🔍

Surfers Paradise

QLD 4217 • Rest of QLD

26,412
Population (2021)
$68,796
Median Household Income
5.80 km²
Area
$410/wk
Median Rent
Beach ResortHigh-Rise LivingNightlifeTourist Hub
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About Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is Australia's most famous beach resort, the glittering heart of the Gold Coast with over 26,000 permanent residents among its high-rise towers. The light rail connects to Broadbeach and the emerging health precinct, while the beach and nightlife draw millions of visitors annually. The skyline of apartment towers is instantly recognisable.

Living in Surfers means embracing the tourist energy—world-class beaches, vibrant nightlife, and an endless parade of visitors create a unique atmosphere. Cavill Avenue and surrounding streets offer dining and entertainment, while the meter boys have become local legends. Surfers attracts young professionals, hospitality workers, investors, and those who thrive on the buzz of Australia's playground.

Surfers Paradise falls under postcode 4217 and is governed by the Gold Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Moncrieff, while state elections fall under the Surfers Paradise electorate.

📰 Featured In

🏙️ Top 25 Most Densely Populated Suburbs in Queensland📈 Suburbs With the Fastest-Growing Incomes in Queensland

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4217
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Gold Coast
Federal Electorate
Moncrieff
State Electorate
Surfers Paradise
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.00°, 153.42°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
5.80 km²
Population Density
4,557 /km²
Elevation
5m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4217

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4217, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,337
Median 2023–24
$49,341
▲ 28.7% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$83,300

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4217; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$33,124
Personal Income 2021
$40,300
▲ 21.7% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$40,300 / yr
$775/wk
Household
$68,796 / yr
$1323/wk
Family
$88,764 / yr
$1707/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$410
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,606
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.8%

13 state housing + 79 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 213-284 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
71 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 71 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
    Cnr Goldcoast Highway & Elkhorn Avenue Surfers Paradise 4217 QLD
  • Harris Farm Markets
    Capri on Via Roma-15-21 Via Roma, Isle of Capri QLD 4217

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
23,689
Census 2021
26,412
▲ 11.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Gold Coast Local Government Area, which contains Surfers Paradise. 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

⚖️ Compare Surfers Paradise With

🏘️Broadbeach
View comparison →

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 12,502
Born Overseas 10,485

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 1,585
  • 2. Brazil 1,050
  • 3. England 1,040
  • 4. India 797
  • 5. Philippines 362
  • 6. Japan 336
  • 7. China 332
  • 8. Nepal 303
  • 9. Italy 238
  • 10. South Africa 210

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 8,049
Australian 5,246
Irish 2,361
Scottish 2,175
Italian 1,324
German 1,168
Chinese 797
Indian 656
Filipino 456
Spanish 450

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

8,541
Both parents born in Australia
11,696
Both parents born overseas
2,667
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
40.1%
No Religion
36.7%
Hinduism
3.2%
Buddhism
2.1%
Islam
1.2%
Sikhism
1.1%
Judaism
0.5%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
767 (2.9%)
5-14 years
1,298 (4.9%)
15-19 years
795 (3.0%)
20-24 years
2,058 (7.8%)
25-34 years
5,658 (21.4%)
35-44 years
3,446 (13.0%)
45-54 years
3,239 (12.3%)
55-64 years
3,462 (13.1%)
65-74 years
3,345 (12.7%)
75-84 years
1,881 (7.1%)
85+ years
469 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surfers Paradise known for? +

Surfers Paradise is a well-established residential suburb in Gold Coast, QLD, with a population of approximately 26,412 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Surfers Paradise from Brisbane CBD? +

Surfers Paradise is approximately 71 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. The drive typically takes 55-90 min outside peak hours.

Does Surfers Paradise have public transport? +

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

What is the population of Surfers Paradise? +

According to the 2021 Census, Surfers Paradise has a population of approximately 26,412 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Gold Coast district.

Is Surfers Paradise a good place to live? +

Surfers Paradise offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $38,337, 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 Surfers Paradise? +

The postcode for Surfers Paradise, QLD is 4217.

What is the average income in Surfers Paradise? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Surfers Paradise is about $775 per week (around $40,300 per year). The median household income is $1,323 per week and the median family income is $1,707 per week.

What is the age profile of Surfers Paradise? +

The median age in Surfers Paradise is 42. The largest age group is 25–34 (5,658 residents, around 21%). Around 11% of residents are under 20 and about 22% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Surfers Paradise a safe area? +

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

In Surfers Paradise, the median weekly rent is $410, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,606 (2021 Census).