4.1% Food, hospitality & personal services +2.0 pts ▸ 6.1%
5.0% Creative arts ◂ +1.5 pts 3.5%
4.3% Information technology ◂ +2.7 pts 1.6%
4.0% Natural & physical sciences ◂ +1.9 pts 2.1%
1.2% Agriculture & environment +1.0 pts ▸ 2.2%

Income

Personal income in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +$192 higher in Brisbane gap widening
$947 81st pct $755 53rd pct
  • First area, 2011: $696
  • First area, 2016: $770
  • First area, 2021: $947
  • Second area, 2016: $615
  • Second area, 2021: $755
Household income in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +$473 higher in Brisbane gap steady
$2,068 87th pct $1,595 65th pct
  • First area, 2011: $1,547
  • First area, 2016: $1,746
  • First area, 2021: $2,068
  • Second area, 2016: $1,275
  • Second area, 2021: $1,595
Family income in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +$554 higher in Brisbane gap narrowing
$2,474 87th pct $1,920 61st pct
  • First area, 2011: $1,873
  • First area, 2016: $2,091
  • First area, 2021: $2,474
  • Second area, 2016: $1,491
  • Second area, 2021: $1,920
High earners in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +7.4 pts higher in Brisbane gap widening
17.1% 86th pct 9.6% 59th pct
  • First area, 2011: 8.8%
  • First area, 2016: 11.2%
  • First area, 2021: 17.1%
  • Second area, 2016: 5.8%
  • Second area, 2021: 9.6%
High-income homes in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +11.0 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
29.3% 88th pct 18.3% 67th pct
  • First area, 2011: 14.7%
  • First area, 2016: 20.5%
  • First area, 2021: 29.3%
  • Second area, 2016: 10.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 18.3%

Household income distribution

30.5% $1,500–$2,999 ◂ +0.5 pts 30.0%
22.0% $650–$1,499 +6.6 pts ▸ 28.6%
17.3% $4,000 or more ◂ +8.2 pts 9.1%
12.4% Under $650 +3.0 pts ▸ 15.4%
12.0% $3,000–$3,999 ◂ +2.8 pts 9.2%

Personal income distribution

35.0% Under $650 +5.8 pts ▸ 40.9%
30.4% $650–$1,499 +2.7 pts ▸ 33.2%
21.8% $1,500–$2,999 ◂ +6.3 pts 15.5%
7.2% $3,000 or more ◂ +3.5 pts 3.7%

Health & Disability

Health condition in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +4.7 pts higher in Sunshine Coast
25.4% 31st pct 30.1% 55th pct
Mental health in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.3 pts higher in Sunshine Coast
9.1% 59th pct 9.4% 63rd pct
Needs assistance in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1.6 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap steady
4.6% 33rd pct 6.2% 63rd pct
  • First area, 2011: 3.6%
  • First area, 2016: 4.0%
  • First area, 2021: 4.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 5.7%
  • Second area, 2021: 6.2%

Long-term health conditions reported

6.3% Arthritis +4.2 pts ▸ 10.5%
9.1% Mental health +0.3 pts ▸ 9.4%
8.3% Other condition +0.4 pts ▸ 8.7%
7.8% Asthma +0.4 pts ▸ 8.1%
3.4% Heart disease +1.3 pts ▸ 4.7%
2.7% Cancer +1.1 pts ▸ 3.8%
3.6% Diabetes +0.1 pts ▸ 3.7%
1.3% Lung condition +0.9 pts ▸ 2.2%
0.7% Stroke +0.4 pts ▸ 1.1%
0.6% Dementia +0.3 pts ▸ 0.9%

Number of long-term health conditions

68.0% None ◂ +6.3 pts 61.6%
18.1% One condition +2.0 pts ▸ 20.1%
5.0% Two conditions +1.6 pts ▸ 6.6%
2.3% Three or more +1.1 pts ▸ 3.4%

Community Participation

Volunteering in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast even gap steady
15.7% 38th pct 15.7% 38th pct
  • First area, 2011: 20.6%
  • First area, 2016: 20.4%
  • First area, 2021: 15.7%
  • Second area, 2016: 20.7%
  • Second area, 2021: 15.7%
Unpaid carers in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1.2 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap steady
10.6% 29th pct 11.8% 44th pct
  • First area, 2011: 9.6%
  • First area, 2016: 9.9%
  • First area, 2021: 10.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 11.1%
  • Second area, 2021: 11.8%
Unpaid child care in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.3 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
26.4% 63rd pct 26.1% 61st pct
  • First area, 2011: 26.8%
  • First area, 2016: 27.1%
  • First area, 2021: 26.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 27.8%
  • Second area, 2021: 26.1%
Defence service in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.8 pts higher in Sunshine Coast
3.2% 57th pct 4.0% 80th pct
Housework 15h+ in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +4.1 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap narrowing
19.0% 26th pct 23.1% 60th pct
  • First area, 2011: 19.4%
  • First area, 2016: 18.2%
  • First area, 2021: 19.0%
  • Second area, 2016: 23.3%
  • Second area, 2021: 23.1%

First Nations

First Nations people in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +14,608 larger in Brisbane
22,940 100th pct 8,332 90th pct
Median age in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +3 yrs older in Brisbane
26 yrs 57th pct 23 yrs 29th pct
Year 12 in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +6.9 pts higher in Brisbane
56.9% 91st pct 50.0% 86th pct
Unemployment in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +2.9 pts higher in Brisbane
10.9% 46th pct 7.9% 26th pct
Median income in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +$34 higher in Brisbane
$687 78th pct $653 74th pct
Household income in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +$21 higher in Brisbane
$1,806 80th pct $1,785 79th pct
Indigenous language in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +3.5 pts higher in Brisbane
7.4% 67th pct 3.9% 40th pct

Family & Households

Household size in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast even gap narrowing
2.5 71st pct 2.5 71st pct
  • First area, 2011: 2.6
  • First area, 2016: 2.6
  • First area, 2021: 2.5
  • Second area, 2016: 2.5
  • Second area, 2021: 2.5
One-parent in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1.4 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap steady
12.4% 38th pct 13.8% 52nd pct
  • First area, 2011: 12.8%
  • First area, 2016: 12.3%
  • First area, 2021: 12.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 14.1%
  • Second area, 2021: 13.8%
Living alone in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +2.1 pts higher in Brisbane gap widening
25.6% 28th pct 23.5% 20th pct
  • First area, 2011: 24.0%
  • First area, 2016: 23.7%
  • First area, 2021: 25.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 23.5%
  • Second area, 2021: 23.5%

Family composition

59.3% Couples with children ◂ +6.1 pts 53.2%
26.6% Couples without children +5.6 pts ▸ 32.2%
12.4% One-parent families +1.4 pts ▸ 13.8%
1.6% Other families ◂ +0.8 pts 0.8%

Household size

33.4% 2 people +4.8 pts ▸ 38.2%
25.6% 1 person ◂ +2.1 pts 23.5%
16.7% 3 people ◂ +1.6 pts 15.1%
15.9% 4 people ◂ +1.1 pts 14.7%
5.9% 5 people ◂ +0.1 pts 5.9%
2.6% 6 or more even 2.6%

Housing & Dwellings

Rent in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +$32 higher in Sunshine Coast gap widening
$408 87th pct $440 90th pct
  • First area, 2011: $350
  • First area, 2016: $390
  • First area, 2021: $408
  • Second area, 2016: $370
  • Second area, 2021: $440
Mortgage in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +$104 higher in Brisbane gap narrowing
$2,019 83rd pct $1,915 79th pct
  • First area, 2011: $2,100
  • First area, 2016: $2,000
  • First area, 2021: $2,019
  • Second area, 2016: $1,800
  • Second area, 2021: $1,915
People / bedroom in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast even gap steady
0.80 43rd pct 0.80 43rd pct
  • First area, 2011: 1.10
  • First area, 2016: 0.80
  • First area, 2021: 0.80
  • Second area, 2016: 0.80
  • Second area, 2021: 0.80
Renting in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +11.0 pts higher in Brisbane gap widening
38.3% 80th pct 27.3% 57th pct
  • First area, 2011: 35.7%
  • First area, 2016: 36.9%
  • First area, 2021: 38.3%
  • Second area, 2016: 29.6%
  • Second area, 2021: 27.3%
Owned outright in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +8.6 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap widening
25.3% 20th pct 33.9% 39th pct
  • First area, 2011: 27.7%
  • First area, 2016: 26.5%
  • First area, 2021: 25.3%
  • Second area, 2016: 33.1%
  • Second area, 2021: 33.9%
Separate houses in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +10.5 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap widening
62.6% 12th pct 73.1% 19th pct
  • First area, 2011: 70.9%
  • First area, 2016: 67.4%
  • First area, 2021: 62.6%
  • Second area, 2016: 73.6%
  • Second area, 2021: 73.1%
3+ bedrooms in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +7.7 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap widening
69.5% 24th pct 77.2% 51st pct
  • First area, 2011: 72.7%
  • First area, 2016: 71.3%
  • First area, 2021: 69.5%
  • Second area, 2016: 76.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 77.2%

How homes are owned or rented

38.3% Rented ◂ +11.0 pts 27.3%
33.7% Owned with a mortgage +0.9 pts ▸ 34.5%
25.3% Owned outright +8.6 pts ▸ 33.9%
1.6% Other tenure +1.3 pts ▸ 2.9%
1.2% Not stated +0.2 pts ▸ 1.4%

Types of homes

62.6% Separate house +10.5 pts ▸ 73.1%
25.6% Flat or apartment ◂ +12.8 pts 12.8%
11.3% Townhouse / semi-detached +1.7 pts ▸ 13.0%
0.3% Other dwelling +0.5 pts ▸ 0.8%

Bedrooms per home

34.2% 3 bedrooms +3.4 pts ▸ 37.6%
25.4% 4 bedrooms +6.8 pts ▸ 32.2%
21.5% 2 bedrooms ◂ +4.0 pts 17.5%
9.9% 5 or more ◂ +2.5 pts 7.4%
7.3% 1 bedroom ◂ +3.8 pts 3.5%
0.5% Studio / none ◂ +0.1 pts 0.5%

Weekly rent distribution

54.6% $350–$549 ◂ +0.5 pts 54.1%
18.6% $200–$349 ◂ +2.4 pts 16.2%
12.2% $550–$749 +3.9 pts ▸ 16.0%
8.3% Under $200 ◂ +0.9 pts 7.4%
3.7% $750 or more ◂ +0.5 pts 3.2%

Monthly mortgage distribution

35.6% $1,800–$2,999 +2.3 pts ▸ 37.9%
25.4% $1,000–$1,799 +3.0 pts ▸ 28.4%
21.6% $3,000 or more ◂ +8.3 pts 13.3%
12.1% Under $1,000 +1.9 pts ▸ 14.0%

Transport & Vehicles

No car in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +4.2 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
8.1% 77th pct 3.9% 32nd pct
  • First area, 2011: 9.7%
  • First area, 2016: 8.4%
  • First area, 2021: 8.1%
  • Second area, 2016: 4.4%
  • Second area, 2021: 3.9%
Work from home in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +6.9 pts higher in Brisbane gap widening
21.4% 83rd pct 14.6% 63rd pct
  • First area, 2011: 4.1%
  • First area, 2016: 4.8%
  • First area, 2021: 21.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 7.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 14.6%
PT commute in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +5.8 pts higher in Brisbane gap narrowing
6.8% 90th pct 0.9% 48th pct
  • First area, 2011: 13.5%
  • First area, 2016: 12.6%
  • First area, 2021: 6.8%
  • Second area, 2016: 1.6%
  • Second area, 2021: 0.9%
PT stops in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +5,199 more in Brisbane
5,990 100th pct 791 86th pct
Stops/1k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +2.51 more in Brisbane
4.82 70th pct 2.31 40th pct
Departures/1k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1,064.2 more in Brisbane
1,578.9 87th pct 514.7 72nd pct
PT routes in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +378 more in Brisbane
429 100th pct 51 86th pct
28 61st pct
Drive to city in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +58 longer in Sunshine Coast
20 29th pct 78 60th pct

How people get to work

48.1% Car (driver) +14.5 pts ▸ 62.6%
21.4% Worked at home ◂ +6.9 pts 14.6%
4.0% Bus ◂ +3.3 pts 0.7%
3.7% Car (passenger) +0.2 pts ▸ 3.9%
3.2% Walked ◂ +1.2 pts 2.0%
2.5% Train ◂ +2.3 pts 0.2%
1.2% Bicycle ◂ +0.4 pts 0.7%

Motor vehicles per home

36.7% 2 vehicles +3.1 pts ▸ 39.8%
39.6% 1 vehicle ◂ +4.4 pts 35.2%
10.4% 3 vehicles +2.9 pts ▸ 13.4%
8.1% No vehicle ◂ +4.2 pts 3.9%
5.1% 4 or more +2.6 pts ▸ 7.7%

Migration & Movement

Recent movers in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.1 pts higher in Sunshine Coast gap steady
48.2% 92nd pct 48.3% 92nd pct
  • First area, 2011: 45.7%
  • First area, 2016: 46.9%
  • First area, 2021: 48.2%
  • Second area, 2016: 47.3%
  • Second area, 2021: 48.3%
Recent arrivals in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +6.6 pts higher in Brisbane gap narrowing
17.4% 74th pct 10.8% 47th pct
  • First area, 2011: 27.4%
  • First area, 2016: 22.9%
  • First area, 2021: 17.4%
  • Second area, 2016: 12.4%
  • Second area, 2021: 10.8%

Jobs & Industry

Unemployment in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.6 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
5.0% 64th pct 4.4% 50th pct
  • First area, 2011: 5.3%
  • First area, 2016: 6.8%
  • First area, 2021: 5.0%
  • Second area, 2016: 7.2%
  • Second area, 2021: 4.4%
Participation in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +8.7 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
67.9% 93rd pct 59.3% 57th pct
  • First area, 2011: 66.6%
  • First area, 2016: 65.7%
  • First area, 2021: 67.9%
  • Second area, 2016: 57.9%
  • Second area, 2021: 59.3%
Full-time in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +7.9 pts higher in Brisbane gap steady
60.3% 56th pct 52.4% 11th pct
  • First area, 2011: 65.2%
  • First area, 2016: 63.6%
  • First area, 2021: 60.3%
  • Second area, 2016: 56.5%
  • Second area, 2021: 52.4%

Industries people work in

15.7% Health care & social assistance +2.3 pts ▸ 18.0%
6.7% Construction +5.5 pts ▸ 12.1%
11.5% Professional & technical ◂ +5.4 pts 6.1%
8.2% Retail trade +1.6 pts ▸ 9.8%
9.8% Education & training ◂ +0.9 pts 8.8%
7.0% Accommodation & food +1.3 pts ▸ 8.3%
6.9% Public administration & safety ◂ +3.0 pts 3.9%
4.7% Manufacturing even 4.6%
4.6% Transport & warehousing ◂ +1.5 pts 3.1%
4.0% Finance & insurance ◂ +1.2 pts 2.9%
3.4% Other services +0.6 pts ▸ 4.0%
3.3% Administrative & support +0.2 pts ▸ 3.5%

Occupations people work in

32.0% Professionals ◂ +10.9 pts 21.1%
9.9% Technicians & trades +5.3 pts ▸ 15.2%
14.0% Managers ◂ +1.7 pts 12.3%
10.5% Community & personal service +2.9 pts ▸ 13.4%
13.1% Clerical & administrative ◂ +1.0 pts 12.1%
6.9% Labourers +2.9 pts ▸ 9.7%
7.7% Sales workers +1.9 pts ▸ 9.5%
4.3% Machinery operators & drivers +0.6 pts ▸ 4.9%

Economy & Advantage

IRSAD decile in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1 higher in Brisbane
9 86th pct 8 71st pct
IRSD decile in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1 higher in Brisbane
9 86th pct 8 71st pct
IER decile in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1 higher in Sunshine Coast
8 71st pct 9 86th pct
IEO decile in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1 higher in Brisbane
9 86th pct 8 71st pct
IRSAD score in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +60 higher in Brisbane
1,061 89th pct 1,001 76th pct
ERP in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +993,344 higher in Brisbane
1,375,301 100th pct 381,957 89th pct
Growth in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1.3 pts higher in Sunshine Coast
8.9% 86th pct 10.2% 88th pct
Businesses in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +106,677 higher in Brisbane
145,916 100th pct 39,239 89th pct
Approvals in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +4,145 higher in Brisbane
7,365 100th pct 3,220 91st pct

Environment & Climate

Rainfall in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +360 higher in Sunshine Coast
1,251 86th pct 1,611 93rd pct
Max temp in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.9 higher in Brisbane
26.7 72nd pct 25.7 65th pct
Min temp in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.1 higher in Sunshine Coast
14.7 79th pct 14.8 79th pct

Crime & Safety

Crime rate in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +3,928 higher in Brisbane
11,122 68th pct 7,194 40th pct
Assault/100k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +265 higher in Brisbane
797 37th pct 532 18th pct
Sexual/100k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +22 higher in Brisbane
166 26th pct 145 19th pct
Robbery/100k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +31 higher in Brisbane
59 86th pct 28 58th pct
Burglary/100k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +479 higher in Brisbane
861 78th pct 382 34th pct
Theft/100k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +1,355 higher in Brisbane
3,370 92nd pct 2,015 75th pct
Vehicle theft/100k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +227 higher in Brisbane
415 58th pct 188 20th pct
Property damage/100k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +69 higher in Brisbane
616 38th pct 546 32nd pct
Drugs/100k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +811 higher in Brisbane
1,546 84th pct 735 66th pct
5-yr change in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +5.6 pts higher in Brisbane
25.6% 72nd pct 20.0% 66th pct

Walkability

Walk score in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +2.6 higher in Brisbane
7.4 91st pct 4.8 72nd pct
Types ≤15 min in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +2.3 more in Brisbane
6.9 90th pct 4.6 66th pct
15-min city in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +35.0 pts higher in Brisbane
87.8% 89th pct 52.8% 58th pct
Walk to shops in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +30.2 pts higher in Brisbane
86.2% 89th pct 56.0% 64th pct
Walk to transit in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +27.7 pts higher in Brisbane
95.8% 86th pct 68.1% 67th pct
Walk to school in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +36.5 pts higher in Brisbane
88.3% 86th pct 51.8% 45th pct
Walk to a park in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +12.3 pts higher in Brisbane
98.5% 88th pct 86.2% 69th pct
Walk to health in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +28.9 pts higher in Brisbane
75.1% 88th pct 46.2% 64th pct
Amenities/1k in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +2.3 more in Brisbane
14.6 33rd pct 12.4 19th pct
Intersections/km² in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +75 higher in Brisbane
93 83rd pct 18 73rd pct
Mean slope in Brisbanein Sunshine Coast +0.1 pts higher in Sunshine Coast
6.5% 75th pct 6.6% 76th pct

Compare Brisbane with nearby areas

Compare Sunshine Coast with nearby areas

Cite this page

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Brisbane vs Sunshine Coast [Census of Population and Housing]. CensusAtlas, used under CC BY 4.0. https://censusatlas.au/compare/lga/LGA31000/brisbane/vs/LGA36720/sunshine-coast