Scarborough

QLD 4020 • Greater Brisbane

9,178
Population (2021)
$69,472
Median Household Income
3.48 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
CoastalSea ChangeWaterfrontFamily-Friendly

About Scarborough

Scarborough is a picturesque seaside suburb at the northernmost tip of the Redcliffe Peninsula, approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Brisbane's CBD in the Moreton Bay region. With over 9,100 residents and a healthy median income around $61,000, it's the peninsula's premier coastal address. The suburb is bounded by Deception Bay to the northwest and Moreton Bay to the north and east, offering spectacular water views.

The relaxed coastal lifestyle defines Scarborough, with boat ramps, fishing spots, and foreshore parks drawing both residents and visitors. The suburb's cafes and restaurants serve fresh seafood, while weekend markets add community atmosphere. Scarborough attracts sea-changers, retirees, and families seeking genuine coastal living within commuting distance of Brisbane. It's the Redcliffe Peninsula at its most scenic and serene.

Scarborough falls under postcode 4020 and is governed by Moreton Bay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Redcliffe electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4020
Urban Area
Redcliffe
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.20°, 153.11°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
3.48 km²
Elevation
20m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,907
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
53 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 93-124 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
31 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
45-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-55 min

🛣️ Located 31 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

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
402.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
187.2 / 100k
Non-FV assault
687.9 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
16.3 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
409.4 / 100k

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
8,705
Census 2021
9,178
5.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$32,500
Personal Income 2021
$37,024
13.9% 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
$37,024 / yr
$712/wk
Household
$69,472 / yr
$1336/wk
Family
$97,240 / yr
$1870/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,546
Born Overseas 2,255

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 734
  • 2. New Zealand 469
  • 3. South Africa 126
  • 4. Scotland 88
  • 5. Netherlands 70
  • 6. United States 55
  • 7. Germany 52
  • 8. Philippines 52
  • 9. Ireland 48
  • 10. Wales 40

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 4,198
Australian 3,041
Irish 1,451
Scottish 1,219
German 557
Australian Aboriginal 232
Italian 232
Dutch 191
New Zealander 130
Welsh 117

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,876
Both parents born in Australia
2,617
Both parents born overseas
1,235
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.8%
No Religion
39.8%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
291 (3.2%)
5-14 years
895 (9.8%)
15-19 years
485 (5.3%)
20-24 years
341 (3.7%)
25-34 years
566 (6.2%)
35-44 years
915 (10.0%)
45-54 years
1,342 (14.6%)
55-64 years
1,535 (16.7%)
65-74 years
1,506 (16.4%)
75-84 years
905 (9.9%)
85+ years
394 (4.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scarborough known for? +

Scarborough is a well-established residential suburb in Moreton Bay, QLD, with a population of approximately 9,178 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Scarborough from Brisbane CBD? +

Scarborough is approximately 31 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. The drive typically takes 35-55 min outside peak hours.

Does Scarborough have public transport? +

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

What is the population of Scarborough? +

According to the 2021 Census, Scarborough has a population of approximately 9,178 residents.

Is Scarborough a good place to live? +

Scarborough offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $46,912, 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 Scarborough? +

The postcode for Scarborough, QLD is 4020.

What is the average income in Scarborough? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Scarborough is about $712 per week (around $37,000 per year). The median household income is $1,336 per week and the median family income is $1,870 per week.

What is the age profile of Scarborough? +

The median age in Scarborough is 53. The largest age group is 55–64 (1,535 residents, around 17%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 31% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Scarborough a safe area? +

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

In Scarborough, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,907 (2021 Census).