Brisbane’s grey line: The surprising suburb where over-65s outnumber those under 20

November 9, 2026 — 6:00amThe share of Brisbane suburbs where over-65s outnumber those aged under 20 has increased fourfold in the past two decades as the city’s population ages and the cost of housing locks young families out of many neighbourhoods.The population of those aged over 65 outstripped children and teenagers in 28 Brisbane suburbs in 2025. That compares with only seven suburbs in 2001.A quiet retirement by the water is highly attractive to many Brisbanites, which has made a cluster of the city’s bayside suburbs – arguably Brisbane’s grey line – a magnet for those over the age of 65.Bribie Island – with its numerous retirement villages and over-50s communities – has the highest population balance in favour of seniors.The island, 80 kilometres north of Brisbane and separated from the mainland by the calm, shallow waters of Pumicestone Passage, has nearly 8000 more people aged over 65 than those under 20.Other seaside suburbs dominated by seniors include Cleveland (2096 more people aged over 65), Redcliffe (1790 more), Victoria Point (1371 more), Scarborough-Newport (1346 more) and Margate-Woody Point (1022 more).People cool off in the calm waters of Pumicestone Passage on Bribie Island.Glenn CampbellHowever, one affluent inner-city suburb is also proving popular with seniors.The riverside neighbourhood of Newstead – known for its trendy bars, artisan bakeries, pilates studios and high-end fashion stores – has 791 more people aged over 65 than those under 20.Terry Rawnsley, a KPMG economist who analysed the latest area population figures, said property prices played a role, as well as the prevalence of new apartment developments in Newstead.Some residential towers, such as Aveo’s Newstead Residences and Ozcare’s Rendu Towers, are offered specifically as retirement living.Upmarket bakery and cafe, Baker D. Chirico, in Newstead.Tammy Law“Some inner-city locations such as Newstead-Bowen Hills may be attracting older residents who have cashed in on higher housing values and downsized to apartments,” he said.“They are seeking lower-maintenance properties while retaining easy access to the cafes, restaurants and amenities of the inner city. At the same time, higher property prices in these areas may be making it more difficult for families with young children to live there.”The same factors and the development of bespoke, luxury riverside apartments may be influencing the population in Kangaroo Point, where there are 609 more seniors than people under 20.The traditional blue-chip suburbs of Ascot and Hamilton also have more over-65s than children and teenagers, as does the southside suburb of Robertson, where an early wave of Chinese migrants settled.The bayside lifestyle is a magnet for retirees. Dan PeledAreas with older age profiles also tend to have more women than men, reflecting females’ longer life expectancy.Brisbane’s population has been ageing more slowly than Sydney and Melbourne’s because – until recently – it was more affordable for young families to buy a detached house with a backyard.But it is still ageing. In the mid-1970s, about one in 12 Australians was aged over 65, but that has now climbed to one in six. The share of over 65s is forecast to reach one in four by the 2060s.Fewer births have also been a factor. Brisbane’s fertility rate, which measures expected births per woman, has fallen by 19 per cent in the past decade to a historic low of 1.44.It has been a different story in a swath of suburbs on Greater Brisbane’s urban fringe, where sprawling housing developments offer young families affordable house and land packages.The population balance in favour of under-20s is greatest in the Ipswich suburbs of Springfield Lakes (8218 more under-20s than over-65s), Redbank Plains (7528 more people under the age of 20) and Ripley (6762 more).Rawnsley said the character of many suburbs will shift as the share of older residents increases. School enrolments fall, parks will be used differently, there will be fewer childcare centres, yet there will be a greater demand for aged care.“Demographics shape the personality of a suburb. As the population ages, you often see a shift from shops and services focused on school-aged children towards health services and lifestyle amenities. The suburb doesn’t necessarily slow down, but it does begin to cater to a different stage of life,” he said.“We’ve seen this play out in parts of Sydney and Melbourne, where decades of strong house price growth have gradually priced younger households out of some suburbs. As a result, those areas have become older over time.“If housing remains unaffordable for many young families in Brisbane, a similar trend could emerge, but demographic change of that nature typically takes many years.”Start the morning with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.From our partners