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 5,715 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 178 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,537 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,711 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,116 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 51.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area 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 has averaged around 9 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 46 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $512,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Brinsmead shows substantially reduced construction (78.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 380 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Looking ahead, Brinsmead is expected to grow by 189 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Kamerunga to Woree Transmission Line Replacement Project, the Brinsmead Road Service Centre Overhaul, the Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication, and Larsen Place Estate, 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.

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

Brinsmead possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. As of December 2025, 3,390 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (75.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.2% of Brinsmead's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.3% alongside a 2.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Brinsmead. 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 Brinsmead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Brinsmead SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $63,658 and an average of $79,119 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is very high nationally, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $69,967 (median) and $86,960 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Brinsmead, between the 76th and 77th percentiles nationally. The data shows 38.6% of the population (2,205 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. A significant 30.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income, reflecting 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

Dwelling structure within Brinsmead, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.2% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Brinsmead was slightly lagging that of Regional Qld, at 30.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (49.0%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Brinsmead's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 81.9% of all households, comprising 40.1% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.1%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional 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 educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.7% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA4 region (21.1%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (26.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.9% of residents 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

Public transport analysis reveals 11 active transport stops operating within Brinsmead, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 123 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 425 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 16.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Brinsmead, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~3,337 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.7% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 74.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (839 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.8% of its population born overseas and 11.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Brinsmead is Christianity, which makes up 50.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Brinsmead are English, comprising 26.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Brinsmead (vs 0.2% regionally), New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%) and Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.1%).

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

The 39-year median age in Brinsmead is somewhat lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 though very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 35 - 44 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.9%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.7%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 14.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.7% to 13.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Brinsmead's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 88 people (16%) from 556 to 645. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups will see reduced numbers.