Algester
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Algester are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Algester's population was around 10,050 as of August 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,030 people (11.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,020. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,975 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 146 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,723 persons per square kilometer, placing Algester in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Algester's 11.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.6%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data were adopted. These state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicated a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with Algester expected to increase by 1,338 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.6% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Algester when compared nationally

Algester has received approximately 48 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that from FY21 to FY25, Algester had a total of 241 dwelling approvals, with an additional 6 recorded in FY26. On average, each new home built over the past five financial years has accommodated approximately 3.8 new residents per year. This demand significantly outpaces supply, exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is around $490,000. In FY26, Algester has registered approximately $3.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Comparatively, Algester has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against Greater Brisbane.

Nationally, it ranks around the 49th percentile among assessed areas, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. Recent construction primarily consists of detached dwellings (71.0%) and townhouses or apartments (29.0%), preserving Algester's suburban character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. Currently, Algester reflects a transitioning market with approximately 333 people per approval. Looking ahead, Algester is projected to grow by around 1,263 residents by the year 2041. If development rates remain constant, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially providing good conditions for buyers and supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Algester has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of fifteen projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Rhythm Court Calamvale, 61 Doulton Street Apartment Development, Brisbane Metro Project - M1 Route, and Parc Calamvale House and Land Development. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Algester recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Algester has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.3% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of June 2025, 4,827 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 2.2% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment in Algester is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.0% compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

Over the year to June 2025, Algester's employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 1.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Algester's local growth could be approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Algester has a median taxpayer income of $51,935 and an average income of $60,081 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. By March 2025, estimates suggest Algester's median income will be approximately $58,017 and the average will be around $67,116, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Algester rank modestly, between the 39th and 48th percentiles. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band includes 38.5% of the community (3,869 individuals), aligning with broader regional trends where 33.3% fall into this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Algester, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Algester is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Algester's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.0% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 82.0% houses and 18.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Algester was at 27.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.9% and rented ones at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,750, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,872. Median weekly rent in Algester was $395, compared to Brisbane metro's $400. Nationally, Algester's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Algester features high concentrations of family households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.1% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households making up 3.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, smaller than Greater Brisbane's average of 3.0.

The educational profile of Algester exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 28.8%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.1%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (22.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education. Two schools serve the area: Algester State School and St Stephen's School, collectively educating 1,440 students as of a recent report. Algester State School demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1061). Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Algester has 31 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight different routes that together facilitate 1,001 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to public transport in Algester is deemed good, with residents on average located 239 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 143 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Algester's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Algester residents' health data shows a relatively positive picture, with common health conditions having a lower prevalence compared to the general population, but higher than the national average for older and at-risk groups. Approximately 50% of Algester's total population (~4,974 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma (7.0%) and arthritis (6.7%), while 72.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 77.2% across Greater Brisbane. Algester has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 14.7% (1,473 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 12.1%. Health outcomes for seniors in the area present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

Algester is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Algester's cultural diversity is evident with 37.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 42.8% born overseas, as of the latest data. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.0%. The 'Other' religious category comprises 3.1%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 3.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (19.4%), Australian (17.6%), and Other (14.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Samoan at 1.6% (vs regional 1.3%), Korean at 1.7% (vs 1.9%), and Maori at 1.7% (vs 1.4%).

Algester's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Algester's median age of 36 years is equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 15.5% of Algester's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's figure, while the 55-64 cohort makes up 8.7%. Between 2021 and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.6%, but the 65-74 cohort has declined from 9.5% to 7.5%, and the 35-44 group has dropped from 17.2% to 16.1%. By 2041, Algester's population is forecasted to change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 366 people (32%), growing from 1,138 to 1,505. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are forecasted to decline in population.