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 was around 5705 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 168 people, a 3.0% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 5537 residents. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5702 in June 2025 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 1114 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, were used. However, these state projections lacked age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally was anticipated, with Brinsmead expected to grow by 201 persons to reach a total population of 5906 by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 3.5% over the 16-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 per year over the past five financial years, totalling 46 homes. In FY26 so far, 9 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 resulted in an average of 2 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $512,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Brinsmead shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 77.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, although development activity has increased recently. The area's development level is also below national averages, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving Brinsmead's suburban nature with detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location currently has approximately 380 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. By 2041, Brinsmead is expected to grow by 198 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, 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 12 projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include the Kamerunga to Woree Transmission Line Replacement Project, Brinsmead Road Service Centre Overhaul, Kanimbla Heights Estate development, and the Cairns Western Arterial Road project. Additionally, the Redlynch Connector Road's duplication to Captain Cook Highway is expected to have a notable influence. The following list provides more details on these relevant projects.

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 has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.9%. By that date, 3,390 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% below Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Brinsmead is 74.8%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 16.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized in Brinsmead, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 1.2% compared to Regional Queensland's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Brinsmead's labour force decreased by 1.3%, with employment declining by 2.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Brinsmead's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 financial year 2023. This is notably higher than the national median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $70,890 (median) and $88,107 (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 (2,202 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 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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Brinsmead, 97.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brinsmead stood at 30.6%, with mortgaged properties at 49.0% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Brinsmead was $450, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Brinsmead's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $375.

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

Family households account for 81.9% of all households, consisting of 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 is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland 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 average 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% 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

Brinsmead has 11 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering a total of 123 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated moderate, with residents typically located 425 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 94%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Brinsmead, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 58% of the total population (around 3,331 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.7% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A significant 74.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (859 people), 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's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.8% born overseas and 11.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Brinsmead, comprising 50.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Regional Qld, making up 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.2%), and Other (10.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Korean at 0.6% (regional average is 0.2%), New Zealand at 0.9% (same as regional), and Dutch at 1.6% (versus 1.1% regionally).

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

The median age in Brinsmead is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 years are most prominent at 15.5%, while those aged 25-34 years are smaller in number at 9.9% compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of those aged 15-24 years has increased from 11.5% to 13.3%, and the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.1% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 16.5% to 13.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 90 people (16%), growing from 563 to 654. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decrease in number.