Algester

Algester has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Algester's population is around 10,050 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,030 people (11.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,020 people. The change is 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 population level equates to a density ratio of 2,723 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Algester's 11.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 68.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,338 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP 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 experienced around 48 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 241 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 3.8 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new homes are being built at an average value of $317,000. There have also been $3.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to Greater Brisbane, Algester has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 49th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 333 people per approval, Algester reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Algester is expected to grow by 1,263 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Algester has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Rhythm Court Calamvale, 61 Doulton Street Apartment Development, Parc Calamvale House and Land Development, and 54 Benhiam Street Townhouse Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Algester possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and 2.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,004 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.0% versus the regional average of 8.9%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while the labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Algester. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Algester's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The Algester SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $54,509 and an average of $63,314 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,911 (median) and $69,588 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Algester, between the 39th and 48th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 38.5% of the community (3,869 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Algester, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.0% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Algester was in line with that of Brisbane metro, at 27.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.9%) or rented (30.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Brisbane metro average at $1,750, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $395, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Algester's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 78.1% of all households, comprising 37.5% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 18.2% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 (28.8%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 42.1%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (22.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 31 active transport stops operating within Algester, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,011 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 15.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 144 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Algester is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Algester faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,075 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.0 and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,498 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 37.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 42.8% born overseas. The main religion in Algester is Christianity, which makes up 45.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in the Other category, which comprises 3.1% of the population, compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Algester are English, comprising 19.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 17.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.2%, and Other, comprising 14.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Algester (vs 0.9% regionally), Korean at 1.7% (vs 0.5%) and Maori at 1.7% (vs 1.1%).

Algester's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Algester's median age of 36 years stands equal to Greater Brisbane's 36, though somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 15.6% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.1%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.7% to 13.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.6% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.5% to 7.3% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 14.7% to 13.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Algester. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 344 people (30%) from 1,160 to 1,505. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts.