Brighton (Qld)
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Brighton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Brighton (Qld)'s population is approximately 10,144 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 480 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,664. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates of 10,113 in June 2024 and additional validated addresses post-census. Brighton's population density is around 1,563 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 5% growth since the census compares favorably with its SA3 region (7%). Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 53%.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Future population trends suggest an increase of approximately 468 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 4.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Brighton according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Brighton has received approximately 30 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 150 homes. As of FY26, there have been 5 approvals recorded so far. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated 1.9 new residents per year. However, this figure has increased to 5.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Brighton's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. The average construction cost of new properties is $459,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development.

In FY26, commercial approvals valued at $968,000 have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Brighton has similar dwelling development levels per capita, maintaining market balance with the broader area and falling below national averages, which may reflect its mature state and potential planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving Brighton's suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 394 people per dwelling approval, Brighton exhibits a developed market.

By 2041, it is projected that Brighton will add approximately 437 residents. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Brighton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Emerald Park Townhouses, Formosa by Ausbuild at Murrumba Downs, Bruce Highway Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road Upgrade Stage 1, and Highfields Estate. The following details those most relevant.

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 Brighton significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Brighton Queensland has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, lower than the national average of 5.1% as of June 2024.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 11.3%. As of June 2025, 5,732 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Education & training has a notably high concentration, at 1.2 times the regional average. Retail trade has limited presence, with 7.0% employment compared to 9.4% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 11.3%, and labour force grew by 10.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brighton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Brighton's median income among taxpayers was $61,904 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $74,079 in the same period. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Brighton as of September 2025 would be approximately $70,564 and $84,443 respectively. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Brighton cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 31.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 3,205 residents falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area, where 33.3% fall into the same income category. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Brighton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 75.4% houses and 24.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brighton stood at 33.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.0% and rented ones at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,993, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Brighton was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $375. Nationally, Brighton's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Brighton has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.0% of all households, including 34.7% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Brighton trail regional benchmarks; 28.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 33.8%. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (25.3%).

Educational participation is notably high; 28.5% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.4% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education. Brighton's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,087 students as of the latest data available; the area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1065). The educational mix includes three primary schools and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (10.7) fall below the regional average (14.4), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas. Note that where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Brighton has 68 active public transport stops operating currently. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling five different ones. The combined weekly passenger trips across all these routes amount to 659.

The accessibility of the transport system in Brighton is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 182 meters from their nearest stop. The service frequency averages out to 94 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Brighton are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Brighton had below-average health outcomes, with common conditions more prevalent than average among both younger and older age groups. Approximately 56% (~5,731 people) had private health cover, compared to 52.6% across Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues affected 9.1%, asthma impacted 8.3%. About 67.6% reported no medical ailments, similar to the 67.8% in Greater Brisbane. Around 18.1% were aged 65 and over (1,834 people).

Brighton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brighton, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016 data, exhibited lower than average cultural diversity. It had 81.2% of its residents born in Australia, with 90.9% being citizens and 95.1% using only English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 50.0% of Brighton's population, slightly below Greater Brisbane's 50.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (10.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish residents comprised 9.5%, higher than the regional average of 7.6%; Welsh residents made up 0.8% compared to the region's 0.5%; New Zealand-born residents were at 1.1%, equal to the regional figure.

Brighton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Brighton's median age is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and considerably older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Brighton has a notably over-represented cohort of 55-64 year-olds at 14.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.0% to 6.1% of Brighton's population, whereas the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.1% to 7.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Brighton's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 54%, adding 334 residents to reach 949. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 70% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups.