🔍

Deception Bay

QLD 4508 • Greater Brisbane

19,573
Population (2021)
$66,040
Median Household Income
19.44 km²
Area
$325/wk
Median Rent
WaterfrontAffordableBay ViewsWorking-Class Character

About Deception Bay

Deception Bay is a waterfront suburb of nearly 20,000 residents on Moreton Bay, 35 kilometres north of Brisbane. Named for the bay that Captain Flinders thought might be a river passage, it offers genuine bay frontage and water views. The suburb has developed from fibro beach shacks to a diverse residential community.

The waterfront defines life here—the esplanade offers bay views, fishing, and casual dining, while the inland areas provide affordable suburban housing. The community is unpretentious and working-class, with strong family roots. Deception Bay attracts those seeking genuine waterfront access at prices impossible closer to Brisbane, and families who appreciate honest suburban character.

Deception Bay falls under postcode 4508 and is governed by Moreton Bay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bancroft electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4508
Urban Area
Caboolture
LGA / Council
Moreton Bay
Federal Electorate
Petrie
State Electorate
Bancroft
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.18°, 153.01°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
19.44 km²
Elevation
8m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$325
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
40 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.2%

414 state housing + 31 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 96-128 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
32 km
By Train
Approximately 80 min to Brisbane CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
45-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-55 min

🛣️ Located 32 km north of Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Deception Bay Marketplace, 1 Bay Avenue Deception Bay 4508 QLD
  • ALDI
    424-438 Deception Bay Road, Deception Bay QLD 4508

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Moreton Bay Local Government Area, which contains Deception Bay. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
402.8 / 100k
2yr Down 28.9% 10yr Down 44.2%
Motor vehicle theft
187.2 / 100k
2yr Down 17.8% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
687.9 / 100k
2yr Down 19.0% 10yr Up 104.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
16.3 / 100k
2yr Down 27.3% 10yr Stable
Steal from vehicle
409.4 / 100k
2yr Down 13.9% 10yr Down 18.0%
View all offence categories for Moreton Bay →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
19,850
Census 2021
19,573
▼ 1.4% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$28,444
Personal Income 2021
$32,240
▲ 13.3% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$32,240 / yr
$620/wk
Household
$66,040 / yr
$1270/wk
Family
$77,272 / yr
$1486/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 14,550
Born Overseas 3,733

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 1,232
  • 2. England 767
  • 3. Philippines 272
  • 4. Samoa 172
  • 5. South Africa 111
  • 6. Fiji 87
  • 7. Scotland 80
  • 8. Germany 78
  • 9. Papua New Guinea 58
  • 10. Netherlands 52

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 7,943
Australian 7,311
Scottish 1,906
Irish 1,890
Australian Aboriginal 1,277
German 1,144
Samoan 548
Maori 470
Filipino 410
Italian 361

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

11,063
Both parents born in Australia
4,539
Both parents born overseas
2,554
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
45.3%
No Religion
44.4%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.2%
Judaism
0.0%
Sikhism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
1,087 (5.6%)
5-14 years
2,723 (13.9%)
15-19 years
1,288 (6.6%)
20-24 years
1,190 (6.1%)
25-34 years
2,143 (10.9%)
35-44 years
2,449 (12.5%)
45-54 years
2,540 (13.0%)
55-64 years
2,418 (12.4%)
65-74 years
2,134 (10.9%)
75-84 years
1,159 (5.9%)
85+ years
435 (2.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deception Bay known for? +

Deception Bay is a well-established residential suburb in Moreton Bay (Regional Council), QLD, known for its mix of housing types, local schools, and community facilities. The suburb has a population of approximately 19,573 residents and forms part of the broader Greater Brisbane region.

How far is Deception Bay from Brisbane CBD? +

Deception Bay is approximately 32 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, typically a 35-55 min drive under normal traffic conditions. Peak hour travel can take longer due to traffic.

Does Deception Bay have public transport? +

Deception Bay is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Brisbane CBD.

What is the population of Deception Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Deception Bay has a population of approximately 19,573 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Moreton Bay (Regional Council) district.

Is Deception Bay a good place to live? +

Deception Bay appeals to families, professionals, and established residents who value its range of local amenities, schools, and community facilities. With a median taxable income of around $44,108, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most QLD suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Deception Bay? +

The postcode for Deception Bay, QLD is 4508.

What is the average income in Deception Bay? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Deception Bay is about $620 per week (around $32,200 per year). The median household income is $1,270 per week and the median family income is $1,486 per week.

What is the age profile of Deception Bay? +

The median age in Deception Bay is 40. The largest age group is 5–14 (2,723 residents, around 14%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Deception Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Deception Bay is part of the Moreton Bay LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Deception Bay? +

In Deception Bay, the median weekly rent is $325, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517 (2021 Census).