Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile
Deception Bay
32 km²
A growing population of over 22,000 people has seen Deception Bay age and diversify since 2011. This community is now noticeably older than the national average, with a significant increase in seniors and a growing First Nations presence. It is a place where lower typical incomes and a lack of higher qualifications are common, and many residents face long-term health challenges. Despite these pressures, the area remains a large residential hub in the Moreton Bay region with a strong preference for detached housing.
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The typical resident is 41, which is older than the national figure of 38. This trend is driven by seniors aged 65 and over, who now make up 21.6% of the population, well above the Australian average of 17.2%.
Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has far fewer overseas-born people (19.0%) than the national average of 27.7%. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.
English is the primary language for 86.7% of the community. Only 6.8% of people use another language at home, which is far below the national figure of 22.3%.
A large proportion of the community reports no religion (43.7%), a figure that has risen by 21 points since 2011 and sits well above the national average.
The area has among the lowest levels of higher education at this level, with only 9.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also far below the national figure.
Typical weekly household income is $1,219, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. Only 10% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, far fewer than the 22.6% nationwide.
Health challenges are common here, with 38.6% of people living with a long-term health condition, far above the national figure of 27.7%. Mental health and arthritis are the most reported conditions.
While 13.8% of residents provide unpaid care—which is higher than most areas—volunteer rates are much lower than the national figure, at just 10.3%.
The First Nations community is large, with 1,479 people living here. This group is noticeably younger than the national average, with a typical age of 21.
One-parent families are very common at 23.3%, which is well above the national average of 14.1%. People living alone are also more common here than across Australia.
Detached houses are very popular, making up 85% of homes. While renting is more common than the national average, typical weekly rents ($330) are slightly lower than the national figure.
Most people rely on cars, as 65.2% of workers drive to work. Only 1.9% of the community commutes via public transport, and very few people work from home compared to the rest of the country.
The area has seen a decline in new arrivals, with recent overseas arrivals falling to 6.1% since 2011. This is well below the national figure of 14.5%.
Unemployment is high at 8.6%, which is well above the national average of 5.1%. Only 51.8% of adults are working or looking for work, a figure much lower than most areas.
The area ranks very low for overall advantage, with the lowest possible score for education and job skills. Despite this, the population has grown by 9.5% since 2021.
The local climate is much wetter than the state average, with annual rainfall of 1,308mm. Average temperatures are also higher than in many other parts of the state.
Most homes are within a short walk of a park or public transport. However, access to health services is very poor, with only 19.6% of homes within 15 minutes of a clinic.