🔍

Russell Island

QLD 4184 • Greater Brisbane

3,698
Population (2021)
$39,312
Median Household Income
17.51 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetireesAffordableRural

About Russell Island

Russell Island is a peaceful island locality situated in Moreton Bay, about 35 kilometres south-east of Brisbane, within the City of Redland, Queensland. Known by its traditional Yugambeh name Canaipa, the island covers around 30 square kilometres and had a population of approximately 3,698 at the 2021 census. Accessible only by ferry, Russell Island attracts those seeking an affordable, relaxed lifestyle away from the city bustle. The island is the largest of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and offers a close-knit community surrounded by water, mangroves, and natural bushland.

Life on Russell Island centres on a slow-paced, nature-connected routine, with ferry rides to Redland Bay providing access to the mainland. The island has essential services including a general store, pub, community hall, and the Russell Island State School for primary-aged children. It is particularly popular with retirees, sea-changers, and budget-conscious buyers who value space, affordability, and a genuine sense of community. Property prices are among the most affordable in southeast Queensland, drawing first-home buyers and investors looking for coastal living without the hefty price tag.

Russell Island falls under postcode 4184 and is governed by Redland Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Redlands electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4184
Urban Area
Redland
LGA / Council
Redland
Federal Electorate
Bowman
State Electorate
Redlands
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.67°, 153.39°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
17.51 km²
Elevation
3m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$867
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
59 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
55 km
By Car (Peak)
N/A – ferry required

🛣️ Ferry to Redland Bay then drive or connect to bus/train at Cleveland

Walkability Car Dependent

Island roads are quiet but destinations are spread out; a car or bike is recommended

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
299.3 / 100k
2yr Down 41.3% 10yr Down 41.1%
Motor vehicle theft
157.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 45.0%
Non-FV assault
637.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 183.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
13.8 / 100k
2yr Down 45.1% 10yr Up 200.4%
Steal from vehicle
341.4 / 100k
2yr Down 18.7% 10yr Up 16.5%
View all offence categories for Redland →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,836
Census 2021
3,698
▲ 30.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$20,904
Personal Income 2021
$23,348
▲ 11.7% 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
$23,348 / yr
$449/wk
Household
$39,312 / yr
$756/wk
Family
$48,308 / yr
$929/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,430
Born Overseas 867

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 277
  • 2. England 232
  • 3. Philippines 43
  • 4. Germany 33
  • 5. Scotland 24
  • 6. South Africa 24
  • 7. United States 19
  • 8. Netherlands 17
  • 9. Italy 12
  • 10. France 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,653
Australian 1,173
Irish 523
Scottish 470
German 197
Australian Aboriginal 165
Dutch 72
Italian 61
New Zealander 61
Filipino 58

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,893
Both parents born in Australia
986
Both parents born overseas
425
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
44.6%
No Religion
40.0%
Buddhism
1.9%
Islam
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
91 (2.5%)
5-14 years
264 (7.1%)
15-19 years
128 (3.5%)
20-24 years
92 (2.5%)
25-34 years
167 (4.5%)
35-44 years
278 (7.5%)
45-54 years
521 (14.1%)
55-64 years
836 (22.6%)
65-74 years
866 (23.4%)
75-84 years
403 (10.9%)
85+ years
49 (1.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Russell Island? +

Russell Island is accessible by ferry from Redland Bay, with regular daily services operated by Stradbroke Ferries. The ferry trip takes approximately 30 minutes.

Is there a school on Russell Island? +

Yes, Russell Island State School (Prep to Year 6) is located on the island. There are no secondary schools on the island; older students travel to the mainland.

What is the population of Russell Island? +

According to the 2021 census, Russell Island had a population of approximately 3,698 residents.

How far is Russell Island from Brisbane? +

Russell Island is approximately 55 kilometres by road and ferry from Brisbane CBD, with a typical commute of 75–90 minutes including the ferry crossing.

Why is property so affordable on Russell Island? +

The island's isolation — accessible only by ferry — limits demand compared to connected suburbs, keeping property prices among the lowest in southeast Queensland.

What is the average income in Russell Island? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Russell Island is about $449 per week (around $23,300 per year). The median household income is $756 per week and the median family income is $929 per week.

What is the age profile of Russell Island? +

The median age in Russell Island is 59. The largest age group is 65–74 (866 residents, around 23%). Around 13% of residents are under 20 and about 36% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Russell Island a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Russell Island is part of the Redland 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 Russell Island? +

In Russell Island, the median weekly rent is $260, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $867 (2021 Census).