Brinsmead

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Brinsmead's population is around 5715 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 178 people, a 3.2% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5537 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5711 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1116 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 51.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated. The area is expected to grow by 193 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 3.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Brinsmead averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling 46 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. Each year, around 2 new residents were gained per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating steady demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $512,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

In FY-26, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, predominantly reflecting residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Brinsmead had 78.0% less construction per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, recent periods saw increased development activity. This level is below national average, suggesting area maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development comprised entirely standalone homes, preserving suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with approximately 380 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Brinsmead is expected to grow by 189 residents. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects expected to affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Kamerunga to Woree Transmission Line Replacement Project, Brinsmead Road Service Centre Overhaul, Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication, and Larsen Place Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Brinsmead positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Brinsmead has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%. As of September 2025, there are 3,404 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Brinsmead is 75.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 16.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Brinsmead has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.2% of Brinsmead's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to September 2025, Brinsmead's labour force decreased by 1.7%, alongside a 2.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May-25, suggest that Brinsmead's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The median taxpayer income in Brinsmead SA2 is $63,658, with an average of $79,119, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is notably higher than the Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $69,967 (median) and $86,960 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Brinsmead rank highly nationally, between the 76th and 77th percentiles. In Brinsmead, 38.6% of the population, equating to 2,205 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. Notably, 30.1% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that contribute to robust local economic activity. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Brinsmead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Brinsmead, as per the latest Census, 97.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brinsmead stood at 30.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.0% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Brinsmead was $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Brinsmead's monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were higher at $450 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 81.9% of all households, including 40.1% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 18.1%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 27.7%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's rate of 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 26.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 11.3% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Brinsmead has 11 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering a total of 123 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically living 425 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.0% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Brinsmead's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Brinsmead's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment from March 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 58% of the total population (~3,337 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld. Mental health issues impacted 6.7% of residents, while asthma affected 6.3%. Notably, 74.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (839 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors were strong, aligning with national rankings.

In terms of cultural diversity, Brinsmead records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brinsmead, found to be culturally diverse above average, had 21.8% of its population born overseas as of the date of the report. Additionally, 11.9% spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Brinsmead, comprising 50.0% of the population, according to the data.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Brinsmead with 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across the Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English at 26.8%, Australian at 24.2%, and Other at 10.5%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Korean was overrepresented at 0.6% in Brinsmead compared to 0.2% regionally, New Zealand stood at 0.9% (matching the regional percentage), and Dutch were slightly higher at 1.6% versus 1.1%.

Brinsmead's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Brinsmead is 39 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 35-44 are prominent, making up 15.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise a smaller percentage at 9.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.8%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 3.1% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 16.5% to 14.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 15.7% to 13.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to increase by 88 people (16%), from 556 to 645. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.