
The Gold Coast is a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, located 66 kilometres south-southeast of Brisbane. It is Queensland's second-largest city and Australia's sixth-largest city. The population of the Gold Coast has grown significantly over the years, from 29,034 in 1950 to an estimated 752,570 in 2025. In 2021, the Census usual resident population was 625,087, and as of June 30, 2023, the estimated resident population was 666,087. The Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, thriving nightlife, natural beauty, and diverse culture, attracting almost 10 million visitors annually.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | The estimated population of the Gold Coast, Australia, as of 2025 is 752,570. It is the sixth-largest city in Australia and the most populous non-capital city. |
| Population growth | Between 1950 and 2025, the population of the Gold Coast grew from 29,034 to 752,570. The population has grown by 9,970 in the last year, which represents a 1.34% annual change. |
| Population density | There are 1,428 persons living per square kilometer (3,695 per square mile). |
| Median age | The median age in the city is 39 years old. |
| Gender ratio | The population of the Gold Coast is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. |
| Ancestry | The most commonly nominated ancestries are English (29.3%), Australian (22.5%), Irish (8.2%), Scottish (7.5%), and German (3.6%). |
| Birthplace | 64% of people were born in Australia, while the other most common countries of birth were New Zealand (7.9%), England (5.2%), China and South Africa (1.2% each), and Japan (0.7%). |
| Indigenous population | Indigenous Australians account for 1.7% of the population. |
| Education | Over 17% of the population hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. |
| Religion | 31.8% of residents reported that they do not have a religion. The top religion in the city is Catholicism, of which over 20% reported following per the 2016 Census. |
| Language | Over 80% of households speak English only, while the second most common language spoken within the city is Mandarin, which is spoken by 1.6% of the population. |
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What You'll Learn

Population growth and statistics
The Gold Coast is a coastal city in the state of Queensland, Australia, located approximately 66 kilometres (41 miles) south-southeast of the state capital, Brisbane. It is Queensland's second-largest city and Australia's sixth-largest city. It is also the country's most populous non-capital city.
The population of the Gold Coast has grown significantly over the years. In 1950, the population was 29,034. By 2016, the urban area of the Gold Coast had a population of 540,559 people, according to the census that year. Including rural areas, the population was 569,997. The median age was 39 years old, and the male-to-female ratio was 48.6-to-51.4. The population estimate for Gold Coast City as of June 30, 2023, is 666,087, representing a 2.92% increase from the previous year. The 2021 census figure was 625,087. The population of the Gold Coast is projected to be 752,570 in 2025.
The Gold Coast has a diverse population, with various ethnic and cultural groups. According to the 2016 Census, the most commonly reported ancestries were English (29.3%), Australian (22.5%), Irish (8.2%), Scottish (7.5%), and German (3.6%). Indigenous Australians accounted for 1.7% of the population. Religion-wise, over 31.8% reported having no religion, while Catholicism was the top religion, with over 20% following.
Tourism is a significant driver of the Gold Coast's economy, with almost 10 million visitors annually. The city's natural beauty, pristine beaches, thriving nightlife, and attractions like shopping and theme parks make it a popular destination. The movie, TV, and music industries have also contributed to its appeal, earning it the nickname "Australia's Hollywood".
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Population diversity
The Gold Coast is a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, located 66 kilometres (41 miles) south-southeast of Brisbane, the state capital. It is Queensland's second-largest city and Australia's sixth-largest city. The city has experienced significant population growth since the 1920s and is currently estimated to have a population of around 752,570 people. The Gold Coast is known for its diverse population, with a variety of ethnic and cultural groups calling the city home.
According to the 2016 census, the population of the Gold Coast, including rural areas, was 569,997 people. The median age was 39 years old, and the population was predominantly female (51.4%). The most commonly reported ancestries were English (29.3%), Australian (22.5%), Irish (8.2%), Scottish (7.5%), and German (3.6%). Indigenous Australians accounted for 1.7% of the population.
In terms of country of birth, 64% of the population were born in Australia. The other most common countries of birth were New Zealand (7.9%), England (5.2%), China and South Africa (1.2% each), and Japan (0.7%). The Gold Coast has also seen an increase in residents from Asian countries such as China, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and India. The top languages spoken in the city are English (80% of households) and Mandarin (1.6% of the population).
The Gold Coast has a diverse economy, with strengths in health, tourism, arts and culture, and construction. The city is a major tourist destination, known for its surfing beaches, nightlife, and natural beauty. It is also a cultural hub, with a thriving film and television industry, earning it the nickname "Australia's Hollywood". The Gold Coast is home to a number of Indigenous clans of the Yugambeh people, including the Kombumerri, Mununjali, and Wangerriburra clans.
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Population density
The Gold Coast is a coastal city in the state of Queensland, Australia, located approximately 66 kilometres (41 mi) south-southeast of the centre of the state capital, Brisbane. It is Queensland's second-largest city after Brisbane, Australia's sixth-largest city, and the country's most populous non-capital city.
The city of Gold Coast covers an area of approximately 414 square kilometres (160 square miles). The population density is around 1,428 persons living per square kilometre (3,695 per square mile). This makes it a relatively densely populated city, especially compared to other Australian cities.
The urban area of the Gold Coast had a population of 540,559 people according to the 2016 census. Including rural areas, the total population was 569,997. The population has grown significantly since then, with an estimated population of 591,356 in 2017 and a projected population of 752,570 in 2025. This represents a 1.34% annual change, which is higher than the national average of 1.5%.
The population of the Gold Coast is diverse, with many different cultural and ethnic groups. Over two-thirds of residents are Australian-born, with the most common countries of birth outside of Australia being New Zealand (7.9%), England (5.2%), China and South Africa (1.2% each), and Japan (0.7%). The median age in the city is 39 years old, slightly higher than the nationwide median, and the male-to-female ratio is almost evenly split at 48.6-to-51.4.
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Population compared to other cities
The Gold Coast is Australia's sixth-largest city and the country's most populous non-capital city. It is Queensland's second-largest city after Brisbane. The population of the Gold Coast was estimated to be 666,087 as of 30 June 2023, with a growth rate of 2.92% since the previous year. The 2021 Census usual resident population was 625,087.
The Gold Coast's population has grown significantly since the 1920s and it is one of Australia's fastest-growing large cities, with a 5-year annual average population growth rate to 2015 of 1.8%, compared to the national average of 1.5%. The city's population in 1950 was 29,034.
In comparison to other Australian cities, the Gold Coast has a larger population than Newcastle, New South Wales, which it surpassed in 2007 to become the sixth-largest city. It is also more populous than Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, with which it forms a greater metropolitan region.
The Gold Coast's population density is approximately 1,428 persons per square kilometre, with an urban area spanning almost 60 kilometres along the coast. The city attracts almost 10 million visitors annually and is known for its beaches, nightlife, and natural beauty, contributing to its growth and status as a premier tourist destination.
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Population growth drivers
The population of the Gold Coast, Australia, is estimated to be 752,570 as of 2025. It is Australia's sixth-largest city and the most populous non-capital city. The city has witnessed significant population growth since the 1920s and is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
The population growth of the Gold Coast can be attributed to several factors, including:
Tourism and Job Opportunities: The Gold Coast is one of the country's premier tourist destinations, known for its 57 kilometres of beaches, thriving nightlife, and natural beauty. In 2016, the city attracted 295,000 Chinese visitors, a 38% increase from the previous year. Tourism creates numerous job opportunities, drawing people to the region for work and contributing to population growth. The city's diverse economy, including industries such as marine, education, information and communication technology, food, creative industries, and sports, also attracts people seeking employment opportunities.
Urban Development and Infrastructure: The Gold Coast has transformed from a strip of coastal villages and towns into a modern 21st-century urban region. The development of high-rise apartments, residential towers, and waterfront properties has provided more housing options, accommodating the growing population. The city's well-developed infrastructure, including libraries, heritage-listed sites, and two international and domestic airports, enhances its appeal as a place to live and visit.
Migration and Lifestyle: The Gold Coast continues to attract people from all over the world, with a significant increase in migration from Asian countries like China, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and India. The city's desirable lifestyle, including its sunny weather, surfing, pristine rainforests, and entertainment options, makes it attractive to both domestic and international migrants.
Proximity to Brisbane: The Gold Coast's proximity to Brisbane, the state capital, also contributes to its population growth. The economic and cultural ties between the two cities are strong, and the Gold Coast benefits from its location within the South East Queensland growth corridor. The blurred boundary between the two cities provides opportunities for people to live in the Gold Coast while potentially working or accessing amenities in Brisbane.
Suburban Regeneration: The suburbs of the Gold Coast continue to spread inland and to the north. Older neighbourhoods with smaller households may undergo suburban regeneration, attracting young families and contributing to population growth in previously established areas.
With its diverse economy, thriving tourism industry, and attractive lifestyle offerings, the Gold Coast is expected to continue its population growth trajectory, with projections reaching 820,000 residents by 2035.
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Frequently asked questions
The population of the Gold Coast, Australia, was 625,087 as of the 2021 census.
The population estimate for the Gold Coast as of 30 June 2023 is 666,087.
In the 2016 census, the population of the Gold Coast's urban area was 540,559. Including rural areas, the population was 569,997.
The population density of the Gold Coast is 1,428 persons per square kilometre, or 3,695 per square mile.











































