The area is low-lying and at risk from flooding and sea level rise.

[3] The suburb was targeted during a six week burglary spree in December 2019 and January 2020.

[4] In July 2020, a member of the public was injured during the aggravated robbery of a Gladstone convenience store.

[6] In September 2020, the Southland Times reported high demand for land and housing in Gladstone.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 46.3% had no religion, 44.2% were Christian, 0.1% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.5% were Hindu, 0.3% were Muslim, 0.9% were Buddhist and 1.1% had other religions.