REDLAND City’s population is being reshaped by a surge in new arrivals, with migration now doing the heavy lifting as the region’s birth rate continues to decline.
New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the city added 2891 residents in the 12 months to June 30, 2025, taking the total population to 172,831.
While that represents a solid 1.7 per cent increase, it sits just below Queensland’s overall growth rate of 1.8 per cent.
But the headline figure masks a deeper shift: population growth in Redlands is now overwhelmingly driven by people moving into the region, rather than natural increase.
Only 171 people were added through births exceeding deaths, accounting for less than 6 per cent of total growth.
By contrast, internal migration alone contributed 1600 new residents, or 55 per cent of the annual increase, while overseas migration added a further 1120 people – making up 39 per cent.
The trend has remained consistent over the past three years, highlighting Redlands’ growing appeal as a destination for both interstate movers and international arrivals.
At the same time, the city’s birth rate continues to fall, dropping from 10.5 births per 1000 people in 2022 to just 8.7 in 2025, reinforcing a broader demographic shift.
Growth has not been evenly spread across the city.
The Southern Moreton Bay Islands recorded the fastest increase, climbing more than 5 per cent, followed by Redland Bay at 3.7 per cent.
Other areas posting above-average growth included Thornlands and Victoria Point (both 2 per cent), along with Ormiston (1.9 per cent).
Cleveland – the civic heart of the city – grew by 197 residents (1.2 per cent), while Capalaba, Alexandra Hills and Birkdale each recorded modest gains of around 0.8 per cent.
Thorneside was the only suburb to record a decline, slipping by four residents over the year.
The figures are based on estimated resident population data, which incorporates adjustments since the last national census conducted in 2021.
Australia’s next census is scheduled for August 11, 2026, and is expected to provide a clearer picture of how rapidly changing migration patterns are reshaping communities like Redlands and the Bayside.
The figures are likely to intensify pressure on Council and planners to deliver infrastructure, housing and services that can keep pace with rising demand.
