Southport

QLD 4215 • Rest of QLD

36,786
Population (2021)
$65,936
Median Household Income
14.26 km²
Area
$410/wk
Median Rent
CBD LivingWaterfrontHealthcare HubMulticultural

About Southport

Southport serves as the central business district of the Gold Coast, a vibrant hub of over 36,000 residents on the Broadwater's western shore. The light rail connects Southport to Surfers Paradise and beyond, while the Gold Coast University Hospital has transformed it into a major health precinct. Its position provides both waterfront living and urban convenience.

The suburb blends high-rise living with established family areas, offering everything from prestige Broadwater apartments to modest suburban homes. Australia Fair shopping centre anchors retail, while Chinatown and diverse eateries reflect the multicultural community. Southport attracts healthcare workers, young professionals, and retirees who appreciate waterfront access without Surfers Paradise prices.

Southport falls under postcode 4215 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Southport electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4215
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.98°, 153.40°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
14.26 km²
Elevation
10m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$410
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,647
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
37 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 201-268 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
67 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 67 km from Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Daily errands can often be done on foot near local shopping strips, but a car is useful for larger trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Scarborough Fair Shopping Centre Scarborough Street Southport 4215 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Gold Coast Local Government Area, which contains Southport. 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
31,908
Census 2021
36,786
15.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$28,288
Personal Income 2021
$34,632
22.4% 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
$34,632 / yr
$666/wk
Household
$65,936 / yr
$1268/wk
Family
$81,588 / yr
$1569/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 19,888
Born Overseas 13,995

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 2,178
  • 2. England 1,383
  • 3. China 1,136
  • 4. South Korea 868
  • 5. India 867
  • 6. Philippines 778
  • 7. Japan 586
  • 8. South Africa 266
  • 9. Taiwan 265
  • 10. Brazil 261

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 12,048
Australian 8,897
Irish 3,560
Scottish 3,087
Chinese 2,311
German 1,449
Filipino 977
Korean 973
Italian 950
Indian 917

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

13,373
Both parents born in Australia
15,972
Both parents born overseas
4,246
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
42.8%
Christianity
39.3%
Buddhism
2.6%
Hinduism
2.4%
Islam
1.8%
Sikhism
0.6%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
1,348 (3.7%)
5-14 years
2,848 (7.7%)
15-19 years
2,101 (5.7%)
20-24 years
3,895 (10.6%)
25-34 years
7,019 (19.1%)
35-44 years
4,384 (11.9%)
45-54 years
4,229 (11.5%)
55-64 years
3,868 (10.5%)
65-74 years
3,461 (9.4%)
75-84 years
2,481 (6.7%)
85+ years
1,157 (3.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southport known for? +

Southport is a well-established residential suburb in Gold Coast, QLD, with a population of approximately 36,786 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Southport from Brisbane CBD? +

Southport is approximately 67 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. The drive typically takes 55-90 min outside peak hours.

Does Southport have public transport? +

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

What is the population of Southport? +

According to the 2021 Census, Southport has a population of approximately 36,786 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Gold Coast district.

Is Southport a good place to live? +

Southport offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $39,801, 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 Southport? +

The postcode for Southport, QLD is 4215.

What is the average income in Southport? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Southport is about $666 per week (around $34,600 per year). The median household income is $1,268 per week and the median family income is $1,569 per week.

What is the age profile of Southport? +

The median age in Southport is 37. The largest age group is 25–34 (7,019 residents, around 19%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Southport a safe area? +

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

In Southport, the median weekly rent is $410, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,647 (2021 Census).