Palm Beach

QLD 4221 • Rest of QLD

16,349
Population (2021)
$89,492
Median Household Income
6.33 km²
Area
$445/wk
Median Rent
BeachfrontCoastal LifestyleEstablishedCreek Frontage

About Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a prestigious coastal suburb of 16,300 residents at the southern end of the Gold Coast, where Tallebudgera Creek meets the ocean. The suburb offers genuine beachfront living with the creek providing additional water amenity. Currumbin and Burleigh are neighbouring beach communities along this premium coastal stretch.

Life here is quintessentially coastal—surf, creek swimming, and outdoor living define the lifestyle. The community is established and affluent, with families and retirees enjoying the relaxed coastal atmosphere. Palm Beach attracts those seeking genuine Gold Coast beach living in a community with character, away from the high-rise tourist zones.

Palm Beach falls under postcode 4221 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Burleigh electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4221
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.12°, 153.46°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
6.33 km²
Elevation
3m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$445
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,093
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
39 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 252-336 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
84 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
70-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-90 min

🛣️ Located 84 km from 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

  • Coles
    10th Fifth Avenue Palm Beach 4221 QLD
  • Woolworths
    Cnr Angelica Street And Nineteenth Avenue Palm Beach 4221 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
550.5 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
337.3 / 100k
Non-FV assault
838.1 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
19.8 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
578 / 100k

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
14,654
Census 2021
16,349
11.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$35,620
Personal Income 2021
$45,396
27.4% 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
$45,396 / yr
$873/wk
Household
$89,492 / yr
$1721/wk
Family
$115,388 / yr
$2219/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 12,552
Born Overseas 2,885

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 697
  • 2. England 628
  • 3. Brazil 208
  • 4. South Africa 125
  • 5. United States 101
  • 6. Canada 73
  • 7. Scotland 68
  • 8. Japan 66
  • 9. Germany 55
  • 10. Philippines 55

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 7,223
Australian 5,725
Irish 2,224
Scottish 2,021
German 897
Italian 647
Australian Aboriginal 387
Dutch 291
New Zealander 235
Polish 145

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

9,630
Both parents born in Australia
3,378
Both parents born overseas
2,395
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.5%
Christianity
43.6%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.3%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%
Sikhism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
818 (5.0%)
5-14 years
1,791 (11.0%)
15-19 years
809 (4.9%)
20-24 years
898 (5.5%)
25-34 years
2,637 (16.1%)
35-44 years
2,355 (14.4%)
45-54 years
2,128 (13.0%)
55-64 years
2,016 (12.3%)
65-74 years
1,698 (10.4%)
75-84 years
859 (5.3%)
85+ years
335 (2.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palm Beach known for? +

Palm Beach is a well-established residential suburb in Gold Coast, QLD, with a population of approximately 16,349 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Palm Beach from Brisbane CBD? +

Palm Beach is approximately 84 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. The drive typically takes 55-90 min outside peak hours.

Does Palm Beach have public transport? +

Palm Beach is served by local bus services connecting to the broader network. Train access is available via nearby stations.

What is the population of Palm Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Palm Beach has a population of approximately 16,349 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Gold Coast district.

Is Palm Beach a good place to live? +

Palm Beach offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $45,749, it attracts a broad demographic mix. Like most QLD suburbs, its appeal depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Palm Beach? +

The postcode for Palm Beach, QLD is 4221.

What is the average income in Palm Beach? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Palm Beach is about $873 per week (around $45,400 per year). The median household income is $1,721 per week and the median family income is $2,219 per week.

What is the age profile of Palm Beach? +

The median age in Palm Beach is 39. The largest age group is 25–34 (2,637 residents, around 16%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 18% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Palm Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Palm Beach is part of the Gold Coast 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 Palm Beach? +

In Palm Beach, the median weekly rent is $445, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,093 (2021 Census).