🔍

Runaway Bay

QLD 4216 • Rest of QLD

9,308
Population (2021)
$71,864
Median Household Income
5.49 km²
Area
$435/wk
Median Rent
CoastalCanal LivingFamily-FriendlyRetiree-FriendlyWaterfront

About Runaway Bay

Runaway Bay is a popular coastal suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, located approximately 71 km southeast of Brisbane and 7 km north of Southport. With a population of around 9,300 residents (2021 Census), the suburb is known for its extensive canal developments offering bridge-free access to the Gold Coast Broadwater. The community is predominantly owner-occupied at over 70%, attracting retirees and families who appreciate the relaxed waterside lifestyle and northern Gold Coast charm.

Residents enjoy direct access to the Broadwater for boating, fishing, and water sports, with marina facilities and boat ramps readily available. The suburb features the Runaway Bay Shopping Village, numerous alfresco dining options, and is close to the dining precincts of Paradise Point, Hope Island, and Sanctuary Cove. Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre is a major regional sporting facility hosting events and community activities. The suburb appeals to boating enthusiasts, retirees, and families seeking a quieter alternative to the busier southern Gold Coast.

Runaway Bay falls under postcode 4216 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Broadwater electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4216
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Gold Coast
Federal Electorate
Fadden
State Electorate
Broadwater
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.91°, 153.40°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
5.49 km²
Elevation
4m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$435
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.1%

38 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Helensvale Station
8.5 km
N/A (drive required)
Southport South G:link
7 km
N/A (drive required)
Southport G:link
7.5 km
N/A (drive required)

Bus Services

  • 704 — Southport to Paradise Point via Runaway Bay 15 min to Southport
  • 709 — Helensvale Station to Broadwater via Runaway Bay 20 min to Helensvale

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
71 km
By Train
~1 hr 30 min (bus to Helensvale, train to Brisbane)
By Bus
N/A direct
By Car (Peak)
~1 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~55 min

🛣️ Most residents commute locally within Gold Coast. Southport CBD is 7 km away (~10 min drive).

Walkability Car-Dependent

Runaway Bay is moderately walkable near the shopping village and main roads but most errands require a car due to the spread-out canal estate layout.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Lae Street & Morala Drive Runaway Bay 4216 QLD
  • ALDI
    10 - 12 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay QLD 4216

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
550.5 / 100k
2yr Down 27.0% 10yr Down 27.2%
Motor vehicle theft
337.3 / 100k
2yr Down 18.9% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
838.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 59.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
19.8 / 100k
2yr Down 16.5% 10yr Down 19.2%
Steal from vehicle
578 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Down 31.5%
View all offence categories for Gold Coast →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
9,068
Census 2021
9,308
▲ 2.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,164
Personal Income 2021
$37,804
▲ 10.7% 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
$37,804 / yr
$727/wk
Household
$71,864 / yr
$1382/wk
Family
$96,304 / yr
$1852/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,034
Born Overseas 2,798

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 648
  • 2. England 626
  • 3. China 125
  • 4. South Africa 117
  • 5. Philippines 90
  • 6. Scotland 78
  • 7. Japan 64
  • 8. Germany 63
  • 9. India 43
  • 10. Netherlands 42

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 4,132
Australian 2,660
Irish 1,051
Scottish 1,023
German 467
Chinese 266
Italian 232
Dutch 164
New Zealander 154
Greek 131

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,392
Both parents born in Australia
3,291
Both parents born overseas
1,110
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
54.6%
No Religion
35.6%
Buddhism
1.5%
Islam
0.8%
Hinduism
0.5%
Judaism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
294 (3.2%)
5-14 years
789 (8.5%)
15-19 years
426 (4.6%)
20-24 years
385 (4.1%)
25-34 years
656 (7.0%)
35-44 years
870 (9.3%)
45-54 years
1,320 (14.2%)
55-64 years
1,422 (15.3%)
65-74 years
1,541 (16.6%)
75-84 years
1,183 (12.7%)
85+ years
423 (4.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Runaway Bay known for? +

Runaway Bay is a popular coastal suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, located approximately 71 km southeast of Brisbane and 7 km north of Southport. With a population of around 9,300 residents (2021 Census), the suburb is known for its extensive canal developments offering bridge-free access to the Gold Coast Broadwater.

How far is Runaway Bay from Brisbane CBD? +

Runaway Bay is approximately 71 km from Brisbane CBD. By car, the journey takes around ~55 min off-peak and ~1 hr 15 min during peak hours.

Does Runaway Bay have public transport? +

Runaway Bay is served by Helensvale Station (8.5 km away) on the Gold Coast Line (train) & G:link Light Rail terminus. Bus services also connect to Southport to Paradise Point via Runaway Bay. The commute to Brisbane CBD takes approximately ~55 min by car.

What is the population of Runaway Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Runaway Bay has a population of approximately 9,308 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Gold Coast (City).

Is Runaway Bay a good place to live? +

Runaway Bay is a popular choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle, offering beachside living and a relaxed community atmosphere. It suits retirees, families, and sea-changers looking to escape city life.

What is the postcode for Runaway Bay? +

The postcode for Runaway Bay, QLD is 4216.

What is the average income in Runaway Bay? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Runaway Bay is about $727 per week (around $37,800 per year). The median household income is $1,382 per week and the median family income is $1,852 per week.

What is the age profile of Runaway Bay? +

The median age in Runaway Bay is 54. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,541 residents, around 17%). Around 16% of residents are under 20 and about 34% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Runaway Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Runaway Bay 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 Runaway Bay? +

In Runaway Bay, the median weekly rent is $435, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).