Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Scarborough
5 km²
High incomes and professional jobs set the tone for Scarborough, a coastal community of 17,605 people. It is a relatively young area where the typical resident is 36, and a high number of people live in de facto relationships. The neighbourhood is marked by a well-educated workforce and a significant international population. This blend of professional success and global arrivals creates a dynamic, transient atmosphere, with more than half the population moving here in the last five years.
Scarborough's schools draw a community as advantaged as its high household incomes suggest.
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The area is notably younger than the national average, with children under 15 and seniors over 65 both well below the state figures. De facto relationships are much more common here, appearing in 19.8% of the population.
Born overseas, 31.7% of residents bring a global perspective to the area, which is well above the national figure. English is the most common ancestry at 40.8%, followed by Australian and Irish roots.
While 13.1% of people use a language other than English at home—much higher than in most similar areas—this is still well below the state and national averages.
The community is far less religious than the rest of the country, with 52.9% of residents reporting no religion, a figure well above the state average.
Education levels are among the highest in the region, with 39.3% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is far above the national figure of 26.3%.
Personal and household incomes are very high, with the typical personal weekly income of $1,231 being well above the national figure. Nearly 30% of households earn $3,000 or more per week.
Residents are generally healthier than average, as the rate of long-term health conditions is well below both the state and national figures.
Participation in unpaid care and housework is much lower than in most areas, while volunteering rates are about the same as the state average.
The First Nations community here is noticeably older than the state average, with a typical age of 29 and a high Year 12 completion rate of 60.2%.
Living arrangements are distinct, with a much higher proportion of people living alone (34.4%) and smaller typical households than in most other areas.
Rentals are far more common here than in the rest of the state, and townhouses are the most frequent home type. Typical weekly rents and mortgage payments are both higher than the state average.
The area is very well connected, with 68 public transport stops and a short 14-minute drive to the city. However, only 9.5% of people work from home, which is far below the national figure.
The population is highly mobile, with 52% of residents moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are also much more common here than in most areas.
The workforce is very active, with 73.1% of adults working or looking for work—a figure far above the national average. Most residents are employed full-time in professional, managerial, or health roles.
The neighbourhood is very walkable, with 95% of homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries and 100% within reach of a park or public transport.